How long do you have to live in America to become a citizen?

U.S. Citizenship Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Eligibility

Key Facts

  1. Eligibility: In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. However, if you are married to a U.S. citizen, the requirement is reduced to 3 years of permanent residency.
  2. Continuous Residence: You must have continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). This means that you should have maintained your primary residence in the United States during this period.
  3. Physical Presence: You must be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period. For example, if the requirement is 5 years, you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 2.5 years.
  4. Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate that you are a person of “good moral character”. This means that you should not have certain problems with the police or other authorities.
  5. English Language and Civics Knowledge: You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. Additionally, you must have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government.
  6. Loyalty Oath: As part of the naturalization process, you must take a loyalty oath and support the Constitution and form of government of the United States.

To be eligible for naturalization, individuals must meet the following criteria [1]:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)

Continuous Residence

Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for the required period [1, 2]:

  • Five years for non-married applicants
  • Three years for applicants married to U.S. citizens
  • Continuous residence implies maintaining a primary residence within the United States during the specified period

Physical Presence

Applicants must also meet a physical presence requirement [1, 2]:

  • Be physically present in the United States for at least half of the required residency period
  • For example, if the residency requirement is five years, an applicant must have been physically present in the country for at least 2.5 years

Good Moral Character

Applicants must possess “good moral character,” which entails [1, 2]:

  • No significant criminal history, including offenses such as murder, illegal gambling, or immigration fraud
  • No false statements made to USCIS officials during the naturalization process
  • No more than one DUI conviction within the three- or five-year period preceding the naturalization application

English Language and Civics Knowledge

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and knowledge of U.S. history and government [1, 2]:

  • Pass an English language test that assesses reading, writing, and speaking abilities
  • Pass a civics test that evaluates knowledge of U.S. history and government

Loyalty Oath

As part of the naturalization process, applicants must swear an oath of allegiance to the United States Constitution and government [1, 2].

Exceptions and Accommodations

Certain exceptions and accommodations may apply to the above requirements, such as [1, 2]:

  • Age and disability-based exemptions for English and civics tests
  • Alternative accommodations for individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency

Sources

  1. USCIS: Citizenship Requirements
  2. Boundless: U.S. Citizenship Requirements
  3. New Americans Campaign: Citizenship Requirements

FAQs

How long do you have to live in the U.S. to become a citizen?

In general, you must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years, or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.

What is the difference between continuous residence and physical presence?

Continuous residence means maintaining a primary residence in the U.S. for the required period. Physical presence means being physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period.

Can I leave the U.S. during the residency period?

Yes, but you must not stay outside the U.S. for more than six months at a time. Otherwise, it may be considered an abandonment of your permanent residency.

What is “good moral character”?

Good moral character means having no significant criminal history or involvement in activities that violate the law or public morality.

Do I need to know English to become a citizen?

Yes, you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English.

Do I need to know about U.S. history and government to become a citizen?

Yes, you must pass a civics test that evaluates your knowledge of U.S. history and government.

What is the oath of allegiance?

The oath of allegiance is a pledge to support and defend the U.S. Constitution and government.

Are there any exceptions to the residency requirements?

Yes, there are exceptions for certain military service members and individuals with disabilities.

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