Generally, you must have been a permanent resident for five years before submitting your citizenship application. However, there are exceptions.
Naturalized citizens have many rights and privileges, including the right to vote. Before you can become a citizen, you must complete an interview with USCIS and pass an English language test and civics test.
1. Good Moral Character
Good moral character is a crucial aspect of the citizenship process. During the naturalization interview, USCIS will review your past conduct to determine whether you are of good moral character. There are certain acts and offenses that can act as a bar to showing good moral character, such as murder and other aggravated felonies, serious misdemeanors, or any crimes involving fraud or moral turpitude.
However, you can usually pass the test if your criminal record is clean and you are generally a law-abiding citizen. If you have any concerns about your ability to show good moral character, consult with an attorney. The requirement is typically based on whether your character meets the standards of the average citizens in your community. The USCIS describes it as conduct that measures up to the community’s expectations of citizens. It’s also important to be honest when filling out your application.
2. English Language Skills
One of the most important requirements for citizenship approval is being able to understand and speak English. English has become the world’s universal language, and it is essential for anyone who wants to be able to communicate with people from other countries.
Those who wish to become citizens of Canada must demonstrate their ability to read, write and speak English. They can do this by providing graduation documentation from secondary and post-secondary education institutions in an English-speaking country.
During the naturalization interview, USCIS examiners assess the applicants’ ability to speak English by asking questions about their answers on the citizenship application and the civics test. They also evaluate the applicant’s reading and writing abilities by having them write a short sentence that is dictated to them by an officer. They can prepare for this by taking a language preparation class.
3. Citizenship Test
The citizenship test is one of the most important aspects of a naturalization application. It provides USCIS with the last practical opportunity to revisit the applicant’s entire immigration history and look for problems, errors, or inconsistencies.
The test has two components: an English test and a civics test. Applicants must pass both parts of the test to become citizens.
Many of the questions on the civics test are about American government and history. Applicants can study for this test by reading books in their native language or taking practice tests online. Applicants can also ask an immigration officer to repeat questions or clarify their meaning.
The English test measures the ability to read and understand simple words and phrases. Applicants can study for this test by practicing their daily conversations or reading children’s books. Applicants who have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment may request accommodations for the English test.
4. Residency Requirement
The naturalization process allows LPRs to become citizens of the United States, with all the rights and responsibilities that entails. To be eligible for citizenship, you must have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years (or three years if married to a citizen) and have continuously resided in the United States for half of that time.
Continuous residency is more than just a matter of time. You must also meet physical presence requirements. Generally, you must have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the period that begins with your date of lawful permanent residence and ends on the day before you file your citizenship application. Any absence from the United States for more than six months breaks continuity of residence. However, you can rebut the presumption of break in residency through proof that you did not abandon your home.
For more information and resources on navigating the naturalization process, you may refer to this article from foodfuntravel.com.
5. Taking the Oath of Allegiance
Once you have passed the citizenship tests, USCIS will invite you to a ceremony where you will recite the Oath of Allegiance. You must attend this ceremony in order to become a naturalized citizen.
Once your Oath ceremony has been scheduled, you will receive an appointment letter (Form N-445 Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony) from USCIS that includes the date and time of your ceremony. It is important to arrive at the Oath ceremony before the check-in time specified on the form.
At the Oath ceremony, you will pledge to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against enemies foreign and domestic, and to renounce any allegiance to other countries or political organizations. Incoming citizens also must swear to obey the laws of the United States. In addition, you will take an oath that promises to serve the country when called upon.
6. Passing the Physical Presence Requirement
Many permanent residents (green card holders) want to become citizens so they can vote in US elections, help more of their relatives immigrate here and enjoy the other benefits of citizenship. However, they must first satisfy several requirements like continuous residence and physical presence.
The latter requirement is far more important than continuous residency because it helps demonstrate that you genuinely intend to live in the United States permanently. Generally, the government counts the days that you are away from the country and the day you return to the US when determining whether you have met this requirement.
You must also be physically present in the United States during your biometrics appointment, naturalization interview and oath ceremony. This means that you cannot travel abroad during this time if you want to meet these requirements. The same applies to any children who are seeking citizenship.
