When Can A Permanent Resident Apply For Citizenship ?
An officially recognized or a legitimate permanent resident is eligible to apply for naturalization or US citizenship only after completing five years of permanent residency in the country. However, one can apply for US citizenship even after 3 years, provided he/she has received permanent residency on grounds of marriage with a citizen of the U.S. |
For those, who acquired permanent residency in the country through asylum, are eligible to apply for citizenship after completing 4 years of U.S. residency. An important point to be kept in mind while applying for citizenship is that the naturalization application must be submitted by the permanent residents at least 90 days prior to the meeting the requirement of residency.
Also, only permanent residents who are 18 years and above in age can apply for naturalization. Moreover, the person must have no criminal history and must have the basic ability to write and read English. The applicants are also required to pass a basic level US history test and provide documentary evidence to prove good moral conduct in the past. A lawful permanent U.S. resident, willing to apply for US citizenship, must first fill out the N-400 form online at the official website of USCIS. The form has to be submitted along with a fee of $675.
The directions for filling the form and the details of the fee, forms, the procedures involved, and the processing times are available on the USCIS website and must be referred to before proceeding. Once you receive the US citizenship, you will be entitled to vote, bring your family to the U.S., and also stand in state and federal elections, like all other US citizens.
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