Q: Do I have to report a dismissed charge for us citizenship application/documents?

A: Yes, you need to do so.

Crimes That Temporarily Bar Applicants From Citizenship

Some crimes make a person only temporarily ineligible for citizenship. If, after the date you committed the crime, you wait out the same number of years that you must have to meet your permanent residence requirement – typically five years, or three years for applicants married to and living with a U.S. citizen for all that time -- you may be able to receive U.S. citizenship.

We say “may” because USCIS can still consider your past actions in reviewing your application — and choose to deny your application. But at least you will have a chance to prove that the good side of your character outweighs your past bad acts.

Here is a summary list of the crimes that make you temporarily ineligible for citizenship:

You operated a commercial vice enterprise — for example, were a prostitute, ran a call-girl ring, or sold pornography.

You participated in illegal vice activities—for example, hired a prostitute.

You have been convicted of or admitted to a crime involving moral turpitude, such as fraud.

You spent 180 days or more in jail or prison for any crime.

You committed any crime related to illegal drugs other than a single offense involving 30 grams or less of marijuana.

You have been convicted of two or more crimes, the combination of which got you a total prison sentence of five years or more.

You get most of your income from illegal gambling or have been convicted of two or more gambling crimes.

The crimes on this list prevent you from establishing the necessary good moral character during the required period (three or five years).