Am I eligible to become a naturalized U.S. citizen?
Essentially, the applicants must satisfy the following requirements to become a naturalized U.S. citizen:
☞ Statutory Period.
If you obtained your residency through a U.S. citizen spouse and you are still married, you must wait three years after you obtain your residency to apply for citizenship. All other applicants must wait five years (certain exceptions apply to those who serve or have served in the military).
☞ Moral Character.
You must have good moral character for the statutory period (3 years if married to a US citizen, five years for all other applicants).
☞ Applicant must be 18 years or older
As simple as it sounds, you must be at least 18 years old at the time of submitting your Form N-400.
☞ Ability to read, write, and speak basic English
One important key point is that you must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak English.
☞ Knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government (civics)
As part of the Naturalization Process, you must show a basis understanding of U.S. history, principles, and the form of government. In other words, you must past the Civics Test.
☞ Willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States is a solemn vow that new citizens make as a part of the naturalization process. The Oath signifies their commitment to uphold the laws and constitution of the United States, renounce any foreign allegiance and loyalties, and pledge their loyalty to the United States.
The Oath generally reads as follows:
“I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.”
