Naturalization is how immigrants become citizens of the United States. By answering questions about their immigration, permanent New Jersey residents can determine their eligibility for U.S. citizenship. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) processes, approves or denies all naturalization applications.
Under U.S. Immigration laws, you don’t need to apply for citizenship if you were under 18 and a lawful permanent resident when one or both of your parents became citizens. You can also acquire U.S. citizenship through adoption by U.S. citizens.
Suppose you’re not a U.S. citizen but would like to apply for naturalization. In that case, you can establish your eligibility using the citizenship application provided by the USCIS and located on their website.
Types of Immigration Naturalization Requirements
You can become familiar with the qualifying requirements and learn which documents should accompany your citizenship application by reading Form N-400, Instructions for Application for Naturalization. A worksheet is also available to help you answer eligibility questions. Some requirements for U.S. naturalization are:
• You’re at least 18 years old.
• You’re a permanent U.S. resident with a Permanent Resident Card.
• You meet the residency requirements for your category.
• You read, write and speak English.
• You know basic U.S. History, formation and government principles.
A Guide to Naturalization is additional literature available to help you understand the immigration process. You’re also expected to be a person of good moral character and if you’re male, 18-26 be prepared to submit applicable Selective Service information.
Naturalization special circumstances
Those who meet specific qualifications, such as disability or other factors, may be eligible for adjustments and exceptions to the naturalization requirements. You might receive an exception to the language requirement based on age and U.S. residency if you’re 50 years old or older. USCIS is the final authority for considering and approving any immigration and naturalization exceptions and determining citizenship eligibility.