Lawful permanent residents living in Kentucky may wonder about the requirements to become a naturalized citizen. Be aware that the federal government handles naturalization through its U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency. Persons that currently hold lawful permanent resident status could apply for naturalization as long as they meet the statutory requirements.
Basic requirements to go from LPR to naturalized status
Although Kentucky doesn’t afford immigration status, it does provide state resident status to those living within its borders. A person residing in any state must reside there for three months to be eligible to apply for naturalization. That’s one of several rules in place for lawful permanent residents wishing to become citizens.
Another essential requirement is the five-year LPR status minimum. A person must be an LPR for five years and spent 30 months of the previous five years in the United States before applying for naturalization. Anyone who falls short of these durations may need to wait longer to apply.
The would-be applicant must meet several other requirements. People under the age of 18, for example, is not eligible.
Dealing with the requirements and the application process
Not everyone may know all the requirements to apply for naturalization. Immigration law could be confusing, and the various forms necessary to apply might appear overwhelming. Those who submit inaccurate or incomplete documents might find their attempts at naturalization delayed. For this reason and more, it may be helpful to speak with an immigration attorney.
Sometimes, USCIS may ask for additional information or might even deny an application. Processes exist to deal with such situations, and working with an attorney may be beneficial if any troubles occur.