Who can apply for citizenship?

To be eligible for citizenship, you must:

• have been a permanent resident for at least five years (check on your green card where it says, “permanent residence since [date]”). If you are married to a US citizen, you may be eligible to apply after only 3 years.
• be 18 or older.
• have lived continuously in the US for the last 5 years. (If you’ve stayed outside the US for any period of more than six months, or you’ve been out of the US for more than 30 months total, this could be a problem.)
• be able to pass an English and civics test.
• be a person “of good moral character.” For example, you have:
• paid your taxes
• been truthful in what you told USCIS (and other government agencies)
• not broken any laws
• supported your children
(view more details)

Who should be careful about applying for citizenship?

If you have had any problems with the police or courts in the US, it is a good idea to check with an immigration expert before you apply. In certain situations, applying for citizenship could lead to deportation proceedings! Learn more.