How to become a citizen How to become a citizen There are many ways to obtain citizenship in the United States. Citizenship is automatically granted if the individual was born in the U-S or its possessions, or if the individual was born outside the United States to citizen parents.
Most individuals seeking citizenship are interested in naturalization.
The basic requirement of naturalization is that the applicant must have been a continuous lawful permanent resident of the United States for five or more years, or have been married to a permanent resident for more than three years and be currently married to that spouse. An absence from the U-S for one year or more without advance approval from Immigration and Naturalization Services breaks the continuity of five years. Additionally, the applicant must have some knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history and government of the United States, and must be a person of good moral character. Often individuals who are naturalized can provide derivative citizenship to their minor children. The first step is to submit a complete and accurate application form with all the necessary attachments and requirements.