CITIZENSHIP


	LAW OFFICE OF AJAY K. ARORA Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1415A New York, NY 10118 Phone: (212)268-3580 Fax: (212)268-3582 Email: info@h1b1.com

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship. All information contained herein is generalized. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.

H-1B

PERM

L-1

EB-1

NIW

O-1

FAMILY SPONSORSHIP

OTHER IMMIGRATION

NATURALIZATION (CITIZENSHIP)

A person may become a U.S. citizen through several means:

Birth in the U.S.; or

Acquisition at Birth. A child born outside the U.S. where one or both parents are U.S. citizens may acquire U.S. citizenship at birth;

Derivation through Naturalization of parents. A child born outside the U.S. may become a citizen by virtue of the parents’ naturalization.

Naturalization Application. An individual must meet the following criteria:

18 years or older.
Permanent resident for five years. However, if a person is married to a U.S. citizen, the individual may be eligible for naturalization in three years if: i) the couple has been married for 3 years; ii) the spouse was a citizen during that entire period; and iii) the couple is living in marital unity.
Reside for a minimum of three months in the state where the application is filed.
Physically present in the U.S. for at least one-half of the five years (one-half of three if spouse is a citizen).
Resided "continuously" within the U.S. from the date the petition was filed to the time of admission to citizenship. (Note: short trips abroad are OK).
Not be absent from the U.S. for a continuous period of more than one year during the periods for which continuous residence is required. Exceptions--military service abroad and employees posted abroad who have approval to preserve residency.
Be a person of good moral character (no criminal record or "moral turpitude" issues).
Elementary knowledge of English (read, write, speak). Exceptions--persons over fifty, residing in the US for 20 years as a permanent resident; and persons over 55, residing in the U.S. for 15 years as a permanent resident.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. government and history.

Please contact our law firm for a free legal consultation if you are interested in naturalization.

[Note: Please consult with an attorney specializing in Immigration & Nationality law for professional advice in specific situations.]

Ajay K. Arora, Esq., is a prominent member of the Immigration & Nationality bar in New York City and a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. He may be contacted at (212)268-3580.