Becoming a U.S. citizen is a lifelong dream for many individuals. The United States, known as the land of opportunity, offers citizenship either by birth or after birth through a legal process.

To Become a U.S. Citizen at Birth:

• The individual must be born in the United States, its territories, or outlying possessions and be subject to U.S. jurisdiction
  OR
  
• Be born abroad to one or both parents who are U.S. citizens at the time of birth (subject to meeting additional eligibility requirements)
  

To Apply for Citizenship After Birth:

• Through “derived” or “acquired” citizenship from U.S. citizen parents
  
• Through the process of Naturalization
  

Naturalization

Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen.

You may be eligible to apply for Naturalization if:

• You are a green card holder for at least 5 years, or
  
• You are a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, or
  
• You derive citizenship through U.S. citizen parents
  

Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization:

If you’ve held a green card for over 5 years:

• Be 18 years or older at the time of filing
  
• Have held lawful permanent resident status
  
• Have resided in the USCIS district or U.S. state for at least 3 months prior to applying
  
• Have lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 5 years
  
• Be physically present for at least 30 months during the past 5 years
  
• Reside in the U.S. from the time of application until naturalization
  
• Read, write, and speak English and have knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics)
  
  • Exceptions exist for those who:
    
    • Are 55 years old with 15 years of permanent residency
      
    • Are 50 years old with 20 years of permanent residency
      
    • Have a documented physical or mental disability
      
• Be a person of good moral character who supports the U.S. Constitution
  

The Naturalization Test

Applicants must pass tests in:

• English (reading, writing, and speaking)
  
• Civics (U.S. history and government)
  

All study materials are available on the USCIS website.
Atlanta Immigration Services assists clients in preparing for the Naturalization test through guidance and support.

Citizenship for Military Members and Dependents

Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their dependents may qualify for special Naturalization benefits under U.S. law.

Dual Citizenship

Certain countries allow individuals to hold dual citizenship. U.S. citizens may maintain citizenship in another country depending on that country’s laws.

How to Apply for Naturalization

• File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
  
• For more information, refer to Form M-476
  
• U.S. military members or veterans may have additional options—refer to USCIS resources for eligibility
  

Note: Applicants do not need to be physically present in the U.S. when filing Form N-400. Refer to Form M-476 for filing from abroad.

Citizenship Through Parents

U.S. citizenship may be automatically granted to children either at birth or after birth, depending on their parents’ citizenship status and the child’s place of birth.

Definition of a “Child” Under U.S. Immigration Law:

• An unmarried genetic, legitimated, or adopted child of a U.S. citizen
  
• A child of a non-genetic gestational mother who is legally recognized as a parent
  

Children of U.S. Citizens Living in the U.S.

Children born abroad who now reside in the U.S. may gain citizenship under Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if:

• At least one parent is a U.S. citizen
  
• The child is under 18 years old
  
• The child is a lawful permanent resident (LPR)
  
• The child lives in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent
  

Children of U.S. Citizens Living Outside the U.S.

Under Section 322 of the INA, children who live abroad may qualify for U.S. citizenship if:

• At least one parent or grandparent is a U.S. citizen
  
• The parent/grandparent meets physical presence requirements in the U.S.
  
• The child is under 18 years old
  
• The child resides abroad in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent or guardian
  
• The child is lawfully admitted and present in the U.S. at the time of the application’s approval
  

Helpful USCIS Links

• Citizenship Resource Center
  

Source of Information: www.uscis.gov

Let Atlanta Immigration Services support you on your path to U.S. citizenship—with expert knowledge, step-by-step guidance, and personal attention every step of the way.