To become a U.S. citizen, you must: Have had a Permanent Resident (Green) Card for at least five years, or for at least three years if you're filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

Citizenship means being a member of a nation or country and having full rights and responsibilities under the law. In the United States, there are three ways to become a citizen: being born in the United States, having parents who are citizens of the United States, and going through a process called naturalization.

Slide Five: United States Citizenship 4. Is there a way for this third person to become a U.S. citizen? Yes, apply for naturalization.

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides for special consideration of the civics test for applicants who, at the time of filing their Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, are over 65 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years.

In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Minimum Age You must be at least 18 years old to apply for naturalization — unless you're applying based on any period of wartime military service, in which case you may be any age. Our guide to becoming a naturalized citizen has more details about eligibility and exemptions.

Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application; Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under); Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;