Philadelphia, PA immigration attorney Christopher M. Casazza explains how you can become a U.S. citizen. He explains that to become a U.S. citizen, a person must first be a lawful permanent resident (LPR), also known as a green card holder. For most individuals, the requirement is to hold a green card for five years before becoming eligible to apply for citizenship. At that point, they may file an N-400 application with USCIS.

As part of the process, the applicant attends an interview where they must take a civics exam covering U.S. history and government, a writing test to demonstrate basic English writing skills, and a reading test to show the ability to read in English.

He adds that for individuals who obtained their green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and who continue to live with their U.S. citizen spouse, eligibility for citizenship comes sooner—after three years instead of five.