Really have to wait 5 years after a DUI for a citizenship?

F

flygirlhanna

New Member
Hi helpful people!

I am trying to apply for a citizenship but I got a DUI last year. I am off probation so I know I can apply but I was wondering if I will be denied automatically since my DUI is only a year old. I have been a resident for 6 years now and got my PR card through my husband. Never been in trouble except last year with my DUI and I took the plead bargain. There was no incident and no record of my BAC level. I have been doing some research and see two different answers. I know I have to have a good moral character for at least 5 years but I also saw few people with a DUI less than 5 years got their citizenship. I have a lawyer through my husband's work but obviously he is not a immigration lawyer and wasn't sure about good moral character part since it's not clearly stated. Anyone got their citizenship with a DUI less than 5 years who can share their experience? I am desperate! Please help.
 
flygirlhanna said:
Hi helpful people!

I am trying to apply for a citizenship but I got a DUI last year. I am off probation so I know I can apply but I was wondering if I will be denied automatically since my DUI is only a year old. I have been a resident for 6 years now and got my PR card through my husband. Never been in trouble except last year with my DUI and I took the plead bargain. There was no incident and no record of my BAC level. I have been doing some research and see two different answers. I know I have to have a good moral character for at least 5 years but I also saw few people with a DUI less than 5 years got their citizenship. I have a lawyer through my husband's work but obviously he is not a immigration lawyer and wasn't sure about good moral character part since it's not clearly stated. Anyone got their citizenship with a DUI less than 5 years who can share their experience? I am desperate! Please help.
Click to expand...

Hi Flygirlhanna,

It all depends, since they are other members of the forum sharing that they got their citizenship request approved even with a record of DUI.
 
Use the search function on here, I have answered this several times and so have others.

A DUI (so long as it is not a felony, i.e. bodily injury) is NOT a crime of moral turpitude.

Only a crime of moral turpitude requires no incidents within 5 years.

There is NO requirement to wait 5 years from your DUI to apply and receive citizenship, only that you have completed ALL the requirements from your sentence, i.e. paid your fines, completed your probation etc.

The above statement "it all depends" is NOT correct. There is NOTHING to depend or make this different. You are eligible to get your citizenship.

You can also search google and the departments regulations on DUI and crime of moral turpitude.
 
Omg thank you so much!!! I travel a lot for work and every time I come back to the states, they pull me ok for secondary to clear my name. I really want to apply for the citizenship now but wanted to make sure I won't be rejected since my dui hadn't even over 5 years. Thank you so much for your help!! Gonna apply soon so I will keep you guys updated!
 
flygirlhanna said:
Omg thank you so much!!! I travel a lot for work and every time I come back to the states, they pull me ok for secondary to clear my name. I really want to apply for the citizenship now but wanted to make sure I won't be rejected since my dui hadn't even over 5 years. Thank you so much for your help!! Gonna apply soon so I will keep you guys updated!
Click to expand...

Best of luck and keep us posted :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top