Important: The following information is only meant to provide an overview of immigration procedures and should not be construed a legal advice. Date of most recent modification: 09/07.

You are a Legal Permanent Resident and

want to become a U.S. citizen (Naturalization)

Why would you want to become U.S. citizen if you already have legal permanent resident status?

Deciding to apply for naturalization is often the result of personal desire, the will to be a complete and integral part of the United States, but obtaining U.S. Citizenship also carries some objective benefits:

• the right to vote,

• more stability in your status: a legal permanent resident is still subject to U.S. immigration laws and may be removed from the United States under U.S. immigration laws,

• more potential for travel: a legal permanent resident may be deemed to have abandoned his status in the United States if he/she travels continuously for more than one year out of the United States,

• the ability to petition for the green car of a parent or a brother, or speed up the petition for the green card of a child or a spouse, and

• access to some federal jobs.

To qualify for naturalization, you must be a legal permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if you obtained your legal permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen.