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What Are the Requirements To Become a Naturalized Citizen?

What Are the Requirements To Become a Naturalized Citizen?

Naturalization is the legal procedure for when a person who is not a citizen of a country gains citizenship to that country. There is no greater feeling than knowing you are finally a citizen. However, not everyone can attain this, as there are certain requirements to become a naturalized citizen of the United States.

Lawful Permanent Resident

One of the most significant requirements to become a naturalized citizen is that you need to be a permanent resident for at least three or five years and be 18 or older—three years if you marry a U.S. citizen and five years otherwise. Moreover, you must be a law-abiding permanent resident, meaning you cannot have any crime or unlawful activity on your government records. You might not be eligible for naturalization if you have a criminal record.

Loyalty and Oaths

Becoming a U.S. citizen will require that you understand the principles and values present in the constitution and express your loyalty to them. Moreover, you must also take the Oath of Allegiance.

Citizenship Test

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you are likely eligible to become a U.S. citizen, in which case you will need to exhibit your U.S. knowledge. The factor that determines your citizenship is in the form of a test. During this test, you must display knowledge about a variety of subjects, from the U.S. government to U.S. history.

Moreover, you must also demonstrate that you have a basic understanding of English and are able to speak, write, and read it. It can feel intimidating when you face the mountain of knowledge you must learn. However, there are many useful ways to prepare for your U.S. citizenship test that will help you feel ready to conquer the exam.

Continual Presence in the U.S.

Another requirement to become a U.S. citizen is that you must maintain a continual physical and residential presence in the United States. As such, once you obtain your permanent resident status, you should live consistently in the U.S. for at least five years.

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