Applying for U.S. Citizenship [Immigration, Part 1]

[This post is part one of two blogs on frequently asked immigration questions]

I am a permanent US resident – how do I apply for US citizenship?

If you have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization.

You must meet the following requirements:
– be at least 18 years oldm

– have lived within the USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least 3 months prior to the application filing,

– have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months on the 5 most recent years,

– reside in the United States from the date of naturalization application until the time of naturalization,

– be able to read, write, and speak English, and have knowledge of U.S. history and government.

This worksheet from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is helpful to determine your eligibility for naturalization: Eligibility Worksheet

If you’re looking for a lawyer to help out with immigration questions, make sure to contact the Santa Barbara County Bar Association’s Legal Referral Service at (805) 569-5511.