Annually, thousands of eligible permanent residents seek to become naturalized U.S. Citizens. This is possibly one of the most significant steps one can take, and an immensely powerful decision towards becoming fully engaged in the American Democratic process. We applaud and encourage those who through their desire to become citizens, are already taking steps of leadership and community building.
CNAV wishes to provide communities a basic web center to find information, resource, and free support in applying for Naturalization.
Basic Eligibility:
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Have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements (See the USCIS General Path to Citizenship page for more information), or
- Have been a permanent resident married to a U.S. Citizen for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements (See the USCIS For Spouses of U.S. Citizens page for more information) or,
- Have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements (See the USCIS Military page for more information).
Free Community Support:
The Greater Boston Citizenship Initiative (GBCI) is a new collaborative project that helps eligible legal permanent residents overcome barriers to naturalization. This initiative was created by the Fish Family Foundation and MIRA Coalition in partnership with six other immigrant, community-based, and direct service organizations to increase naturalization rates in the state.
GBCI partner agencies provide a range of support services for LPRs seeking citizenship, including civics instruction, application assistance, and referrals to legal services and ESOL classes. In addition, GBCI offers FREE clinics providing Permanent Residents the legal guidance, referrals and materials needed to successfully complete their application, pass their citizenship test and become fully integrated members of the United States.