U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization

Broward County Immigration Lawyer

Once you become a lawful permanent resident (LPR), you are now on the road to becoming a U.S. citizen. In general, you must have lawful permanent residence for five (5) years before you can apply for U.S. citizenship. However, LPRs who are married to U.S. citizens and have lived with the U.S. citizen spouse for three years can apply for citizenship after three (3) years as an LPR. Individuals who have served in the U.S. armed forces may qualify for naturalization sooner.

The process of applying for U.S. citizenship is called naturalization. To be eligible to apply for naturalization, LPRs must have been present in the U.S. for at least half (1/2) their time as residents (2.5 years or 1.5 years for spouses of U.S. citizens). They also must not have spent more than 12 continuous months outside of the U.S. and be residing at their current residence for at least three (3) months. They must be 18, have good moral character, be able to read, speak and write English, be able to pass a test of U.S. history and government, agree to support the U.S. constitution, and agree to take the oath of allegiance.

Once you are a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your own spouse, children, parents and brothers and sisters for lawful permanent residence. You can also now vote in U.S. elections and serve on a jury.