1. Permanant Residence - Get Your Governt Forms Now

You can't apply for citizenship without first getting a status of a permanant resident. If you are in the US, you will need to get in touch with the USCIS and obtain the I- 485 form. Filling out this form will be your first step in getting a green card. Of course, once you have your green card you will be afforded many other rights and benefits.

2. What You Should Expect As A Green Card Holder

- You have the right to live in the country and not be deported

- You may leave and reenter the country

- You may now be employed as long as it is legal work

- You may apply for Citizenship after a number of years

3. Getting Your Citizenship

If you are looking for the added benefits that come with full citizenship such as the right to vote, you will have to apply for citizenship directly. Of course, in order to do this you will have to have lived in the country without leaving for five years.

4. Getting Full Legal Status

If you happen to find love while you are inside the country, you should note that you can become a citizen immediately through blood or marriage. If your fiancé or wife is already a citizen, you can gain automatic citizenship by marriage. Many refugees of war torn countries can get special treatment if they fill out an I- 94 form and mail it immediately to the USCIS.