Naturalization
Pursuant to the United States Immigration and Nationality Act, you may qualify to become a naturalized U.S. citizen if you are a Lawful Permanent Resident. However, there are several potential paths for permanent residents to naturalize, all with different forms and requirements.
Are you are currently an LPR? You may be able to naturalize if:
- You are at least 18 years old;
- You are an LPR who has resides in the U.S. for at least 5 years;
- You have been present in the U.S. for at least 30 months;
- You are a person of good moral character;
- You are able to speak, read, write, and understand English;
- You understand the fundamentals of U.S. History, and the principles and form of government of the U.S.;
- You demonstrate an attachment to the principles in the U.S. Constitution and are well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S.; and
- You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Are you are married to a U.S. Citizen? You may be able to naturalize if:
- You are at least 18 years old;
- You were an LPR for at least 3 years immediately before your application and you have lived in marital union with your spouse during that time
- You continue to live with your spouse in marital union between the time you application is filed until USCIS adjudicates your application;
- You reside continuously within the U.S. from the date you filed your application until the date you naturalize;
- You are physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months out of the three years immediately before the date you file your application;
- You have resided in a state or district over which USCIS has jurisdiction for at least three months;
- You are able to show continuous residence in the U.S. from the time of your application until you naturalize;
- You understand the fundamentals of U.S. History, and the principles and form of government of the U.S.;
- You demonstrate an attachment to the principles in the U.S. Constitution and are well disposed to the good order and happiness of the U.S.; and
- You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Are you are serving in the U.S. military? You may be able to naturalize if:
- You have served for at least one year during peacetime;
- You complete and submit form N-426 to demonstrate your honorable service;
- You are an LPR at the time of your naturalization interview;
- You understand the fundamentals of U.S. History, and the principles and form of government of the U.S.;
- You demonstrate good moral character for at least five years before filing your application through the day you naturalize; and
- Demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
Are you the child of a U.S. Citizen? You may be able to naturalize if:
- You have at least one parent, including an adoptive parent, who is a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization;
- You are under 18 years of age;
- You are an LPR; and
- You are residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. Citizen parent.
U.S. citizenship has a myriad of benefits, including the right to directly participate in the U.S. democratic process by voting. A naturalized U.S. citizen also has the right to apply for immigration status for a broad range of family members. Also, a U.S. citizen is not subject to the changing landscape of U.S. immigration laws, which is very important in the current political climate.
If you think you may meet any of these criteria, make an appointment with the Attorney for Students Office to discuss you case, options, and timeline. This Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet created by USCIS is a resource for individuals considering naturalization.
The Attorney for Students Office is comprised of three attorneys with more than 35 years of combined legal experience. Additionally, the Director of the Attorney for Students Office has ten years of immigration experience, so Bobcats can rest assured that their case is in good hands.
Our office--including attorneys and all of our office staff--is bound by the duty of confidentiality and attorney-client privilege. Any communication you make with our office, including phone calls, emails, or in-person and virtual meetings, are protected and privileged. Information about your status or other personal information is safe here.
To make an appointment with an immigration lawyer, give us a call at (512) 245-2370. Be sure to have your student ID # (ex: A01234567) available to schedule an appointment.