DuPage County Citizenship and Naturalization Attorneys

Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

Lawful permanent residents of the United States may apply for citizenship after meeting certain requirements. These requirements will depend on a person's unique circumstances. Those who may qualify to apply for citizenship include:

• Lawful permanent residents - A person who has a valid Green Card may be eligible for naturalization after maintaining a continuous residence in the United States for at least five years. During the five year period before applying for naturalization, a person must have been physically present in the U.S. for 30 months or more, and they must have lived in the state where they currently reside for at least three months.
• Spouses of U.S. citizens - A person who is married to a U.S. citizen may receive a Green Card after entering the United States through an Immediate Relative visa or a K-1 fiancé visa. Spouses will be able to apply for citizenship after residing continuously in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for three years, and they must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months.
• Children of U.S. citizens - A child will be eligible for citizenship if they are under 18 years old, have lawful permanent resident status, and are residing in the United States under the custody of their U.S. citizen parent. Children who are residing outside the U.S. may be eligible for citizenship if their parent has met the requirements for physical presence in the United States, and the child must be lawfully admitted and physically present in the U.S. at the time they apply for naturalization.
• Members of the U.S. military - A person who is serving or has served honorably in the U.S. armed forces during a period of hostility (including between September 11, 2001 and the present) may be eligible for naturalization as long as they were a lawful permanent resident at the time they enlisted or were inducted into the military.

In addition to the residency requirements described above, those who apply for citizenship will need to demonstrate that they meet certain other criteria. They will need to provide evidence of their good moral character, and they must show that they are attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States. Applicants will also be required to take a civics test, which covers information about U.S. history and government, and they will need to be able to speak, read, and write English. In some cases, exceptions to the English language requirements may be granted.

Contact Our DuPage County Naturalization Attorneys

The immigration process can be complex, and it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can help you navigate the process and avoid potential roadblocks. At Farooqi & Husain Law Office, we are dedicated to helping immigrants in the Chicago area with all aspects of the immigration process, from obtaining visas and Green Cards to applying for citizenship. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 630-909-9114 to arrange a consultation. We represent clients in DuPage County, Cook County, Will County, and Kane County.