This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
Published on August 30, 2019, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reports that approximately 757,000 green card holders were naturalized in fiscal year 2018.
For those seeking to become US citizens, the journey begins with obtaining a permanent resident (green card) status, which requires at least 5 years of residency (3 years in some cases) before applying for naturalization.
According to the USCIS, eligibility for naturalized US citizenship requires meeting the following conditions:
- Being a lawful US permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen and still in a marital union with the US citizen spouse) at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Having lived continuously in the US as a green card holder for at least 3 years.
- Being physically present in the US for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years.
- Having lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS jurisdiction where you apply for naturalization.
- Being able to read, write and speak English.
- Having a basic understanding of US history and government (civics) and passing the citizenship test.
- Being a person of good moral character.
- Being willing to take the Oath of Allegiance, promising to uphold the US constitution and obeying the laws of the United States.
