Naturalization is the process of obtaining United States (U.S.) Citizenship. One can obtain naturalization by the following manners:

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• Automatic Citizenship

• Derivation of Citizenship By Naturalization of One Or Both Parents

• Citizenship Through Military Service

• Naturalization Through Affirmative Application

• Dual Citizenship

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The most common form of obtaining citizenship is by applying for citizenship through an affirmative application.  In general, the Legal Permanent Resident must satisfy the following criteria: 

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• Be at least 18 years old. 

• Have continuously resided in the U.S. for five years after becoming a permanent resident (three years if married to a U.S. citizen);

• At least half of the permanent residency time must have been spent physically in the U.S.;

• Must have lived for at least three months in the jurisdiction where the application will be filed;

• Must demonstrate good moral character for the entire period of residence required (5 or 3 years), and an attachment to the principles embodied in the U.S. Constitution; and

• Must possess basic English skills and knowledge of the history and government of the U.S.