BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR NATURALIZATION

• You must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. Minor children under 18 years of age are eligible for citizenship when their parent(s) naturalize(s).
• You have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least four years and nine months or you are a lawful permanent resident for at least two years and nine months AND have been married to a U.S. citizen for that time period AND continue to be married and living with that U.S. citizen.
• You must have been a resident of the state from which you are applying for at least three months.
  You have "good moral character" - last five (three) years of taxes have been properly paid, males between 18-26 years old have registered for the Selective Service, no criminal record, etc.
• You must be able to speak, read, write and understand basic English
  unless you are at least fifty (50) years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least twenty (20) years;
  or
  you are at least fifty-five (55) years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least fifteen (15) years;
  or
  you have a permanent physical or developmental disability or mental impairment making it impossible for you to meet the English language requirement.
• You must be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and principles of government unless you have a permanent physical or developmental disability or mental impairment making it impossible for you to meet the civics requirement;
  or
  you qualify for "special consideration" because you are at least sixty-five (65) years of age and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least twenty (20) years.
• You must have been physically present in the U.S.A. for at least 30 months (2½ years) of the five years or 18 months (1½ years) of the three years you have resided in the U.S. and you have not left the U.S.A. for more than six months on any one trip and you intend to permanently reside in the U.S.

These are the basic requirements for naturalization for most applicants. Other requirements may affect you depending on individual circumstances. Also, there are exceptions and waivers for some of the naturalization requirements. Please contact us at the Emerald Isle if you have any questions or think you may be eligible.