Requirements:

Permanent Residence: You are a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) 

Continuous Residence: You have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years since you have become an LPR 

  • OR 1. you have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years since you became an LPR, and 2. you are married to a U.S. citizen and 3. you have been married to him/her for at least 3 years and 4. he/she has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years. 
  • OR 1. you have lived in the U.S. for at least 3 years since you became an LPR and 2. you obtained your green card through VAWA or because you were abused by your husband/wife or parent. 

Physical Presence: You have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 2 ½ years out of the past 5 years.  

  • OR 1. you meet either of the above 3 year “continuous residence”
    requirements and 2. you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 1 ½ years out of the past 3 years.

English: You can speak, read, and write basic English 

  • OR you are at least 55 years old and have been an LPR for at least 15 years. 
  • OR you are at least 50 years old and have been an LPR for 20 years. 

Civics: You know or can learn about the U.S. government and history

Good Moral Character: You were never convicted of any felonies

What to Bring: 

  • Your permanent resident card (“green card”) 
  • Your driver’s license or state ID card 
  • Your Social Security number 
  • If you are married to a U.S. citizen, his/her birth certificate and/or certificate of naturalization  
  • All marriage certificates and divorce records 
  • Your children’s birth certificates if they are also permanent residents 
  • List of residences for the past 5 years 
  • List of employers/schools for the past 5 years 
  • List of all trips outside of the U.S. for the past 5 years
    (including Canada and Mexico) 
  • Check or Money order for $760 payable to the Department of Homeland Security, or proof of low income if you qualify for a fee waiver 
  • Mailing Fee: $20 cash or check made out to the
    International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit