How long after a felony can you apply for citizenship?
Asked by: Nayeli O'Keefe | Last update: June 10, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (54 votes)
In most cases, they will need to wait for five years after the date of the crime before applying for citizenship, or possibly three years in some situations. USCIS retains the discretion to deny your application if it feels that your criminal record shows that you do not have good moral character.
Can you apply for U.S. citizenship if you have a felony?
While there are temporary bars to US citizenship, there are also permanent bars that would prevent you from gaining US citizenship entirely. For example, if you were convicted of murder or an aggravated felony on or after November 29, 1990, you are not eligible to become a US citizen.
How far back does a citizenship background check go?
Usually this is the five years before you applied, or three years if you're applying for citizenship on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen. You will also need to give a statement under oath about any criminal background you have in the period of good moral character.
How long after a felony can you get a passport?
For some crimes like drug trafficking, a 5-10 year waiting period may be required before getting a passport. This allows for a “cooling off” period to elapse. Other felony convictions don't have defined waiting periods. But typically, the longer it's been since finishing your sentence, the better chances of approval.
Do convicted felons lose citizenship?
In general, a person will not lose their citizenship if convicted of a crime after they are naturalized. But it is possible to face civil “denaturalization” and removal from the country if the government can prove you lied about a crime committed before you became a citizen.
How Long do I Have to Wait to Apply for Naturalization if I Have Been Convicted for a DUI?
What makes you permanently ineligible for U.S. citizenship?
INA 315 states that “any alien who applies or has applied for exemption or discharge from training or service in the Armed Forces or in the National Security Training Corps of the United States on the ground that he is an alien and is or was relieved or discharged from such training or service on such ground, shall be ...
How does a felony affect immigration status?
A conviction for an aggravated felony can lead to deportation without the possibility of multiple forms of relief, such as asylum or cancellation of removal. Controlled Substance Violations: Any conviction related to illegal drugs can have a direct impact on immigration status.
Can you fly with a felony charge?
Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).
Can a felon join the military?
Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.
Can a convicted felon go on a cruise?
Yes. As mentioned above, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and others carry out background checks on guests through consumer reporting agencies prior to boarding. Cruisers would not usually be denied entry to the cruise unless they had been convicted of violent crimes such as physical and/or sexual assault.
What does USCIS check when applying for citizenship?
During your interview, a USCIS officer will also test your ability to read, write, and speak English (unless you are exempt from the English requirements). You will also be given a civics test in English (to test your knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government) unless you are exempt.
Do background checks go back 20 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
How far back do immigration records go?
The National Archives has immigration records for arrivals to the United States from foreign ports between approximately 1820 and December 1982 (with gaps). The records are arranged by port or airport of arrival.
What is the 3 year rule for citizenship?
You must have your permanent resident status for 3 years before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Your time as a permanent resident begins the day you were granted permanent resident status. You can find the date on your green card next to "Resident Since."
Who gets denied U.S. citizenship?
Criminal History and Good Moral Character
USCIS requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character (GMC) during the statutory period—generally five years before filing (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Certain criminal offenses can lead to a determination of poor moral character, resulting in denial.
What kind of background check is done for citizenship?
USCIS will need to get the fingerprints of a foreign national and send them to the FBI and other government agencies to check for records matching the fingerprints. The FBI will use its National Name Check Program to search for the applicant's name in law enforcement records.
Can felons get a passport?
Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.
Can I join the US military at 45 years old?
Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 42. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 41.
Can a felon be around any guns?
Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Some states return a felon's civil rights to own a gun after serving their sentence or a waiting period. If you live with a felon, you have to make sure gun access is limited so they don't have constructive possession.
What is the best country for a felon to live in?
1) Marshall islands or Micronesia. Buy flight on credit, do farm or whatever labor you can to eat while you get booted. No visa needed to live or work. 2) Some nations such as Argentina have effectively no immigration enforcement.
Does TSA check for warrants?
The TSA does not routinely check for warrants during the security screening process. Their primary focus is on ensuring passenger safety by screening for prohibited items such as weapons and explosives.
Will a felony in one state show up in another?
All felony convictions will show up on a criminal background check. However, if the background check is run in a state that is different from the one in which the felony was committed, it may not show up.
How do you get citizenship with a felony?
For example, if you have been convicted of an aggravated felony, you may be permanently barred from applying for citizenship. In other cases, you may need to wait five years to restart your “good moral character” period before you qualify to apply before USCIS.
Can a deported felon return to US?
Once you have been deported, the United States government will bar you from returning for five, ten, or 20 years, or even permanently. Generally speaking, most deportees carry a 10-year ban. The exact length of time depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding your deportation.
Does a felony follow you to another country?
In general it is very difficult, if not impossible, to travel to any country if you have a record of convictions for violent or sexual crimes, repeated convictions for felonies, or a recent conviction for a serious crime. Some countries prohibit their own citizens from leaving if they have serious criminal histories.