Lawful Permanent Residence (I.E. Green Card Holder) to U.S. Citizenship

In general, you may apply for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen if you are a lawful permanent resident (i.e. green card holder) and meet the following criteria:

• Are at least 18 years old;
• Have a lawful permanent resident (i.e. green card holder) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen);
• Have lived in your current state of residence for at least 3 months before filing your naturalization application;
• Have continuously resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (i.e. green card holder) for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen);
• Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the past 5 years (18 months during the past 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen);
• Reside continuously in the United States from the time of filing your application for naturalization through your actual naturalization;
• With some exceptions, must be able to read, write, and speak English;
• With some exceptions, must have knowledge of United States history and our system of government; and
• Must be a person of good moral character for at least five years before filing for naturalization (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and be loyal to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.