Applying for U.S. Citizenship after Being an LPR for At Least 5 Years

Denice Flores • Oct 10, 2024

To be eligible for U.S. naturalization based on being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, you must:
  • Prove you have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years;
  • Demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately before applying for naturalization;
  • Show you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before applying for naturalization; and
  • Pass the naturalization test.
The naturalization test consists of the English and civics test. 

The applicant must show his/her ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The interviewing USCIS officer will ask the applicant to read a sentence in English and to write a sentence in English. If the applicant demonstrates his/her ability to read, write, and speak English, the applicant passes this portion of the test.

The civics test is an oral test, and the applicant is asked questions about the American government and history. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. To pass this portion of the test, the applicant must answer at least 6 questions correctly. 

If the applicant satisfies all of the eligibility requirements and passes the naturalization test, the last step before naturalizing is to attend the oath ceremony to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

If you have any questions and would like more information about your eligibility for naturalization, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys. 

This blog is not intended to be legal advice and nothing here should be construed as establishing an attorney client relationship. Please schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney before acting on any information read here.

Denice Flores

Similar Posts


By Denice Flores 10 Oct, 2024
To be eligible for U.S. naturalization based on being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, you must: Prove you have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years; Demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately before applying for naturalization; Show you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before applying for naturalization; and Pass the naturalization test. The naturalization test consists of the English and civics test. The applicant must show his/her ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The interviewing USCIS officer will ask the applicant to read a sentence in English and to write a sentence in English. If the applicant demonstrates his/her ability to read, write, and speak English, the applicant passes this portion of the test. The civics test is an oral test, and the applicant is asked questions about the American government and history. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. To pass this portion of the test, the applicant must answer at least 6 questions correctly. If the applicant satisfies all of the eligibility requirements and passes the naturalization test, the last step before naturalizing is to attend the oath ceremony to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. If you have any questions and would like more information about your eligibility for naturalization, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys.
By Denice Flores 06 Jun, 2024
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services made changes to the naturalization application and the filing fee which became effective April 1, 2024. The naturalization application, Form N-400, was updated. The new form edition is dated 04/01/2024. As of June 3, 2024, USCIS will only accept the new form edition. The filing fee for Form N-400 also changed. The prior filing fee was $640.00 plus a biometric fee of $85.00, for a total of $725.00. The new filing fee became effective April 1, 2024, so all naturalization applications postmarked April 1, 2024, or later, must include the new appropriate filing fee. The new general fee if you file a paper application is $760.00, and if you file the application online the fee is $710.00.
By Kyle Huffman 07 Dec, 2023
In the landscape of U.S. immigration law, the pursuit of an employment-based green card can be a significant milestone for foreign nationals aspiring to establish their careers in the United States. Among the various pathways available, self-sponsorship for an employment-based green card stands out as an option that grants individuals the ability to sponsor their own immigration journey, offering a unique opportunity for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Traditionally, most employment-based green card categories require an employer to sponsor the foreign national, demonstrating the need for their skills or expertise. However, certain visa categories permit self-sponsorship, allowing individuals to petition for permanent residency without a specific employer's sponsorship. These include: 1. EB-1A Extraordinary Ability: Individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics may self-petition for an employment-based green card. They must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, providing extensive evidence of their achievements in their field. 2. EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW): This category enables individuals whose work is deemed to be in the interest of the United States to self-sponsor. Applicants must demonstrate their work's significance and how it benefits the nation as a whole. 3. EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Entrepreneurs investing in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers can self-petition for an employment-based green card. They must meet certain investment thresholds and fulfill job creation requirements. While these classifications have the advantage of allowing an individual to self-petition, each of these applications have distinct, stringent requirements to meet. This route can be challenging, requiring substantial evidence and a compelling case to prove extraordinary abilities or qualifications. Additionally, meeting the high standards set by USCIS for self-sponsorship can be demanding, necessitating thorough preparation and documentation. Navigating the complexities of immigration law, especially concerning self-sponsorship, often requires professional legal guidance. Seeking assistance from experienced immigration attorneys or consultants can significantly enhance the chances of a successful self-sponsored green card application, ensuring compliance with the intricate regulations and requirements. If you have any questions about what this means for you, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. We look forward to working with you.
By Denice Flores 30 Nov, 2023
The Military Selective Service Act requires all men living in the United States to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of turning 18 years old and up to 26 years of age. The Selective Service System (SSS) is used by the U.S. government to draft soldiers into service during times of war. There are a few exceptions to the registration requirement: First, if you hold non-immigrant status until the age of 26, you do not have to register with the SSS. Second, if you enter the U.S. after the age of 26, you do not have to register with the SSS, as the age requirement to register is between 18 and 26. Third, men born after March 29, 1957, and before December 31, 1959, are not required to register. To verify online go to: https://www.sss.gov/verify/ . The information you will need to provide is your last name, social security number, and date of birth. If you find your registration record, download, and print an official Selective Service Registration Acknowledgement Letter from the website and include it with your application. This is sufficient to show that you registered. If you can’t verify your registration because you don’t have a social security number or you didn’t have one when you registered, or you prefer to call, you need to call the SSS at: (888) 655-1825 . Note, failure to register will not automatically lead to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services denying your naturalization application. In fact, even if you did not register and you were required to do so, the USCIS cannot deny your application if you show that you did not know you were required to register, or the failure to register wasn’t intentional. If you have any questions, please schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and we will be more than happy to assist you.
Show More
By Denice Flores 10 Oct, 2024
To be eligible for U.S. naturalization based on being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, you must: Prove you have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least five years; Demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least five years immediately before applying for naturalization; Show you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the five years immediately before applying for naturalization; and Pass the naturalization test. The naturalization test consists of the English and civics test. The applicant must show his/her ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The interviewing USCIS officer will ask the applicant to read a sentence in English and to write a sentence in English. If the applicant demonstrates his/her ability to read, write, and speak English, the applicant passes this portion of the test. The civics test is an oral test, and the applicant is asked questions about the American government and history. The USCIS officer will ask the applicant up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. To pass this portion of the test, the applicant must answer at least 6 questions correctly. If the applicant satisfies all of the eligibility requirements and passes the naturalization test, the last step before naturalizing is to attend the oath ceremony to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. If you have any questions and would like more information about your eligibility for naturalization, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys.
By Kris Quadros-Ragar 03 Oct, 2024
The United States has long been a prime destination for both business ventures and leisure travel. Every year, thousands of individuals from across the globe visit the U.S. for short-term purposes such as business meetings or vacations. To do so, foreign nationals must obtain a non-immigrant visa, with the B1/B2 visa being one of the most commonly used for temporary visits. The B1/B2 visa allows individuals to enter the U.S. for specific purposes, whether for business-related activities or exploring the country’s tourist attractions. Although both visas fall under the same category, they serve distinct purposes depending on the nature of the visit. The B1/B2 visa, issued by the U.S. Department of State, is a dual-purpose visa that enables non-immigrants to enter the United States temporarily for either business (B1) or tourism and other non-business activities (B2). This combined visa offers flexibility, allowing travelers to handle both business and leisure matters within a single trip. The B1 visa is intended for those visiting the U.S. for business purposes. It’s important to note that the B1 visa does not allow for employment or managing a business in the U.S. Instead, it’s ideal for individuals who need to: Consult with business associates. Negotiate contracts or finalize deals. Attend conferences, conventions, or seminars in fields such as education, science, and trade. In short, the B1 visa is for individuals conducting essential business activities during their temporary stay, without seeking employment in the U.S. The B2 visa , on the other hand, is designed for individuals visiting the U.S. for non-business purposes such as: Tourism or vacations. Visiting friends or family. Receiving medical treatment. This visa also allows for participation in other non-business activities, such as social events or short-term recreational courses. Once granted, both B1 and B2 visas typically allow for stays of up to six months. The exact length of your stay is determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers upon your entry, based on the purpose of your visit and the terms of your visa. Whether visiting the U.S. to explore business opportunities or enjoy the country’s many tourist attractions, the B1/B2 visa provides a flexible option for short-term stays. By understanding the requirements and differences between these visas, you can better navigate the application process and make the most of your trip to the U.S.
By Denice Flores 03 Sep, 2024
On August 26, 2024 , the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, in Texas v. Department of Homeland Security , Case Number 24-cv-306 administratively stayed the Department of Homeland Security from granting parole in place under Keeping Families Together for 14 days. In Texas v. DHS , the State of Texas and several other plaintiffs argue that the DHS has implemented policies that they believe violate federal immigration laws. Specifically, they claim that DHS's guidelines on immigration enforcement and deportation procedures are too lenient and do not align with statutory requirements. The plaintiffs argue that these policies undermine state sovereignty and contribute to increased illegal immigration, which they believe has negative repercussions for public safety and resources. During the 14 days, USCIS will not grant any pending parole in place application under Keeping Families Together ; USCIS will continue to accept applications for parole in place for certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. Citizens, and will continue to schedule biometric appointments and capture biometrics for applicants. Note, that the district court’s administrative stay order does not affect any applications that were approved before the administrative stay order was issued on August 26, 2024. As of now, the program is on hold for 14 days, but that hold could be extended while the court considers arguments in the case. If you have any questions or concerns, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys.
Show More
Share by:
WhatsApp Live Chat
WhatsApp Logo

Contact Us

×
Hello! How can we help you?