Citizenship

Citizenship through Naturalization
Legal Permanent Residents (green card holders), age 18 or older who meet all eligibility requirements for naturalization may apply to naturalize to United States citizen status.

Naturalization is the process by which United States citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by the United States.  For the majority of cases, an applicant for naturalization must be a Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder) before applying for naturalization and must be 18 years of age and meet all other eligibility requirements.  Except for certain United States military members and their dependents, naturalization can only be granted in the United States.

Most individuals must pass a background check, an English proficiency exam, as well as a Civics exam before they can be given the oath of citizenship.

Citizenship through Parents
Some individuals may be eligible to acquire or derive United States citizenship through a qualifying United States citizen parent or parents.

An individual born outside the United States to a United States citizen parent or parents may be a United States citizen depending on the laws in effect at the time the person was born.  Children born outside the United States may be eligible to become citizens after birth based on their parent’s citizenship or naturalization status. 

Citizenship for Military Members, their Dependents and Veterans
Members and veterans of the United States armed forces and their dependents may be eligible for special naturalization provisions.

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