can my partener become citizen if he got caught stealing

If your boyfriend has the charge dismissed or pleaded down to something which is not a crime involving moral turpitude such as stealing, he would still be OK to apply for citizenship. If the charge of theft is sustained, he would likely be found to be a person lacking good moral character. The period required for good moral character is usually 5 years from the date of the offense. So at worst, your boyfriend would have to wait 5 years from that date to apply for citizenship.Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.