How to convert a Green Card to US Citizenship: Benefits and Requirements

Alvva opens the doors to U.S. citizenship!

At Alvva, we are excited to announce that we’ve launched our new service to support U.S. citizenship applications. We’re very familiar with the path to naturalization and are here to guide you at every step, providing the detailed guidance you need to increase your chances of success.

Forget the complexity and uncertainty. With Alvva, the application process is transformed into a simple and efficient experience. We will help you upload all the required information to generate your naturalization application, and you can track your progress online through your own Case Center.

Start your journey toward citizenship with Alvva's help today, and make your dreams come true in the United States!

Benefits: A Green Card vs. American citizenship

Getting a Green Card, or permanent residency, in the United States is a crucial milestone in any immigrant's life. However, for many, this is just the first step towards an even greater goal: becoming a U.S. citizen. Although this naturalization process may seem daunting, it offers a number of significant benefits and opens up new opportunities for those who complete it successfully. Can you imagine being able to vote and have a say in the future of this country? Or the peace of mind of knowing you can live abroad without losing your connection to the United States? These are just some of the privileges that come with citizenship.

Given the complexity of the naturalization process, it is vital for those seeking to become citizens to obtain specialized help. This ensures that all necessary documents are filled out and submitted correctly.

American citizenship goes beyond permanent residency, granting rights and privileges that are invaluable to many immigrants and their families. These benefits include:

1. The ability to help relatives immigrate: As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor relatives to obtain permanent residency in the United States, which is supported by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on its official website. If you only have permanent residency, the possibilities of sponsoring relatives are more limited. As a resident, you can:
   • Only sponsor certain relatives: You can only sponsor your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
   • The process can be longer and more complex: You must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to support your relatives.
   • You cannot sponsor parents, siblings, or children over 21.
2. The right to vote: This fundamental right allows citizens to participate in all elections, strengthening the democracy of the country.
3. Freedom to live abroad and travel freely: Maintaining citizenship status regardless of the length of time spent outside the country is an exclusive privilege of citizens.
4. Ability to participate in government services and political elections: Access to certain social services, and the ability to vote in elections is limited to those with citizenship.

Requirements for American citizenship

Obtaining U.S. citizenship is a process that requires meeting specific criteria designed to ensure that applicants are fully integrated and committed to the life and values of the United States.

One of the primary criteria is physical residence in the country, where applicants have to have lived in the United States for a certain period after obtaining the Green Card. According to U.S. immigration laws, as detailed on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, this period is usually at least five years, allowing individuals to demonstrate their stability and continuous stays in the country. However, if your spouse already has US citizenship, the required period is only 3 years the required period is only 3 years.

In addition, there is a special emphasis on the applicant's good moral character. This requirement seeks to ensure that candidates for citizenship have respected and complied with all U.S. laws and regulations, reflecting their respect for the legal and social order of the country. Good moral character is seen as a sign of the individual's commitment to the fundamental principles governing American society. However, these are not the only requirements to be fulfilled to obtain U.S. citizenship.

Each particular case can have its own requirements and conditions. Below are the specific requirements that apply to all applicants, as well as those that may vary according to the individual’s situation.

General Requirements

For all applicants:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the application (Form N-400).
• Prove continuous legal permanent residency in the United States for at least 5 years prior to the application.
• Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months of those 5 years prior to the application.
• Prove that you have lived for at least 3 months in the U.S. state or district with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
• Be a person of good moral character for at least 5 years prior to the application.
• Demonstrate attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
• Have the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. You may be able to obtain an exemption for this requirement if you are at least 50 years old.
• Possess basic knowledge of U.S. history, principles, and form of government (civics exam).
• Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Exceptions exist for some requirements for older individuals and those with longer periods as permanent residents. For more details, check with the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/naturalization-eligibility

Requirements for those married to U.S. citizens

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, the requirements are a bit different:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the application (Form N-400).
• Have been a legal permanent resident of the United States for at least 3 years prior to the application.
• Have lived for at least 3 months in the U.S. state or district with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
• Prove continuous residency as a legal permanent resident for at least 3 years prior to the application.
• Reside continuously in the United States from the date of application until naturalization.
• Have been physically present in the United States for at least 18 months of those 3 years prior to the application.
• Be a person of good moral character, committed to the Constitution, and willing to the order and well-being of the United States for at least 3 years prior to the application and until the taking of the oath.

Special rules exist for spouses of U.S. military personnel abroad. For more details, you can also check the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/naturalization-eligibility

Naturalization Process

The naturalization process is a structured pathway leading to American citizenship, marked by key stages designed to assess the applicant's eligibility and readiness.

It all begins with filing Form N-400 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and it is the first formal step towards obtaining citizenship. This application is the start of the applicant's commitment to the process and demonstrates their desire to become a citizen.

After the application, comes the appointment for biometric data, an essential phase that serves to confirm the applicant's identity through fingerprints and photographs, and to perform the necessary security checks that ensure the candidate meets the legal requirements to advance in the process.

The next stage involves an interview and a citizenship test. The applicant's English language skills and knowledge of U.S. history, government, and civic principles are assessed. In addition to gauging knowledge, this test is also an opportunity for USCIS to evaluate the applicant’s ability to integrate and commitment to the country's values.

Finally, the process culminates with the Oath of Allegiance, a solemn and emotional act where applicants declare their loyalty to the United States and its laws, formalizing their transition from permanent residents to U.S. citizens. This moment represents not only the end of a bureaucratic process but also the beginning of a new stage of life with all the rights, responsibilities, and privileges that being a U.S. citizen entails.

Get Your American Citizenship!

Obtaining American citizenship is a significant process that offers unique benefits and opportunities. While the path to naturalization may seem complex, it is an investment in your future that is worth considering.

If you have a Green Card and dream of American citizenship, your path forward is entirely achievable. With the right preparation and necessary support, becoming a U.S. citizen is an attainable goal that can enrich your life and that of your family profoundly and enduringly.

At Alvva, we understand that each immigration story is unique, and we are here to extend a helping hand. From helping you understand the requirements to preparing you for the civics test and English proficiency, our team is dedicated to making your path to citizenship as smooth as possible. Contact us for your free consultation!