A person may become a United States citizen by birth or through naturalization. Naturalization is the act of making a person a citizen of the United States who is not born with that status. You may apply for naturalization if:
- You have been a lawful permanent resident for five years.
- You have been a lawful permanent resident for three years and been married to a U.S. citizen for three years and continue to be married to that U.S. citizen.
- You are a lawful permanent resident child of U.S. citizen parents.
- You have qualilfying military service.
- Children under 18 may automatically become citizens when their parents naturalize.




