You can become a U.S. citizen if you have been a resident for 5 years, or 3 years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen; married to a U.S. citizen; actively serve in the U.S. military; are the spouse or child of an active-duty military member; or are born to a U.S. citizen (within or outside the U.S.).

For many people around the world, becoming a U.S. citizen is a major life goal. It means more than just having a passport or voting rights—it means having a permanent home, full protection under U.S. laws, and the ability to bring your close family members to the United States more easily. However, obtaining citizenship, also known as naturalization, can take many forms, making it hard to navigate the legal process without guidance.

Permanent Residency

One of the most common paths to citizenship is through naturalization after having residency, also known as a green card. Most people must be permanent residents for at least five years before they can apply for citizenship. During this time, you must live in the U.S. continuously and be physically present in the country for at least 30 months of the five years.

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, the wait is shorter. You can apply for naturalization after just three years as a resident, as long as you have been living with your spouse. In either case, you must be at least 18 years old, have good moral character, and be able to speak, read, and write basic English. You also need to pass a test on U.S. history and government, and you must swear loyalty to the United States by taking the Oath of Allegiance.

To begin the process, you file Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will attend a biometrics appointment, complete an interview, take the citizenship test, and then attend a naturalization ceremony if approved.

Military Service

Serving in the U.S. military can also make you eligible for citizenship. In some cases, military members can apply for naturalization more quickly than civilians. Some requirements, like the time spent in the U.S., may be waived if you served during a time of conflict or war.

USCIS provides special forms and instructions for active duty and former service members. If you are eligible, you may not have to pay the filing fee, and your application could be processed faster.

If You Are a Spouse or Child of a Military Member

Even if you are not in the military yourself, being the spouse or child of a U.S. service member may help you qualify for citizenship sooner. For example, spouses living overseas with a military husband or wife may be treated as if they are living in the U.S. for the purpose of applying. Some children of military parents may automatically become U.S. citizens, even if born outside the country.

Birthright Citizenship or Through U.S. Citizen Parents

Individuals born in the U.S. or in a U.S. territory are granted birthright citizenship. If you were born outside the U.S. to one or more U.S. citizen parents, you may have automatically acquired citizenship, depending on certain factors like your parents’ marital status and whether they lived in the U.S. before your birth.
Becoming a U.S. citizen brings freedom, opportunity, and protection—but it also comes with responsibilities, like obeying the law and serving on a jury if need be. Whether your path involves marriage, military service, family ties, or years of permanent residency, Flora Legal Group can help you navigate the legal process.

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