To most immigrants, getting a Green Card qualifies as a big breakthrough in their lives, though it is not usually the end of the road but rather the means to an end U.S. citizenship. To plan your future in America, you need to know how you can go through the process of becoming a naturalized person after being a permanent resident. This blog describes the common timeline, eligibility requirements and major steps.
Step 1: Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
It all starts with your admission with Green Card and the current status is lawful permanent resident (LPR). This enables you to work and reside in U.S. permanently yet not any all of the Green Card holders instantly get a chance to apply to be a citizen.
Timeline:
1. Green Card issued through employment, family, or other categories: You generally must wait 5 years before applying for citizenship.
2. Green Card issued through marriage to a U.S. citizen: You may apply after 3 years, provided you’re still married and living with your spouse.
Step 2: Meeting Residency Requirements
To enjoy naturalization, among other mandatory requirements, you have to meet periodical physical presence standards:
1. Continuous residence in the U.S. for the required period (3 or 5 years).
2. Physical presence in the U.S. for at least half of that time.
3. Must not have taken trips abroad lasting more than 6 months (unless properly documented).
Step 3: Applying for U.S. Citizenship (Form N-400)
After you satisfy everything, then you may apply Form N-400, the application to become a naturalized citizen. You should plan a lot of time in advance and collect your documents such as tax papers, travel records and marriage certificates (of 3-year rule is applicable).
Current Processing Time:
On average, 8–12 months from the date of application to oath ceremony, depending on your location and USCIS backlog.
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment
Approximately 12 months following the filing, the USCIS makes an appointment to establish a biometrics appointment. In this case, your fingerprints, photo, and signature are taken up to perform background checks.
Step 5: Citizenship Interview & Civics Test
Then USCIS invites you to an interview, during which an officer examines your application and checks your knowledge of English, awareness of U.S. history and government.
You must:
1. Answer questions about your background.
2. Pass the English reading, writing, and speaking portions.
3. Pass the 10-question civics test (you need 6 correct answers to pass).
Step 6: Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
In case of approval, interior processing is done and you are scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance. Taking the vows ends the process it becomes official and you become a U.S citizen.
Timeline to Ceremony:
Usually 1–2 months after passing the interview.
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