citizenship requirements 5 year permanent resident

Citizenship Resource Center

Citizenship Resource Center

U.S. citizenship through naturalization is the most common way that immigrants become U.S. citizens. It’s the end of a long journey but the beginning of a new life for many Americans. become a us citizen ebook

When you’re ready to prepare the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, CitizenPath will guide you through the application using simple instructions and explanations. Get started now. If you’e not ready, download Become a U.S. Citizen – a free ebook for permanent residents to become U.S. citizens through naturalization.

 

Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Prepare USCIS Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with simple step-by-step instructions in about 40 minutes.>
Check Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
Use CitizenPath’s online application to quickly check your eligibility to naturalize as a U.S. citizen.>
Use the Citizenship Cost Calculator
Compare the cost of becoming a U.S. citizen to remaining a permanent resident. >

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

The Constitution and laws of the United States give many rights to both citizens and non-citizens living in the United States. However, some rights are only for citizens, such as:

  • Voting. Only U.S. citizens can vote in Federal elections. Most States also restrict the right to vote, in most elections, to U.S. citizens.
  • Bringing family members to the United States. Citizens generally get priority when petitioning to bring family members permanently to this country.
  • Obtaining citizenship for children born abroad. In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen.
  • Traveling with a U.S. passport. A U.S. passport allows you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas.
  • Becoming eligible for Federal jobs. Most jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship.
  • Becoming an elected official. Many elected offices in this country require U.S. citizenship.
  • Showing your patriotism. In addition, becoming a U.S. citizen is a way to demonstrate your commitment to your new country.

You may be surprised to learn how much more affordable naturalizing as a U.S. citizen can be compared to remaining a permanent resident. Use the Citizenship Cost Calculator to compare.

U.S. Citizenship Knowledge Base

Many of your most frequently asked questions about U.S. citizenship, naturalization and Form N-400 can be found in our N-400 knowledge base. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, contact us with a question.

U.S. Citizenship & Naturalization News

expired green card Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card - You’ve decided that it may be time to apply for U.S. citizenship, but you also realize that your green card is expired. You’ve heard that you can’t apply for citizenship with an expired green card. Worse yet, the cost to renew your card and then apply for citizenship is too much. Currently, the USCIS fees … Continue reading Apply for Citizenship with an Expired Green Card →
Naturalization Process for US Passport The Naturalization Process – Getting Ready - The naturalization process is the path through which a foreign citizen or national can voluntarily become a U.S. citizen. In order to begin the naturalization process, an applicant must first meet several requirements. Then, he or she must file an application for naturalization, attend an interview, and pass an English and a civics test. Nearly … Continue reading The Naturalization Process – Getting Ready →
US Citizenship for Children Derivation of U.S. Citizenship for Children - Contrary to popular belief, children (minors under the age of 18) generally cannot become naturalized citizens of the United States. By law, applicants for naturalization must be 18 years of age. But don’t worry. This means that they cannot file the naturalization application or be included on their parents’ application. Instead, children that meet certain … Continue reading Derivation of U.S. Citizenship for Children →
selective service Failing to Register for Selective Service - How failing to register for Selective Service creates a problem for men filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization Permanent resident men are commonly surprised when they stumble upon Question 44 in Part 12 of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Men between the ages of 18 and 26 are expected to register for the Selective Service … Continue reading Failing to Register for Selective Service →
form n-400 denied uscis 5 Common Reasons Form N-400 Denied - U.S. citizenship is perhaps the greatest benefit any immigrant can receive. It is often the pinnacle of a long journey over many years and many miles. Over 2.3 million permanent residents have naturalized as U.S. citizens in the past three years. However, during the same period, over 224,000 permanent residents had their Form N-400, Application … Continue reading 5 Common Reasons Form N-400 Denied →
Travel Abroad Affects N-400 Eligiibility Travel Abroad Affects N-400 Citizenship Eligibility - When applying for U.S. citizenship via naturalization, English and civics tests get much of the attention. But permanent residents often do not understand how travel abroad can affect their eligibility for naturalization. Two related but separate requirements, continuous residence and physical presence, must be satisfied for one to be eligible to file Form N-400, Application … Continue reading Travel Abroad Affects N-400 Citizenship Eligibility →

Additional U.S. Citizenship Resources

Read more about N-400, Application for Naturalization
Watch a video about N-400, Application for Naturalization
USCIS Web Page for Citizenship Through Naturalization
N-400 Citizenship Application Checklist
Expedited U.S. Citizenship for Military Personnel and Families
USCIS Guide to Naturalization
Information on Dual Citizenship
Study Materials for the U.S. Citizenship Test