Learn About Naturalization!
If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), you may be eligible to apply for United States Citizenship!
-
Am I Eligible?
Basic Eligibility Requirements
1) Be older then 18 years old.
2) Be a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder).
3) Have your permanent residence for at least 4 years and 9 months, OR 2 years and 9 months if married to a United States citizen for the whole time.
4) Have no trips outside of the United States longer than 150 days.
5) Have spent more than 2.5 years in the United States within the last five years.
If one of your parents naturalized before you turned 18 years old, you may have derived citizenship though them.
If you are a member of the United States military, you may be eligible for naturalization soon—let us know!
-
Documents and Information Required
1) Your Permanent Resident Card (green card)
2) Home addresses for the past five years (covering the whole five-year period—Month/Day/Year - Month/Day/Year
3) Employers for the Last Five Years - Include: Month/Day/Year - Month/Day/Year; Employer Name; Address; Occupation; and List Periods of Unemployment
4) Travel History for the Last Five Years - Include: Dates outside the USA and Countries Visited. Bring your passport or travel documents, if any.
5) Children and Spouse’s information: Full names, dates and place of birth (country), Alien Registration Numbers (A Numbers/USCIS Numbers). For spouse, also include, date of marriage, social security number, current address, and employer name.
6) If you receive public bnenefits (SNAP, SSI, TANF, Medicaid/Apple Health) bring a current award letter that expires in the future.
7) Divorce Decrees or Parenting Plans, Child Support Orders, or any other civil court documents.
8) All immigration, court, and police records for ANY offense, at any time, even if dismissed. Have your full record available.
9) Proof of US Selective Service Registration for men 16-26 years old.
-
Naturalization Process
1) Submit Documents to Manzanita Immigrant Legal Aid for Screening.
2) Receive notice of eligibility, it you are able to apply for citizenship.
3) Attend Application Appointment or Workshop with Manzanita House to complete the required forms.
4) Manzanita submits paperwork to USCIS on your behalf.
5) Receive Notice that USCIS has received your application.
6) Receive biometrics notification—appointment to provide a photo and fingerprints to USCIS.
7) Receive Naturalization Exam Appointment where you will take the English, history, and civics test, as well as review your application with an officer.
8) If you are successful, you will receive an oath appointment to become a U.S. citizen—congratulations!