¿What
is Naturalization ?
It is a process through which foreigners become United States Citizens. The CIS oversees the application process.
What are the Benefits of Citizenship?
The right to vote.
The right to leave the United States indefinitely.
The right to petition for your spouse, children and close relatives.
Who Qualifies for the Citizenship?
Residents who meet the following requirements:
Legally admitted in the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Continuous residency for the past 3 or 5 years preceding the citizenship application.
Be a resident for at least three months in the state where the application was presented.
Physical presence inside the United States for at least half of the required time as a resident (two and a half years for legal resident).
Good moral character.
Continuous residency in United States from the beginning to the end of the process.
18 years of age.
Able to speak, read and write English.
Knowledge of the history of the United States and its government.
How do you Apply for Citizenship?
Prepare an application for naturalization, present the documents proving the requirements and pay the corresponding fee to CIS; usually it takes from six months to a year to process the application and interview the applicant.
The CIS sets an interview with the purpose of reviewing the documents and determining proficiency in the English language and knowledge of history and government of the United States.
