Immigration law is complex and continually changing. As a result, becoming a U.S. citizen can be difficult. The process takes several years. This article explores the requirements for a permanent resident applying to become a U.S. citizen.

Section 316 of the Immigration and Nationality Act sets out three requirements one must satisfy in order to become a U.S. citizen. First, to become a U.S. citizen, the individual reside in the U.S. for a period of five years after becoming a permanent resident. The individual’s residence in the U.S. must be continuous. Absences of more than six months may count as a break an individual’s continuity of residence. Of this five year period, the individual must actually be in the U.S. for two and one half years.

Second, to become a U.S. citizen, the individual must reside in the U.S. from the time of the application to the time he is admitted as a citizen.

Third, to become a U.S. citizen, the individual must have been a person of good moral character during the five year period up until he is admitted as a citizen.

There are other requirements that one must satisfy in order to become a U.S. citizen. For example, with some exceptions, the individual must be at least eighteen years old at the time he files his application for citizenship. In addition, the individual must demonstrate an understanding of the English language, including the ability to read, write, and speak words in ordinary usage in the English language.

Let’s take a closer look at immigration status and, particularly, the non-immigrant’s immigration status.