We’ve been getting a couple of comments on the blog lately asking how to win citizenship or how to get citizenship. Unfortunately there is no way to win citizenship, rather the green card lottery’s grand prize gives you permanent resident status. This is of course nothing to scoff over since it can be very difficult to get permanent residency, in fact, the green card lottery is probably the easiest way to get a green card. Sign up today before the registration period ends on November third!
After you get permanent residency you can start thinking about getting citizenship. American citizenship is granted based on a variety of requirements and exceptions and therefore can become a little complicated, but there are general guidelines to how the government decides to grant citizenship.
In order to become a citizens you will have to have lived in the United States for five years, not been out of the country for 30 months out of those five years, not have left America for more than one year at a time and have lived in your present location for three months.
You will also need to know how to speak and read English. Though the United States does not have an official language, the vast majority of the population speaks only English. A good knowledge of the American government, history and Constitution is also required.
Finally, potential citizens will need to recite the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.
After all of this is accomplished you will be sent your certificate of citizenship and be able to benefit from all that entails. This includes the right to vote and the ability to leave the United States for as long as you choose. But this all starts with getting your permanent residency!