Citizenship and Naturalization

Naturalization is the legal process through which eligible lawful permanent residents can become U.S. citizens. Applicants must satisfy specific eligibility requirements established by U.S. immigration law and complete several steps with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including filing Form N-400, completing required background checks, attending an interview, and, if approved, taking the Oath of Allegiance.

Naturalization provides important rights and benefits, including the right to vote in federal elections, eligibility for a U.S. passport, and expanded options to petition for certain family members.

1. Eligibility Requirements for the Naturalization Process

To qualify for naturalization, an applicant generally must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time Form N-400 is filed.
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for the required period, generally at least five years. Certain applicants may qualify after three years if they have been living in marital union with a U.S. citizen spouse and meet the additional requirements for that category.
• Maintain continuous residence in the United States for the required statutory period.
• Meet the applicable physical-presence requirements.
• Demonstrate good moral character during the required period and, in some cases, beyond that period when relevant to eligibility.
• Demonstrate an ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English, unless an applicable age-and-residency exemption or disability exception applies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government by passing the applicable civics test, unless an exception or special consideration applies.
• Demonstrate attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and a willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Naturalization eligibility can vary based on an applicant’s immigration history, travel outside the United States, marital history, criminal record, tax compliance, and other factors. Applicants should evaluate their individual circumstances before filing Form N-400.

2. Application (Form N-400)

First, eligible individuals must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application requires biographical information, immigration history, travel and residence information, family information, and supporting documentation relevant to the applicant’s eligibility for naturalization.

USCIS has made several recent changes to Form N-400 and the naturalization process. A revised version of Form N-400 took effect in 2024 and streamlined some of the information requested from applicants. USCIS also established different filing fees for online and paper applications. The current general filing fee is $710 when Form N-400 is filed online and $760 when filed on paper, while certain applicants may qualify for a reduced fee or fee waiver. Applicants requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver must generally file the application on paper.

In addition, applicants who filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025 are generally subject to the newer 2025 civics test, while applicants who filed before that date may be tested under the prior version. Because USCIS forms, fees, and naturalization requirements can change, applicants should confirm that they are using the current form edition and requirements at the time of filing.

3. Biometrics Appointment

After Form N-400 is filed, USCIS conducts required background and security checks. Depending on the case, USCIS may schedule the applicant for a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints, a photograph, and other identifying information. In some cases, USCIS may be able to reuse biometrics that were previously collected and may not require the applicant to attend a new appointment.

4. Interview and Civics Test

As part of the naturalization process, a USCIS officer interviews the applicant and reviews the information provided on Form N-400. The officer may ask questions about the applicant’s background, immigration history, travel, residence, family, employment, and other information relevant to eligibility for naturalization.

Most applicants must also demonstrate an understanding of the English language and knowledge of U.S. history and government. Under the current 2025 civics test, USCIS may ask up to 20 questions from a list of 128, and the applicant must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

Certain applicants are exempt from the English-language requirement based on their age and the amount of time they have held lawful permanent resident status. Applicants who are age 50 or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years, or age 55 or older and have been permanent residents for at least 15 years, may take the civics test in the language of their choice. Applicants who are age 65 or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years receive additional consideration and are tested from a reduced group of civics questions.

Applicants who take the civics test in a language other than English generally must bring a qualified interpreter who is fluent in both English and the applicant’s chosen language. Other exceptions or accommodations may also be available for certain applicants with qualifying physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments.

5. Decision on the Naturalization Process Application

After the naturalization interview and testing, USCIS reviews the application and determines whether the applicant has established eligibility for U.S. citizenship. USCIS may approve the application, continue the case if additional information or documentation is needed, or deny the application if the eligibility requirements are not met.

If the application is approved, USCIS schedules the applicant for a naturalization ceremony and issues a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony with the date, time, and location of the ceremony.

6. Oath of Allegiance in the Naturalization Process

In the final step of the naturalization process, applicants attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. By taking the oath, applicants pledge their allegiance to the United States and accept the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. After the oath is administered, applicants receive a Certificate of Naturalization and officially become U.S. citizens.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance does not necessarily require a person to give up another nationality. Whether an individual may retain citizenship in another country depends on the laws of that country.

Certain applicants may qualify for exceptions, modifications, or special naturalization procedures, including some members of the U.S. military and certain spouses of U.S. citizens employed abroad. Because immigration laws, procedures, and eligibility requirements may change, applicants should confirm the requirements that apply to their specific circumstances.

Naturalization is an important milestone that allows eligible lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens and fully participate in the civic life of the United States.

Petitioning for Family Members

Once a person becomes a U.S. citizen, they may be able to petition for certain qualifying family members, including:

1. A spouse.
2. Parents, if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old.
3. Unmarried children under 21.
4. Unmarried sons and daughters age 21 or older.
5. Married sons and daughters.
6. Brothers and sisters, if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old.

Spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens are generally classified as immediate relatives and are not subject to the annual numerical limits that apply to family-preference categories. Other relatives, including adult children and siblings, may be subject to annual visa limits and significant waiting periods.