You must have legal permanent residency in the U.S. The card evidencing this status is frequently called a green card. If you acquired your residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you are still married to that citizen, you must have had your residency for three years (although you can file your application at the two year and nine month mark). If you acquired your residency through any other way, you must have had that residency for five years (although you can file your application at the four year and nine month mark).

The time indicated above is called the look back time, and during that time period you must be able to show good moral character. Any incident with law enforcement may cloud good moral character. You are also required to declare any arrests or charges that have been brought against you at any time when you apply for naturalization. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime at any time, you should see an immigration attorney prior to filing for naturalization because that circumstance may impact more than just your naturalization process.

During the look back time, you must also have continuous residence in the U.S., which means that you have had no trips outside of the U.S. for more than six months. You must also have 18 months or 36 months of physical presence in the U.S. (depending on whether you are using a three year or five year look back). Physical presence means physically being in the U.S.

Additionally, you must have resided in the district in which you are filing for the past 90 days.

Applicants for naturalization are required to take an English and Civics test. The English test requires applicants to read and write basic English. The Civics test requires applicants to understand the basic tenants of the U.S. system of government and answer 6 out of ten questions correctly (there are 100 possible questions). The Civics test was recently changed and sample questions can been seen on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' website (www.USCIS.gov).

Some applicants are exempt from the test. Applicants who are 50 years old and have been legal permanent residents for 20 years or applicants who are 55 years old and have been legal permanent residents for 15 years are exempt from the English test and can take the Civics test in the language of their choice. Applicants who are 65 years old and have been legal permanent residents for 20 years are exempt from the English test and can take a simplified Civics test in a language of their choice.

Finally, all applicants must pledge their adherence to the Constitution of the United States.

As with any aspect of immigration law, it is advisable to speak to an experienced immigration attorney like those at the Immigration Law Group before making any filings with the government as there are exceptions to all of the rules listed above and some additional requirements.

Can you answer any of the questions on the new civics test? Here are some samples:

• What is the supreme law of the land? (The Constitution)
• How many amendments does the Constitution have? (27)
• When do we celebrate Independence Day? (July 4th)
• Why are there 13 stripes on the flag? (For the Original 13 States)

See all the questions and answers in English: Click Here

See all the questions and answers in Spanish: Click Here

See all the questions and answers in Chinese: Click Here

See all the questions and answers in Tagalog: Click Here

Download flash cards: Click Here

Click here to see our frequently asked citizenship questions.