Who Is Legally Eligible for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship
For most people, spending five years in the U.S. with a green card and studying up on their English and the 100 potential questions regarding U.S. history and government is enough to qualify them for U.S. citizenship. However, the law is thick with exceptions and more detailed rules. For example, some people can apply sooner than others. Others shouldn't apply yet, or at all, due to excessive time spent outside the U.S., commission of a crime, an extramarital affair or other stain on their good moral character, and so on. Get the lowdown here.
Basic Citizenship Eligibility Rules
Basic Citizenship Eligibility Rules
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Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship
The eligibility requirements to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
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When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Understanding the various rules on how long you must have held a green card before submitting Form N-400.
Special Exceptions to Help You Obtain U.S. Citizenship
Special Exceptions to Help You Obtain U.S. Citizenship
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U.S. Citizenship Rights for U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans
Men and women in uniform can often apply for citizenship early, and gain other rights in honor of their service.
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U.S. Immigration Rules for Military Family Members
Whether you've accompanied your military spouse on an overseas posting or are the surviving family member of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, learn what special rights you have regarding U.S. citizenship.
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Conditional Resident Awaiting I-751 Approval? Consider Filing N-400 for Naturalization
If you've applied to go from conditional to permanent residence based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, long delays might make it worth applying for U.S. citizenship yourself before receiving USCIS approval of your permanent green card.
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When Conditional Residence Counts Toward U.S. Citizenship
If you spent two years as a U.S. conditional resident, find out the circumstances under which you can count these toward the required years of residence you must have before applying to naturalize.
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When VAWA Green Card Holders Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)
Battered spouses may qualify to apply after only three years with a green card.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
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Becoming a U.S. Citizen: A Guide to the Law, Exam, & Interview
Get help with every aspect of evaluating your eligibility for citizenship, preparing your application, and successfully passing the exams.
Complications and Bars to Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
MoreComplications and Bars to Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
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Risks of Applying for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship: Denial or Even Deportation
Be careful about applying for U.S. citizenship if you have used fraud, have a criminal record, are a Communist Party member, and so on.
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Will Receiving Public Benefits Hurt Your Chances of U.S. Citizenship?
When you apply for U.S. citizenship (naturalization), you must show that you meet the basic requirements for good moral character. Fortunately, lawful receipt of public benefits is not a problem.
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Crimes That Will Prevent You From Receiving U.S. Citizenship
If you are a green card holder applying for U.S. citizenship through the process known as naturalization, one important question will be whether you have ever been prosecuted for a crime or committed some other unlawful act.
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Can Communist or Other Totalitarian Party Members Become Naturalized U.S. Citizens?
The application form that green card holders must fill out in order to apply for U.S. citizenship (Form N-400, Application for Naturalization), asks various questions about group and party memberships.
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Naturalization Eligibility for Men Who Failed to Register With the Selective Service
If you are a man who lived in the U.S. or got your green card at any time between the ages of 18 and 26, you were expected to register with the U.S. Selective Service System.
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Can an Extramarital Affair Really Disqualify You From Naturalization?
Cheating on one's spouse may be seen as evidence of bad moral character.
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Will You Be Denied U.S. Citizenship Based on Polygamy, Bigamy, or Multiple Marriages?
U.S. immigration law frowns on being married to more than one person at the same time, and prohibits both bigamists and polygamists from becoming naturalized citizens.
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Grounds of Deportability: When Legal U.S. Residents Can Be Removed
Whether on a nonimmigrant visa or green card, committing certain acts or crimes can make a person deportable from the U.S.
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