Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone for many immigrants. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to building a future in the United States. In 2022, nearly 967,000 immigrants proudly took the Oath of Allegiance and became naturalized citizens. This number isn’t just a statistic—it’s a testament to the countless dreams achieved and families reunited through naturalization. Naturalization is the pathway to full citizenship for those who weren’t born in the U.S.. But what is a naturalized citizen? How is it different from citizenship by birth? And what steps are involved in this significant process? In this blog, we’ll answer these questions and more, breaking down what it takes to become a naturalized citizen in the United States.
What Is a Naturalized Citizen?
A naturalized citizen is someone who was not born a U.S. citizen but has become one through the legal process of naturalization. Naturalization is open to eligible immigrants who meet specific requirements, such as maintaining permanent residency (green card status) for a certain number of years and demonstrating a commitment to U.S. laws and values.
To qualify for naturalization, you typically must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 3 to 5 years, depending on your circumstances.
- Have lived continuously in the U.S. for a required period.
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Pass a U.S. civics test covering American history and government.
Naturalization is not automatic—it’s a formal process that requires applying, attending an interview, passing tests, and finally taking the Oath of Allegiance. Once you become a naturalized citizen, you gain the same rights and responsibilities as someone born a U.S. citizen, including the ability to vote, run for certain public offices, and apply for family members to immigrate to the U.S.
Is Naturalization the Same as Citizenship?
While naturalization and citizenship are closely connected, they are not identical. Citizenship refers to the legal recognition of an individual as a country member. Naturalization is the process immigrants go through to acquire citizenship. It’s a formal pathway for individuals who weren’t born as U.S. citizens but have chosen to make the United States their permanent home.
How Long Does It Take to Get Citizenship in the U.S.?
The time it takes to complete the naturalization process can vary, but the average timeline is around 5.5 to 12 months. This period begins when you submit Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) and ends when you attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps and approximate timeframes:
- Application Submission (Form N-400): Processing times for this step can vary depending on your location and the USCIS workload.
- Biometrics Appointment: You’ll provide fingerprints, photos, and other identifying information.
- Naturalization Interview and Test: This includes a one-on-one interview with a USCIS officer and the civics and English tests.
- Oath of Allegiance Ceremony: Once approved, you’ll officially attend the ceremony to become a U.S. citizen formally.
To avoid delays, ensuring your application is complete and all required documents are submitted is crucial. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help streamline the process and address any issues.
Eligibility for Naturalization
Not everyone is eligible for naturalization, and the requirements can vary depending on individual circumstances. Generally, green card holders must meet certain residency and physical presence requirements. For most applicants, you must have held a green card for at least five years and have lived in the United States for at least 30 months (2.5 years). If you are married to a U.S. citizen, the timeline shortens—you can apply for naturalization after three years of permanent residency, as long as you’ve lived in the U.S. for at least 18 months (1.5 years).
Special exceptions exist for individuals with military service. For example, those with at least one year of peacetime service can apply for naturalization while on active duty or within six months of being honorably discharged. Members of the military who have served during wartime can apply for naturalization at any time, even if they don’t have a green card. Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens who died while honorably serving in the military can also apply without waiting.
Good moral character is another essential requirement. This means applicants must follow U.S. laws, pay taxes, and avoid serious criminal offenses. The specific requirements can vary, so it’s essential to carefully evaluate your situation before applying.
Expert Help for Naturalization Applications—Contact Our Team Today!
Becoming a naturalized citizen is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. Filing forms, gathering documentation, and preparing for interviews and tests require careful attention to detail. Mistakes or omissions can lead to unnecessary delays or even denial.
That’s why working with knowledgeable professionals who can guide you every step of the way is essential. At 360 Immigration Law Group, we’ve helped countless individuals navigate naturalization and achieve their dream of U.S. citizenship.
Whether you’re ready to apply or want to learn more about your eligibility, our team is here to help. Call us today at 954.667.3660 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward becoming a naturalized citizen.