Naturalization

The process of applying for U.S. citizenship is known as naturalization. In order to be eligible for naturalization, you must first meet certain requirements required by U.S. immigration law.

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:

• Be age 18 or older;
• Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years or 3 years, depending on how you obtained status);
• Be a person of good moral character;
• Have a basic knowledge of U.S. government (this, too, can be excepted due to permanent physical or mental impairment);
• Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. There are exceptions to this rule for someone who at the time of filing: – Is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or – Is 50 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or – Has a permanent physical or mental impairment that makes the individual unable to fulfill these requirements.

You may be able to apply for naturalization 3 months prior to you

Exemptions from the English Language Test: You are not required to take the English language test if:

• At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 50 years of age or older and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years. You do not have to take the English language test, but you do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.
• At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 55 years of age or older and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years. You do not have to take the English language test, but you do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.
• At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 65 years of age or older and have lived in the United States as a permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years. You do not have to take the English language test, but you do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.
• NOTE: If you qualify for an exemption from the English language test based on your age and how long you have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, you should answer “Yes” to at least one question in Part 2., Item Number 13. of Form N-400.

Medical Exception to the English Language and/or Civics Test You may be eligible for an exception to the English language and/or civics tests due to a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more.