Citizenship Requirements for 5 Year Permanent Residents
Are you a 5 year permanent resident? In other words, have you had a Green Card for five years? If you answered “yes”, you may be eligible to apply to become a citizen of the United States. You have certain benefits as a legal resident, but there are several rights and responsibilities only available to U.S. citizens.
U.S. citizens have the right to vote, travel more freely with a U.S. passport, are eligible for jobs and elected offices requiring citizenship, and are free from the threat of deportation. Naturalization (the process of becoming a citizen of the United States) will allow you to sponsor your family members (parents, siblings, and married children) who want to join you in the United States. If you currently have children who are under the age of 18, they will automatically be granted citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen.
Check your eligibility
You qualify for naturalization as a 5 year permanent resident if you:
- Are 18 years old or older
- Have basic knowledge of U.S. government and can pass a civics test*
- Have lived in the U.S. continuously for the last 5 years and have been physically present for 30 continuous months (out of the past 60 months)
- Speak, write, and read basic English*
- Demonstrate good moral character
*Some exemptions apply in certain circumstances
Note: if you were looking for the citizenship eligibility requirements for a 3 year married permanent resident please see this link
Apply to Become a U.S. citizen!
Road to Status is here to help you complete the N-400 Application for Naturalization to become a US citizen as a 5 year permanent resident. Click here to learn more about how our software helps make your application process faster & easier. We’ll guide you through each step. It usually takes about six months to become a citizen after you apply – start your application today!
The Pathway to Citizenship as a 5 Year Permanent Resident
Once you submit your application to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), they will schedule a biometrics appointment for you, and then an interview at which you will take the U.S. citizenship test. You can begin studying today. You may travel while your application is pending, because you are still a Permanent Resident, but you MUST be present at your biometrics appointment, your interview, and your Naturalization Ceremony.
You should also make sure that if you leave you still have enough continuous presence to qualify for naturalization.
After passing the civics test, your English test, and your interview, USCIS will schedule you for a Naturalization Ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance, and officially become a citizen of the United States!
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