5 Signs You’re Ready to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most significant milestones in your immigration journey. At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we understand this decision carries profound meaning—it’s about security, opportunity, and building a permanent home for your family. As immigrants ourselves, we know the questions that keep you up at night: Am I ready? Is this the right time?

If you’re wondering whether you should take the next step toward naturalization, here are five clear signs that you’re ready to apply for U.S. citizenship.

1. You’ve Met the Green Card Residency Requirement

The foundation of citizenship eligibility is meeting the continuous residence requirement. For most green card holders, this means you’ve been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, that timeframe reduces to three years.

But it’s not just about counting years—it’s about continuous residence. This means:

• You’ve physically lived in the United States for at least half of the required period (30 months out of 5 years, or 18 months out of 3 years)
• You haven’t taken any trips outside the U.S. lasting more than six months
• You haven’t abandoned your permanent residence by moving abroad

Why this matters: USCIS carefully reviews your travel history. Extended absences can break the continuity of your residence and delay or derail your application. If you’ve traveled frequently or stayed abroad for work or family reasons, it’s important to evaluate whether those trips could affect your eligibility.

At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we help clients review their travel records and determine if their residence meets USCIS standards—before filing.

2. Your Family’s Future Depends on Stability

One of the most powerful reasons to pursue citizenship is family security. As a U.S. citizen, you gain rights and protections that green card holders simply don’t have:

• You cannot be deported. Even if immigration laws change, your status is permanent and protected. 
• You can sponsor family members faster. Citizens can petition for parents, married children, and siblings—categories unavailable to green card holders.
• Your children may automatically become citizens. If your child was born abroad or is under 18, they may derive citizenship from you once you naturalize.

If you lie awake worrying about what would happen if immigration policies shift, or if you’re separated from family members who need your sponsorship, citizenship provides the safety net you’ve been searching for.

Real impact: We’ve helped hundreds of families reunite and gain peace of mind through naturalization. One client, a single mother from Honduras, naturalized so she could petition for her elderly parents. Within two years, her family was whole again.

3. You’re Comfortable with English and U.S. Civics

To become a U.S. citizen, you must pass two tests during your naturalization interview:

1. English language test – You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
2. Civics test – You’ll answer questions about U.S. history and government (typically 10 questions out of a possible 100).

If you can hold everyday conversations in English, read a newspaper article, and write simple sentences, you’re likely ready. The civics test requires studying, but the questions are straightforward, covering topics like the Constitution, the branches of government, and important historical events.

Exemptions exist: If you’re over 50 and have been a green card holder for 20 years, or over 55 with 15 years of permanent residence, you can take the civics test in your native language. Additionally, certain medical conditions may qualify you for a waiver.

Why preparation matters: Walking into your citizenship interview unprepared is one of the most common mistakes we see. Fortunately, with the right resources and practice, most applicants pass on their first attempt. We provide our clients with study guides, practice questions, and interview coaching to ensure confidence on test day.

4. You Have Good Moral Character

USCIS requires that applicants demonstrate “good moral character” during the statutory period (typically 5 years before filing, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). This is one of the most scrutinized parts of the application.

Good moral character means:

• No criminal convictions (or only minor offenses that don’t disqualify you)
• You’ve paid your taxes and filed returns on time
• You haven’t committed fraud or lied to a government official
• You’re current on child support and other court-ordered obligations
• You haven’t been involved in illegal activity, including unlawful voting

Red flags to watch for: Certain offenses—like aggravated felonies, domestic violence, DUI convictions, or controlled substance violations—can permanently bar you from citizenship. Even older arrests or dismissed charges may need explanation.

If you’ve had any run-ins with the law, don’t assume you’re ineligible. Many issues can be addressed with the right legal strategy. At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we carefully review criminal histories, tax records, and other background issues to assess eligibility and prepare strong applications.

Our promise: We’ll be honest with you about your chances and help you navigate any complications with persistence and clarity.

5. You’re Ready to Commit to the United States

Citizenship is more than a legal status—it’s a commitment. When you naturalize, you take an oath of allegiance to the United States. You pledge to:

• Support and defend the U.S. Constitution
• Renounce allegiance to any foreign country (in most cases)
• Serve the country if required (such as through jury duty)

For many of our clients, this is the most emotional part of the journey. It’s a declaration that the U.S. is home. It’s about choosing a future where you and your family can thrive with dignity and opportunity.

If you’re at peace with this commitment and ready to embrace the rights and responsibilities of citizenship—including voting, serving on a jury, and holding a U.S. passport—you’re ready.

What Happens Next?

If these five signs resonate with you, the next step is to file Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. This is where the process begins:

1. Complete and file your N-400 with supporting documents
2. Attend your biometrics appointment for fingerprinting
3. Prepare for and attend your citizenship interview
4. Receive a decision (approval, continuance, or denial)
5. Take the Oath of Allegiance at your naturalization ceremony

The timeline varies, but most applicants can expect the process to take 8–12 months from filing to oath ceremony.

You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone

At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we’ve walked this path ourselves. Our founder, Carrie, immigrated to the United States from Vietnam at age 10. Our all-female team is made up of immigrants and children of immigrants who understand the fear, hope, and determination that come with pursuing citizenship.

We guide families through every stage of the naturalization process with compassion, clarity, and persistence. From reviewing your eligibility to preparing you for the interview, we’re with you at every step.Our promise to you: You are not alone. We will guide you through uncertainty with dignity and confidence so you and your family can thrive in the United States.

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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you recognize yourself in these five signs, it’s time to start your citizenship journey. Contact the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen today for a consultation.

Call us: 817-330-9734
Email us: info@carrielegal.com
Visit us: 721 N Fielder Rd., Suite C, Arlington, TX 76012

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