U.S. Citizenship | Must Read Articles to Apply for Naturalization

Citizenship

Achieving US citizenship can often be a long and arduous process if you’re unfamiliar with the procedures. Fortunately, we’ve simplified the process to ensure the best possible outcome for your case in the most efficient time frame.

Criteria to Apply for Citizenship

As a green card holder, the next step is typically to apply for American citizenship by going through the naturalization process. In order to apply for naturalization, however, you must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Have U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) and been living in the county for at least five years. It’s important to note that you must renew your PERM card before applying for citizenship if it is going to expire within 6 months of applying or is already expired.
  • Been granted asylum and lived in the U.S. for four years.
  • Currently the spouse of an American citizen and lived in the county for a minimum of three years.
  • Have permanent resident status, served in the U.S. military and lived in the country for a minimum of three years.

Once one of the above circumstances is met, you must then demonstrate knowledge of American history and government as well as sufficient English reading and writing skills.

It’s best to always have an experienced immigration professional handle your case to avoid any filing mistakes or drawing red flags.

If you do not meet the requirements to go through the naturalization process, there are other options which we explore at length in articles throughout the site.

Browse the ‘Must Read Articles’ below for related topics and things to be aware of on the path to citizenship including citizenship by investment, top citizenship denial reasons, prepping for the citizenship interview and so much more.

How VisaNation Law Group’s Citizenship Lawyers Can Help

Let the VisaNation Law Group team take the lead! They have handled a wide range of citizenship cases and have an excellent track of obtaining approvals! Complimentary consultations are available to identify which path of citizenship is best for you. Fill out this contact form to book an appointment and get the process started! 

Must Read Articles - Citizenship

Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by Investment
Citizenship for Kids

U.S. Citizenship for Children
U.S. Citizenship Denial

U.S. Citizenship Denial – Top Reasons
Green Card vs Citizenship

Green Card vs Citizenship

Citizenship Articles

  • Various flags from around the world

    Citizenship vs. Nationality | What’s the Difference?

    Published on April 15, 2025

    People often confuse the difference between citizenship vs. nationality when describing where they come from and their inherited cultural background. When it comes to immigration matters, it’s essential to understand the difference between the two terms. In this post, we’ll explore not only citizenship vs. nationality but also the difference between nationality vs. ethnicity and…

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  • good moral character

    Do You Have the Good Moral Character USCIS is Looking For?

    Published on January 10, 2023

    When going through the naturalization interview, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer will judge whether you have the good moral character required to be a citizen of the United States. The good moral character seems like such a subjective requirement for citizenship. You might be wondering if it’s enough to look at the…

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  • ss5 form

    Everything You Wanted to Know About the SS5 Form

    Published on September 02, 2022

    If you are changing your immigration status from green card holder to U.S. citizen, you will need to obtain a Social Security card for the first time by printing out Form SS-5,  Social Security Administration: Application for a Social Security Card, filling in the information and either mailing your application or taking it to your local…

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  • baby passport

    Do Babies Need Passports for U.S. Immigration?

    Published on August 22, 2022

    If you just had a baby and plan to take a trip abroad, you may wonder, “Do babies need passports?” Under the law, babies are not exempt from having proper identification when traveling overseas. Every U.S. citizen, including minors, is required to have their own passport to travel internationally. Passports for minors under 16 years…

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  • Cover photo of the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) overview page

    Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA): Eligibility, Application, Requirements, Checklist

    Published on July 07, 2022

    The birth of a child is a joyful moment and a responsibility – one such responsibility is sorting out your child’s citizenship. On this page, you will learn about a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), eligibility requirements, CRBA application, the role of parents’ residence status, and processing time. You will also be provided with…

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  • expanded premium processing

    How to Apply for a Certificate of Citizenship via Form N-600

    Published on August 02, 2021

    A Certificate of Citizenship is how individuals born outside of the United States to citizen parent(s) can prove U.S. citizenship. This certificate is important because it can be used as proof of citizenship to obtain a U.S. passport and other immigration services for a spouse or relative down the line. Form N-600, Application for Certificate…

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