{"id":5805,"date":"2022-07-19T12:11:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-19T17:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krilaw.com\/?p=5805"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:50:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T19:50:17","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-u-s-citizen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krilaw.com\/es\/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-u-s-citizen\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people who become lawful permanent residents<\/a> (green card holders) have the ultimate goal of becoming <\/span>naturalized U.S. citizens<\/span>. Obtaining a green card is not easy to begin with, and even though becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen is relatively easier, many who apply still get their applications denied for various reasons. Besides worrying about whether their application for citizenship will be approved, a question we often get at <\/span>Kriezelman Burton & Associates<\/span> Chicago office is how long it takes to become a U.S. citizen. We are based in Chicago, but also take cases in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

Before answering that question, it is important to first understand the eligibility criteria and the process one must go through to become a U.S. citizen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eligibility for Naturalization<\/h2>\n

A person not born in the United States or its territories can only become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, a process of applying for citizenship<\/a> for noncitizens who meet the eligibility requirements. Before applying, however, one must make sure they meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization, which are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n