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.