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
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.