Obtaining permanent residency and obtaining citizenship
involve distinctly different processes. As a permanent resident, a foreign national may reside permanently in the United States
and may work for any employer without obtaining permission from USCIS. A primary distinction between a permanent resident
and a citizen is that the citizen is accorded the privilege of voting in elections. In addition to being able to vote, naturalized
citizens have other rights, including not being subject to deportation and being able to obtain a U.S. passport.
It should be noted that if a permanent resident is absent from the United States for an extended period of time (over six
months), USCIS may challenge whether the permanent resident has abandoned his or her intent to permanently reside in the United
States. Therefore, foreign nationals should seek counsel before leaving the United States.
A person who has gained
permanent residency through employment is eligible to apply for citizenship five years after having been granted permanent
residency. A person who is married to a United States citizen is eligible for citizenship three years after gaining permanent
residency; provided, however, that during this three-year period the permanent resident has been living with and married to
the United States citizen spouse and is still married to the United States citizen spouse at the time of citizenship.
Generally, obtaining naturalization takes about six months. It requires an interview and also a swearing-in ceremony.
The filing is made on a Form N-400 and is filed with the USCIS office having jurisdiction over the place in which the permanent
resident resides. An applicant must be able to read, write and speak English and must have a basic knowledge of American government
and history.
Please note that it is sometimes possible to have dual citizenship. Dual citizenship, however, depends
upon the countries in issue.
