'Citizenship' & 'Naturalization' are different processes. Citizenship is the process of applying for evidence of status acquired by birth abroad to a U.S. Citizen parent. Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen through acceptance. Please click below to link to the Citizenship Page to read about children of U.S. citizen parents born abroad.
How many years of continuous residence as a legal permanent resident is required?
Is there a residence requirement after the applicant has submitted an application for naturalization?
If the applicant is married to a U.S. Citizen, do the rules change?
If the applicant is engaged as a minister or a priest while abroad, do the rules change?
In general, how many years of physical presence is required for naturalization up until the time the application is filed?
Which physical presence requirements apply when a spouse of a US citizen applies for citizenship?
What is the exception to the general rule about physical presence?
If the applicant is married to a U.S. Citizen, do the rules change?
If the applicant is engaged as a minister or a priest while abroad, do the rules change?
Is an applicant required to 'physically reside' in the US when applying for naturalization?
When can the residence requirements be waived?
Will an applicant be denied naturalization if absent for 6 months to a year from the US during the 5 year period prior to the application?
Will an applicant be denied naturalization if absent for more than a year from the US during the 5 year period prior to the application?
What absences will be considered as “constructive presence” in the US?
Expediting: Am I subject to resident requirements if I am a legal permanent resident married to a US citizen spouse who is employed abroad?
To make the naturalization process both welcoming and accessible, President Biden issued Executive Order 14012: Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration System and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans.
USCIS has issued the following naturalization policies designed to support implementation of this Executive Order:
Veterans Residing Outside the United States and Naturalization
Technical Update - Incorporating New INA 320(c) Provision into
Nationality Chart 3 - Derivative Citizenship of Children
Overseas Military Naturalization Process:
USCIS is utilizing video capabilities for interviews and naturalization ceremonies at Department of Defense facilities for eligible military members and their qualifying family members stationed overseas. The first naturalization ceremony by remote video occurred on March 29, 2021.
FY21 Citizenship and Integration Grants Program:
On May 17, 20121, USCIS started accepting applications for two funding opportunities under the FY21 Grant Program that will provide up to $10 million in grants for citizenship preparation programs in communities across the country. This is the agency’s 13th year operating the grant program. Obviously, this year the announcement takes on special importance as we emphasize our commitment to welcoming immigrants and giving them the tools, they need to pursue the benefits of U.S citizenship. This year is the first-time organizations will have two months to apply. Also, this year we increased our outreach efforts through public engagements and webinars.
Office-to-Office Interviews:
To help meet the requirements of physical distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS deployed the use of video interviews for naturalization applicants, where an applicant comes to a USCIS facility but sits in a different room than the interviewing officer who conducts the interview using video technology.
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