Volume 12 – Citizenship & Naturalization
Part D – General Naturalization Requirements
Chapter 1 – Purpose and Background
Chapter 2 – LPR Admission for Naturalization
A. LPR at Time of Filing and Naturalization
B. Conditional Residence in the General Requirements (INA 316)
C. Exceptions
D. Documentation and Evidence
Chapter 3 – Continuous Residence
A. Continuous Residence Requirement
B. Maintenance of Continuous Residence following LPR Status
C. Breaks in Continuous Residence
D. Preserving Residence for Naturalization (Form N-470)
E. Residence in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
F. Documentation and Evidence
Chapter 4 – Physical Presence
Chapter 5 – Modifications and Exceptions to Continuous Residence and Physical Presence
A. Qualifying Employment Abroad
B. Qualifying Military Service
C. Spouse, Child, or Parent of Certain U.S. Citizens
D. Other Special Classes of Applicants
Chapter 6 – Jurisdiction, Place of Residence, and Early Filing
A. Three-Month Residency Requirement (in State or Service District)
B. Place of Residence
C. Place of Residence in Certain Cases
D. 90-Day Early Filing Provision (INA 334)
E. Expediting Applications from Certain SSI Beneficiaries
Chapter 7 – Attachment to the Constitution
A. Attachment to the Constitution
B. Selective Service Registration
C. Draft Evaders
D. Membership in Certain Organizations
Chapter 8 – Educational Requirements
Chapter 9 – Good Moral Character
Technical Update – Multiple Absences and Residence and Physical Presence
July 20, 2015
This technical update clarifies that along with reviewing for absences of more than 6 months, officers review whether an applicant for naturalization with multiple absences of less than 6 months is able establish the required residence and physical presence for naturalization.
Technical Update – Religious Missionaries Abroad and Residence and Physical Presence
October 21, 2014
This technical update clarifies who may be considered to be a missionary of a religious group for purposes of preserving residence and physical presence for naturalization while working abroad.
Technical Update – Treating Certain Peace Corps Contractors as U.S. Government Employees
October 21, 2014
This technical update clarifies that Peace Corps personal service contractors are considered U.S. Government employees under certain circumstances for purposes of preserving their residence for naturalization while working abroad.
POLICY ALERT – Security-Related Positions Abroad
June 10, 2013
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to address amendments to section 1059(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2006 by Public Law 112-227.
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POLICY ALERT – Comprehensive Citizenship and Naturalization Policy Guidance
January 07, 2013
USCIS is issuing updated and comprehensive citizenship and naturalization policy guidance in the new USCIS Policy Manual.
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