Once an individual has been a Lawful Permanent Resident for five (5) years, he or she can apply for Naturalization to become a U.S. Citizen. Spouses of U.S. Citizens can use after having been married to a U.S. Citizen and having been a Lawful Permanent Resident for a period of three (3) years. Our citizenship attorneys help lawful permanent residents complete the naturalization process and meet all requirements for U.S. citizenship.
How to Qualify for Naturalization
To qualify to become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen, in addition to having the requisite time as a Lawful Permanent Resident, the applicant will have to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Must have resided for at least 3 months in the state where the Naturalization application will be filed
- Have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the requisite time as a Lawful Permanent Resident
- Must reside continuously in the United States from the date of application to the date of admission as a U.S. Citizen (some exceptions apply)
- The Applicant must be a person of good moral character
- Applicant must be willing to bear arms for the United States and be attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
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The Applicant must demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language and pass a U.S. Civics and History test
- The English language requirement will be waived for individuals who are over 50 years old and have lived in the United States for at least 20 years as a Lawful Permanent Resident, and for individuals who are at least 55 years old and have lived in the United States for at least 15 years as a Lawful Permanent Resident
- Individuals who are over age 65 and have lived in the United States for at least 20 years as a Lawful Permanent Resident may also take a shorter civics exam in their native language rather than in English
With every rule, there seems to be an exception to the rule. The same is true with immigration law. The experienced attorneys at Tanner Law have the knowledge and skills to help you achieve your goals of residence and citizenship in the United States.
Contact Us to Find Out if You Qualify
Contact us online or call 717-731-8114 to schedule an appointment. Tanner Law is located in Camp Hill near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and provides immigration services for immigrants throughout Central Pennsylvania.