An immigration applicant may be eligible for naturalization in the United States if the applicant meets the following conditions:

• Should have stayed on the basis of permanent residence or as a green card holder for a minimum period of 3 years
• Should have a U S citizen spouse during the entire time
• Should also meet all other eligibility requirements as applicable.

Section 319(a) of the Immigration Act is applicable for the process of naturalization.

In some cases, those spouses of U S citizens who have been employed abroad may also qualify for naturalization without any regard to the time spent by them as permanent residents. These spouses can also then qualify under Section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY RULES:

There are certain criteria to be met by an applicant for naturalization:

• Should be of 18 years or older.
• Should be staying as a permanent resident for at least 3 years before the date of filing for Form N-400, the Application form.
• Should have been married to and living with a spouse who is a U S citizen.
• Should have stayed for a constant period in the United States from the date of applying for naturalization until the time naturalization is done.
• Should have lived within the state with USCIS jurisdiction for at least 3 months before the date of filing the application of naturalization.
• Good cognizance the English language is a pre-requisite, coupled with an understanding of U S history and civics.