Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is the final step in the immigration journey for most green card holders. The process involves filing Form N-400, attending a biometrics appointment, passing the citizenship test and interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
Key Requirements
5 years of permanent residence (3 if married to U.S. citizen), at least 30 months of physical presence, good moral character, English language proficiency, and passing the civics test (6 out of 10 questions correct). Processing: 7–12 months in 2026. Filing fee: $760.
What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. It requires filing Form N-400 with USCIS, passing an English language test and a civics test, attending an interview, and taking the Oath of Allegiance. U.S. citizenship grants the right to vote, hold a U.S. passport, sponsor family members for green cards without backlogs (for immediate relatives), and protection from deportation.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for naturalization you must be at least 18 years old, be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5-year period (18 months for the 3-year rule), have continuous residence in the U.S. (no single trip abroad exceeding 6 months without explanation), demonstrate good moral character for the statutory period, pass the English and civics tests, and demonstrate attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
The N-400 Application
File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) online at my.uscis.gov or by mail. The filing fee is $710 (includes biometrics). Fee waivers are available for applicants meeting income requirements. You can file up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement — so if your 5-year anniversary is September 15, you can file as early as June 17.
The English Test
The English test has three components: Reading: You must read 1 out of 3 sentences correctly in English. Writing: You must write 1 out of 3 sentences correctly in English. Speaking: Your ability to speak English is evaluated during the interview. Exemptions exist for applicants over 50 with 20+ years as an LPR (50/20 rule), over 55 with 15+ years as an LPR (55/15 rule), or those with qualifying medical disabilities (Form N-648 required).
The Civics Test
The civics test covers U.S. government and history. USCIS publishes a list of 100 possible questions — you are asked up to 10 and must answer 6 correctly. Topics include principles of American democracy, the system of government (branches, Congress, President, courts), rights and responsibilities, American history (colonial period, Civil War, civil rights), and geography. Study materials are available free at uscis.gov/citizenship. Applicants qualifying under the 50/20 or 55/15 rules take a simplified 20-question version and may use an interpreter.
The Interview
After filing, USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment (fingerprints) followed by a naturalization interview at your local field office. At the interview, a USCIS officer reviews your N-400 application, verifies your identity and eligibility, asks about your background (travel, criminal history, tax compliance), administers the English and civics tests, and makes a decision (approve, deny, or continue). Most interviews last 20-30 minutes. Bring your green card, passport, and any documents referenced on your N-400 (tax returns, travel records).
N-400 Processing Times
Current processing times range from 6-15 months depending on your local field office. After interview approval, the oath ceremony is typically scheduled within 1-3 months. Total timeline from filing to citizenship: approximately 8-18 months. Check current times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
Common Reasons for Denial
Naturalization denials are most often caused by failure to meet the continuous residence requirement (extended trips abroad), criminal history affecting good moral character, failure to pass the English or civics tests (you get one re-test opportunity), tax compliance issues (unfiled returns, unpaid taxes), false claims to U.S. citizenship (even inadvertent ones on I-9 forms), and selective service registration failure (males 18-26 must register). If denied, you can request a hearing with a USCIS officer (Form N-336, $700 fee) or refile when you correct the issue.
Dual Citizenship
The United States allows dual citizenship. You do not need to renounce your current citizenship to become a U.S. citizen (though the Oath of Allegiance includes language about renouncing foreign allegiances, this is not enforced as an actual renunciation requirement). Check your home country's laws — some countries do not permit dual nationality and may revoke your original citizenship upon naturalization.
After citizenship: Apply for your U.S. passport immediately (Form DS-11). Register to vote. You can now petition for immediate relatives (spouse, parents, unmarried children under 21) with no Visa Bulletin wait — immediate relatives of U.S. citizens have no annual visa cap. Consider whether citizenship in your home country is affected.
Last verified: April 2026 · Reviewed by USImmigrationLaw.Today editorial team.