Q: Hello, I am a green cardholder category IR7 (as of late 2016), how long do I have to wait to apply for citizenship?
When I was 15 years old I got adopted by US citizens. Because my Visa did not show I legally entered the country as a lawful resident, I came in as a tourist then got adopted. I did not automatically get citizenship. It wasn't until I became of legal age that I obtained my permanent resident card. I know that if you're married to a US citizen it takes 3 years for you to be legible to apply for citizenship, how about if your parents are US citizens? What are my options?
A: If you did not derive US citizenship from your adoptive parents by operation of law, In order to be eligible for naturalization you need to have 5 years of lawful permanent resident status (LPR), show that you have been physically present in the US for at least 2.5 years of those five (this could be problematic), and be able to show that you have good moral character. USCIS has discretion when adjudicating these applications. When in doubt always consult an immigration attorney.
Kevin L Dixler agrees with this answer
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