How to Become a U.S. Citizen

Eligibility Requirements

The first question you must ask yourself is am I eligible to apply or how can I become eligible?

Be at least 18 years of age
Satisfy one of two requirements (A or B):
1. A. Have lived as a legal permanent resident in the United States for five years AND:
  1. You must not have left the United States for any period longer than six months
    Example: Hector has lived in the United States as a Legal Permanent Resident for seven years, but three years ago he took a business trip to Buenos Aires for eight months
    Result: The five year period started all over again the day he returned and he must wait two more years to apply.
  2. You must have been physically present in the United States for a total of at least 30 months
    Example: Maria has been a Legal Permanent Resident for six years, but each year she has taken two four month trips out of the country
    Result: She has been physically present in the United States for just four months a year, or 24 months total. She must remain here for another six months to apply
2. B. Have lived as a legal permanent resident in the United States for three years AND:
  1. Your spouse must have been a citizen for three years.
  2. You must have lived with your spouse for the last three years.
  3. You must have not left the United States for any period longer than six months.
  4. You must have been physically present here for a total of 18 months.
Be a person of good moral character
How does the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) determine good moral character? It looks principally at criminal records and honesty in the application process. Certain crimes or offenses can lead to denial of your application.
Examples:
1. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI or DWI)
2. Domestic violence
3. Involvement with prostitution
4. Lying to gain immigration or prevent deportation or removal
5. Failing to pay court-ordered child support
6. Failing to complete any probation, parole or sentence before applying for naturalization

Demonstrate knowledge of history and government of the United States and be able to read, write and understand English.
English: There are three important exemptions for English testing based on age and time as a legal permanent resident:
1. You are at least 50 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years
2. You are at least 55 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years
3. You are at least 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years.
You must correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions on the civics test in order to pass. You will be required to study from a list of 100 possible questions. However, if you are at least 65 and have been a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years, you can study from a designated list of just 20 questions. If you have certain medical conditions, you may not have to take either exam. A currently licensed medical professional must complete Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) if you believe you have a medical condition that warrants an exemption
1. Take the civic practice test

Benefits of Citizenship

Steps to Become a U.S. Citizen

Online Resources

Apply for Citizenship
Apply for U.S. citizenship by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Take the Civics Practice Test
The civics practice test is a study tool to help you test your knowledge of U.S. history and government
Find a USCIS Field Office
USCIS field offices conduct interviews for all non-asylum cases, naturalization ceremonies and general appointments for information and applicant services
Citizenshipworks
We are partnering with the Florida Immigrant Coalition to provide virtual application assistance using Citizenshipworks. Start your free online screening at home now

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A typical Citizenship Corner includes citizenship test preparation materials along with information about the naturalization process. They may also include information on community resources, English teaching materials, and other relevant books and videos from the Library's collection.

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