- Permanent residence for five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- 50% of the five years of required residence spent in the U.S. (or 50% of the three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Good moral character
- Passing an English and U.S. history test
- Oath of allegiance to the U.S.
- No extended trips out of the U.S. for longer than a year (or six months, in some cases)
Q: What is naturalization?
A: Naturalization is the process by which a legal permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen.
Q: Does marriage to a U.S. citizen automatically grant U.S. citizenship?
A: Not after 1924. A U.S. citizen can only petition for his/her spouse to become a lawful permanent resident. To become a U.S. citizen, one must apply oneself. In some cases, children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens upon the naturalization of their parents.