Jump to content

Citizenship: Answers to Common Questions

From TexICApedia

This article provides answers to common questions about gaining U.S. citizenship, including when and how someone can apply to become a U.S. citizen.

Composed by American Gateways • Last Updated on January 18, 2023

Caution!

U.S. immigration laws, policies, and practices continue to change rapidly. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. One way to find an attorney is through the American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer.

When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?

In general, you may qualify for naturalization (citizenship) if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements. To determine when you became a permanent resident, look at your green card for the “Resident Since” date.

Many things can affect your eligibility for citizenship, especially arrests, even if they resulted in a dismissal. Please consult an immigration attorney to determine if you are eligible to apply for citizenship.

What is the process for applying for U.S. citizenship?

Follow the USCIS instructions for applying for U.S. citizenship for information about the naturalization process and fees.

You can also use the USCIS fee calculator.

What kinds of tests do I have to take to become a U.S. citizen?

In order to become a U.S. citizen, you generally have to pass an English language exam and a civics exam.

The English language exam involves conducting the citizenship interview in English and a brief reading and writing test in which you will be asked to read and write a few sentences. See USCIS study materials for the English test.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began using digital tablets to administer the English reading and writing tests during interviews. USCIS can continue using the paper process on a case-by-case basis.

The civics exam involves answering questions about U.S. government, history, and geography. USCIS has issued a list of 100 questions that you should study. Of those 100 questions, you will be verbally asked 10 questions on the actual exam, but you do not know which 10 you will be asked. Therefore, you must study all 100 questions to have the best chance at passing the exam. You must answer 6 of the 10 questions correctly to pass the civics exam.

Can I become a U.S. citizen if I don’t speak English?

Generally, you must pass the English language exam to become a U.S. citizen.

However, you may qualify for an English language exemption, depending on your age and the length of time that you have been a lawful permanent resident at the time of filing.

  • You are exempt from the English language requirement but still required to take the civics test in your native language if you are 50 years of age or older at the time of filing your application and have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 20 years.
  • You are exempt from the English language requirement but still required to take the civics test in your native language if you are 55 years of age or older at the time of filing your application and have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for at least 15 years.
  • You are exempt from the English language requirement but still required to take a civics test in your native language if you are 65 years of age or older at the time of filing your application and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 20 years. However, you are only required to study these 20 civics questions.

If my parent is a U.S. citizen, am I automatically a U.S. citizen too?

Possibly, but it depends on many factors. There are two general ways to obtain citizenship through U.S. citizen parents:

  • At birth.
  • After birth but before the age of 18.

The laws in effect at the time of birth determine whether someone born outside the United States to a U.S. citizen parent (or parents) is a U.S. citizen at birth. In general, these laws require that at least one parent was a U.S. citizen and that the U.S. citizen parent had lived in the United States for a period of time.

This is a very complicated area of law, so please consult an immigration attorney if you believe you may have acquired or derived U.S. citizenship from one or both of your U.S. citizen parents.

What are the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen?

There are many benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen. Some of the main ones include:

  • Voting.
  • Eligibility for certain public benefits.
  • Eligibility for certain financial aid for students.
  • No restrictions on travel.
  • Protection from deportation, unless citizenship was obtained fraudulently.

I want to understand the immigration process

This guide can help you understand the United States immigration process.

Family-Based Immigration

This article provides answers to common questions about family-based immigration.

Immigration and Employment Law

This article addresses questions immigrants may have about employment law.

Sources

Retrieved from "http://texicapedia.org/index.php?title=Citizenship:_Answers_to_Common_Questions&oldid=346"