If someone is born in the United States, they are automatically a U.S. citizen under the doctrine of birthright citizenship. They are granted this citizenship without having to go through any sort of legal process, submit applications, take a test or do anything else.
But what about someone who immigrates to the United States with the goal of eventually becoming a citizen themselves? This process is known as naturalization. It is certainly an option, but how long is it going to take if that is the goal you have?
Over five years
Typically, it will take more than five years to become a U.S. citizen. This is because the first step is to get a green card and become a permanent resident. You then have to maintain permanent resident status for five years before you can apply to become a citizen.
Even after you apply, citizenship is not automatic. It can take time for the government to review the paperwork. You need to take a citizenship test. There are many different requirements that the government has to check to see if you qualify for naturalization. So it will be five years before you can start this process, but it could take months after that point before your citizenship is actually granted.
One important thing to note is that the path to citizenship is sometimes shorter for a person who is married to a U.S. citizen. If you are, then you can start the process after being a permanent resident for three years, rather than five.
Either way, this is a major life change and a long and often complicated process. Be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take at this time.
