How+to+Become+a+US+Citizen

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 * Becoming an American Citizen**


 * 1. How can I become a U.S. citizen?**

You may become a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization.


 * 2. Who is born a U.S. citizen?**

Generally, people are born U.S. citizens if they are born in the United States or if they are born to U.S. citizens:

(1) If you were born in the United States

(2) If you were born abroad to TWO U.S. citizens:

And at least one of your parents lived in the United States at some point in his or her life, then in most cases you are a U.S. citizen.

(3) If you were born abroad to ONE U.S. citizen:

In most cases, you are a U.S. citizen if all of the following are true:
 * 1) One of your parents was a U.S. citizen when you were born;
 * 2) Your citizen parent lived at least 5 years in the United States before you were born; and
 * 3) At least 2 of those 5 years in the United States were after your citizen parent's 14th birthday.


 * 3. How do I become a naturalized citizen?**

If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth or did not acquire/derive U.S. citizenship automatically after birth, you may still be eligible to become a citizen through the naturalization process. Eligible persons use the "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400) to apply for naturalization.

Persons who acquired citizenship from parent(s) while under 18 years of age use the "Application for Certificate of Citizenship" (Form N-600) to document their citizenship. Qualified children who reside abroad use the "Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322" (Form N-600K) to document their naturalization.


 * 4. What are the basic requirements to apply for naturalization?**

Generally, to be eligible for naturalization you must:
 * 1) Be age 18 or older;
 * 2) Be a permanent resident for a certain amount of time (usually 5 years but less for some individuals);
 * 3) Be a person of good moral character;
 * 4) Have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government;
 * 5) Have a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; and
 * 6) Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. There are exceptions to this rule for someone who:
 * Is 55 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 15 years; or
 * Is 50 years old and has been a permanent resident for at least 20 years; or
 * Has a permanent physical or mental impairment that makes the individual unable to fulfill these requirements.


 * 5. When can I apply for naturalization?**

You may be able to apply for naturalization if you are at least 18 years of age and have been a permanent resident of the United States: Certain spouses of U.S. citizens, and those who served in the U.S. military during a past war or are serving currently in combat may be able to file for naturalization sooner than noted above.
 * 1) For at least 5 years; or
 * 2) For at least 3 years during which time you have been, and continue to be, married to and living in a marriage relationship with your U.S. citizen spouse; or
 * 3) While currently serving honorably in the U.S. military, with at least 1 year of service, and you apply for citizenship while in the military, or within 6 months of discharge.


 * 6. What form do I use to file for naturalization?**

You should use an "Application for Naturalization" (Form N-400).