{"id":8357,"date":"2023-07-24T10:23:01","date_gmt":"2023-07-24T10:23:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/?page_id=8357"},"modified":"2023-09-07T06:11:39","modified_gmt":"2023-09-07T06:11:39","slug":"when-can-i-apply-for-u-s-citizenship","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/when-can-i-apply-for-u-s-citizenship\/","title":{"rendered":"When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t Let Uncertainty Hinder Your Dreams of Becoming a U.S. Citizen<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/immigration\/citizenship-attorney\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming a United States citizen<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a momentous milestone, representing not only a commitment to a new home but also an affirmation of one&#8217;s dedication to the values and opportunities that the nation upholds. For those seeking to embark on this transformative journey, understanding the process, eligibility requirements, and when you can apply for US citizenship is crucial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let El Camino Inmigracion stand by your side today, making the path to US citizenship clearer and more achievable than ever before. Embrace the possibilities that lie ahead and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">embark on this life-changing endeavor with confidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, knowing that El Camino Inmigracion is here to support you every step of the way.\u00a0 Contact us today to know more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is U.S. Citizenship?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United States citizenship is <\/span><b>a legal status that confers certain rights, privileges, and responsibilities to individuals<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who are recognized as citizens of the United States. US citizenship is one of the most sought-after statuses in the world, as it provides numerous benefits and opportunities for those who possess it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Key characteristics of US citizenship include:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rights and Privileges: US citizens have various rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, such as the right to vote in federal elections, the right to work in the country without restrictions, and the right to receive protection from the US government while traveling abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security and Stability: Being a US citizen offers a sense of security and stability within the country. Citizens cannot be deported from the United States and can reside permanently in the country.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to Sponsor Family Members: US citizens have the advantage of being able to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/parent-green-card\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sponsor certain family members<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for immigration to the US, which can significantly impact the reunification of families.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Access to Federal Jobs and Benefits: Many federal jobs and government benefits are reserved for US citizens, providing additional opportunities for career advancement and assistance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participation in Public Office: US citizens are eligible to run for and hold public office, from local government positions to the presidency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consular Assistance Abroad: When traveling or living overseas, US citizens can receive assistance and protection from US embassies and consulates in case of emergencies.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The eligibility requirements for applying for US citizenship can vary based on the pathway through which you qualify. Here are some common scenarios that determine when you can apply for US citizenship:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Birthright Citizenship\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birthright citizenship, also known as <\/span><b>jus soli<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a principle in US law that grants citizenship to individuals born on US soil, regardless of their parents&#8217; nationality or immigration status. This concept is deeply rooted in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/constitution.congress.gov\/browse\/essay\/amdt14-S1-4-3\/ALDE_00013746\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which states, &#8220;All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.&#8221;\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This fundamental right ensures that anyone born within the territorial boundaries of the United States automatically becomes a US citizen at birth.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Eligibility Criteria for Birthright Citizenship<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The eligibility criteria for birthright citizenship are relatively straightforward:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Born within US Territory:\u00a0 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must be born within the physical boundaries of the United States or its outlying possessions, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Subject to US Jurisdiction: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must be &#8220;subject to the jurisdiction&#8221; of the United States. This generally means that the individual is not a diplomat or a foreign enemy combatant during a time of war.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Citizenship Through Parents (Derivation)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Derivation of citizenship, also known as <\/span><b>citizenship through parents<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a legal principle that allows certain individuals born abroad to automatically acquire US citizenship if they meet specific eligibility criteria. This process applies to children born to US citizen parents, whether they were born in the United States or abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Eligibility Criteria for Deriving Citizenship Through Parents<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The eligibility criteria for deriving US citizenship through parents depend on various factors, including the citizenship status of the parents, the date of the child&#8217;s birth, and the parent&#8217;s physical presence in the United States. The following scenarios are common for the derivation of citizenship:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Both Parents Are US Citizens: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0If a child is born abroad to parents who are both US citizens at the time of the child&#8217;s birth, the child automatically acquires US citizenship at birth. However, there may be specific requirements for parents&#8217; length of residence or presence in the US before the child&#8217;s birth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>One Parent is a US Citizen and the Other is a Lawful Permanent Resident:\u00a0 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a child is born abroad to one US citizen parent and one parent who is a lawful permanent resident (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/immigration\/green-card\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">green card holder<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) at the time of the child&#8217;s birth, the child may derive US citizenship, provided the US citizen parent meets certain residency requirements before the child&#8217;s birth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>One Parent is a US Citizen and the Other is Not:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If a child is born abroad to one US citizen parent and a non-US citizen parent, the child may acquire US citizenship if certain conditions are met. Generally, the US citizen parent must have a certain period of physical presence in the US before the child&#8217;s birth.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Naturalization for Permanent Residents<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/citizenship\/learn-about-citizenship\/10-steps-to-naturalization\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Naturalization<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the process by which <\/span><b>eligible lawful permanent residents<\/b> <b>can become US citizens<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is a significant step for individuals who have established a permanent and lawful residency in the United States and wish to fully participate in the country&#8217;s civic and political life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Eligibility Criteria for Permanent Residents Applying for Citizenship<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be eligible for naturalization, lawful permanent residents must meet the following general requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Age Requirement:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the naturalization application (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/n-400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form N-400<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Continuous Residence:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The applicant must have continuously resided in the United States for a specific period, usually <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/policy-manual\/volume-12-part-d-chapter-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">five years<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, this requirement may be reduced to three years if married to a US citizen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Physical Presence:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The applicant must have been physically present in the US for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/citizenship\/continuous-residence-and-physical-presence-requirements-for-naturalization\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">thirty months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> within the 5 years continuous residence period.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Good Moral Character:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The applicant must demonstrate good moral character, which involves maintaining a positive record of conduct and adhering to US laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>English Language Proficiency:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Applicants are required to demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, with exceptions for certain age and residency combinations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Civics Knowledge:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Applicants must pass a civics test covering US history and government. There are exemptions and accommodations for applicants with certain disabilities and age-related factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Attachment to the Constitution: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The applicant must be willing to support and defend the principles of the US Constitution and be well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with any immigration process, it is essential to seek legal advice or assistance from our knowledgeable immigration attorneys when applying for naturalization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Special Cases<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are the following circumstances that are considered special cases:<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>Military Service and Citizenship<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eligibility Requirements for Military Personnel:<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/military\/naturalization-through-military-service\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military service members<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be eligible for expedited naturalization under the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program. To qualify, individuals must meet specific criteria, such as possessing critical skills, being in a lawful nonimmigrant status, and successfully completing basic training.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Expedited Citizenship Process for Service Members:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The MAVNI program offers an expedited path to citizenship for qualifying military personnel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><b>Citizenship through Marriage to a US Citizen<\/b><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Eligibility Criteria for Spouses of US Citizens:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Spouses of US citizens may be eligible to apply for US citizenship through marriage if they meet certain requirements. The key eligibility criteria include:<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being a lawful permanent resident for at least three years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being married to the same US citizen spouse for the entire three-year period<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meeting all other naturalization requirements<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Conditional versus Immediate Citizenship:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In some cases, spouses who have been married for less than two years at the time of obtaining their green card will be granted conditional permanent resident status. In such situations, the conditional green card must be converted to a regular (unconditional) green card before applying for citizenship.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are considering <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/immigration\/immigrant-visa-process\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">applying for US citizenship<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it is advisable to consult with our immigration attorney to assess your eligibility and ensure a smooth application process.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call our Immigration Attorney and Let us Help You When You Can Apply For U.S. Citizenship Now!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being a citizen of the U.S. is a significant ambition, but the process of becoming one may be difficult and confusing, leaving many people unsure of where to start. Do not panic if you find yourself in this circumstance. El Camino Inmigracion&#8217;s exceptional legal services are here to help you navigate the intricacies of the US immigration system. We\u2019ll help you determine when you can apply for U.S. citizenship and turn your dream of US citizenship into a reality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t let uncertainty hold you back from achieving your American dream. Take action today and partner with us at El Camino Inmigracion to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/contact-us\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">embark on your journey to US citizenship with confidence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Empower yourself with our top-notch legal services and let us handle the complexities while you focus on embracing the privileges and opportunities that US citizenship offers. Contact us now and schedule a free consultation. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Don&#8217;t Let Uncertainty Hinder Your Dreams of Becoming a U.S. Citizen Becoming a United States citizen is a momentous milestone, representing not only a commitment to a new home but also an affirmation of one&#8217;s dedication to the values and opportunities that the nation upholds. For those seeking to embark on this transformative journey, understanding [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8358,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8357"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8357"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8357\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8389,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8357\/revisions\/8389"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8358"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/elcaminoinmigracion.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}