Most applicants must:
If you received your green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after three years of being a green card holder, provided you and your spouse are still married and living together. For most other green card holders, they must wait five years before applying for citizenship.
Some applicants may qualify for exceptions or accommodations when it comes to the English and civics test requirements.
Age and Residency Exceptions
You may be able to take the civics test in your native language (with an interpreter) if you meet one of the following:
If you qualify, you will still take the civics test, but you can do so in your native language through an interpreter. You must bring your own interpreter to the interview, as USCIS will not provide one for you. The interpreter must be fluent in both English and your native language.
If you are:
You will be given a simplified civics test, with fewer questions to study.
Some applicants may qualify for a full exemption from both the English and civics tests if they have a qualifying medical condition.
To request this exception:
Proper documentation is important in these cases, and not all conditions will qualify.
Your path to citizenship depends on how you got your green card. These pages cover each path:
At this stage, USCIS will review your immigration history again to make sure you were initially eligible for a green card and that you are currently eligible for U.S. citizenship. This can include:
In some cases, applying too early or without proper review can create unnecessary complications.
Some situations may require additional analysis before applying:
These do not always prevent approval, but these issues still need to be considered.
In this video, Linh explains how one long trip outside the U.S. can push back the date you are able to apply for citizenship.
We assist clients with:
When can I apply?
Most green card holders can apply after 5 years, or after 3 years if they are married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse. USCIS accepts applications up to 90 days before you reach that date.
What happens at the naturalization interview?
A USCIS officer will conduct the interview in English, administer the civics test, and will go over your naturalization application with you. Some applicants may qualify for an English language exemption, and/or an exemption from the civics test, or a simplified version of the civics test. For most Utah applicants the interview is at the USCIS Salt Lake City office. We help you prepare.
How long does it take?
It depends on your local USCIS office and changes often. See our update on USCIS processing times.
I spent a lot of time outside the U.S. Can I still apply?
Long trips can affect the continuous residence requirement. A trip of 6 months or more raises a presumption that it was broken, and a trip of more than a year breaks it. Talk to an attorney before you file.
I don’t live in Utah. Can you help?
Yes. Linh meets clients by Zoom or phone anywhere in the U.S. and abroad, and consultations are available in English and Spanish.
Many naturalization applications are straightforward, but some are not as simple as they appear.
Taking the time to review your case before applying can help you move forward with clarity and avoid delays.
We work with families across the Salt Lake Valley, including West Valley City and Kearns. Meet with Linh in person in South Jordan, by phone or on Zoom.
If you are considering applying for U.S. citizenship, we can help you determine whether now is the right time and guide you through the process.
EN 
ES