US Citizenship

Who Is Eligible to Become a Naturalized U.S. Citizen?

Becoming a citizen is open only to certain people, most of whom have already held a U.S. green card, learned English, and can meet various other criteria.

When Can a Green Card Holder Become a U.S. Citizen After Fewer Than Five Years?

Immigrants who obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen must wait three years before applying to naturalize. Most others must wait five years.

Steps to Become an American Citizen

How to get U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process, step by step.

U.S. Permanent Resident vs. U.S. Citizen: What's the Difference?

If you've been a green card holder long enough, you can become a U.S. citizen. What are the benefits?

Advantages of Becoming a Naturalized U.S. Citizen

There are numerous benefits to becoming a U.S. citizen; and for most eligible people, it's a relatively inexpensive and easy process.

How to Get Citizenship After Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Summary of rules on obtaining a U.S. green card - and naturalized citizenship - based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Three-Year Rule for Naturalization Eligibility After Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Spouses of U.S. citizens can, under certain circumstances, apply to naturalize after three years rather than the usual five.

Options to Get U.S. Citizenship For Your Child

U.S. citizen or immigrant parents have three options to get citizenship for their child - Acquisition of Citizenship, Derivation, or Application for Citizenship under Section 322.

Automatic U.S. Citizenship for Children Born to or Adopted by Citizen Parents (Acquisition)

A child can, under certain circumstances, acquire U.S. citizenship automatically through birth to U.S. citizen parents, no matter where the birth took place.

How Foreign-Born Adopted Children Get U.S. Citizenship

Learn about the two ways foreign-born adopted children can become U.S. citizens through their adoptive parents.

Can the Child of an Undocumented Immigrant Become a U.S. Citizen?

Children of undocumented (illegal) immigrants who were born in the United States become U.S. citizens automatically.

U.S. Citizenship for Children of Naturalized Citizens

A child can, under certain circumstances, derive U.S. citizenship automatically through the naturalization of a parent.

Filing an N-400 Application: Timing Issues

How many years of permanent residence you need, and the 90-day rule for early submission.

Six Tips for Filing the USCIS N-400 Form

How to properly answer the questions on the naturalization application form before submitting it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Must You Include Traffic Violations on Your N-400 Citizenship Application?

If you're applying for U.S. citizenship, you'll need to disclose your criminal record. Does that include traffic tickets?

What Happens at the U.S. Citizenship Interview?

What to expect at a naturalization interview at a USCIS office.

Requesting a Hearing on a Naturalization Decision

Learn how and when to request administrative review of your citizenship denial.

Can I Change My Name When I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

It's actually fairly easy to change your name if you're applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization - but there are a few catches.

How to Get U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service

Special opportunities and exceptions that apply to immigrants who are members of the U.S. military.

How to Get a Certificate of U.S. Naturalization

People who become naturalized citizens will automatically be given a certificate of naturalization - Form N-550 or N-570 - once they are sworn in as U.S. citizens.

Can You Get Dual Citizenship?

Find out when you can claim dual citizenship, whether you were born in the U.S. or became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

Getting Dual Citizenship in the United States and Canada

U.S. and Canadian immigration laws allow you to become a citizen of both countries, simultaneously - assuming you qualify to immigrate from one country to the other.

Criminal Charges or Convictions on Your U.S. Citizenship Application

If you're applying for U.S. Citizenship and you have a criminal record, consider getting legal advice before you proceed. Here's why.

Applying for U.S. Citizenship With an Expired Green Card

It's usually best to renew your green card before you apply for naturalized U.S. citizenship, but it's not strictly required.

Denial of Citizenship for Lies or False Statements

If you're applying for U.S. citizenship, do not make any false statements on your naturalization application; it could have serious consequences.

Applying for U.S. Citizenship With a DUI on Your Record

You might want to wait five years after a DUI conviction before you apply for naturalized U.S. citizenship - or hire a lawyer to help.

Must You Include Traffic Violations on Your N-400 Citizenship Application?

If you're applying for U.S. citizenship, you'll need to disclose your criminal record. Does that include traffic tickets?

How Long Will the N-600 Application Process Take?

The N-600 application will take a few months before approval. Here's how to stay on top of it, and avoid trouble.

Can I File an N-600 for My Children to Get Certificates of Citizenship?

You can file an N-600 on behalf of your minor children if they have acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through you.

Documents to File With an N-600 Application for U.S. Citizenship

Form N-600 is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It enables certain people who became U.S. citizens automatically, through their U.S. citizen parents or by extension, their grandparents, to apply for a certificate proving their citizenship. (Most applications involving grandparents

How to Get a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561)

People born outside of the United States to American parents might need to file for a Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. This form is referred to as either N-560 or N-561.