Citizenship and Naturalization
There are two ways to become a United States citizen (USC): naturalization and acquisition at birth.
Naturalization
Legal permanent residents (LPRs) may qualify to become US citizens if they meet the following criteria:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a USC) of continuous residence as an LPR (no absences from the US more than one year, and preferably none more than 6 months)
- Have been a resident for at least 3 months in the state in which the petition is filed
- Have been pyscially present in the United States for at least one half the 5 years of continuous residence (or 3 if married to a USC)
- Have had good moral character for the 5 (or 3) years of residence
- Read, write, and understand English at an elementary level
- Know the fundamentals of US history and government
- Support the US Constitution
- Be willing to bear arms or perform work of national importance on behalf of the United States when required by law
Under INA section 319(b), there are exceptions to the residence and physical presence requirements for people married to USCs working abroad.
LPR children under 18 will naturalize automatically with their parent if they are in the their parent's custody in the United States.
Acquisition of Citizenship at Birth
All children born in the United States are US citizens.
A person born outside the US to a USC parent may acquire US citizenship at birth. Acquisition depends on the law that was applicable at the time of the person's birth, on the marital status of the parents, and on other factors such as the time the USC parent has lived in the United States.