Permanent residents should maintain continuous residence and physical presence, avoid long trips abroad, and file taxes correctly as residents. Criminal issues, even minor ones, can affect naturalization eligibility. It’s also important not to claim U.S. citizenship prematurely or vote in federal elections. These mistakes can have serious consequences.

Naturalization reviews your conduct over several years, not just recent behavior. Immigration officers examine travel history, tax compliance, and moral character. Keeping clean records and staying informed about obligations as a resident can make the citizenship process smoother when the time comes.

I didn’t realize how closely citizenship applications are reviewed until I applied. Keeping consistent records and avoiding shortcuts gave me confidence during the interview. Thinking long-term really helps.