A Lawful Permanent Resident is a non-United States citizen authorized to live and work in the United States permanently. And, in Florida, as with many other states, we have many residents that are LPRs. As a result, they often ask how long they have to be an LPR before they can apply for citizenship.
How long must one be an LPR before applying for citizenship?
In Florida, as in the rest of the U.S., the typical path to citizenship through naturalization requires you to be an LPR for at least 5 years. This means you must have been a lawful permanent resident for a minimum of 5 years before applying for naturalization.
Eligibility requirements for naturalization
To apply for naturalization, you must meet specific criteria. First, you must be at least 18 years old, and file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Second, you must have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least 5 years before filing Form N-400. You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of those 5 years. Finally, you must have lived for at least 3 months in a state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your residence.
Other than these requirements, you must also demonstrate good moral character for at least 5 years before filing. There is also a test of civic knowledge and the ability to speak and write English. This includes possessing knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government principles.
How to apply for a Green Card
The process for applying for a Green Card from within the U.S. is called an “adjustment of status.” This allows you to become a permanent resident without returning to your home country.
The steps include determining if you are eligible for a Green Card. Then, you must file an immigrant petition, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Attend your Application Support Center appointment and interview, and respond to any requests for additional evidence. Finally, monitor your case status as you wait to receive the final decision on your application.
