The Path to U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization is the process by which lawful permanent residents (green card holders) obtain U.S. citizenship.

Key Requirements

• Green card for at least 5 years (3 years if obtained through a U.S. citizen spouse)
• Physical presence — at least 30 months out of the 5 years must be spent in the United States
• Continuous residence — no single trip outside the U.S. lasting more than 6 months
• Age 18 or older
• Good moral character — no serious criminal offenses
• English language ability — reading, writing, and speaking
• Knowledge of U.S. history and civics (civics test)

The application for naturalization is filed using Form N-400.

When to File

You may file up to 90 days before you meet the residency requirement. For example, if your green card was issued on January 1, 2021, you may file as early as October 3, 2025.

Required Documents

• Form N-400 (online or by mail)
• Copy of your green card (both sides)
• Two passport-style photos
• Filing fee — $760 (includes biometrics)

Low-income applicants may apply for a fee waiver (Form I-912).

After filing, you will be invited to an interview at your local USCIS office.

English Language Test

• Reading — read one sentence aloud
• Writing — write one sentence from dictation
• Speaking — the officer evaluates your spoken English throughout the interview

Civics Test

You will be asked up to 10 questions drawn from a list of 100. You must answer at least 6 correctly. Topics include history, the Constitution, and government. Free study materials are available on the USCIS website.

Exemptions

Applicants who are 50 years of age or older and have held a green card for at least 20 years (the 50/20 rule), or who are 55 or older with 15 or more years as a permanent resident (the 55/15 rule), may take the civics test in their native language.

After a successful interview, you will be invited to an oath ceremony — the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen.

What Happens at the Ceremony

• You take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
• You surrender your green card
• You receive your Certificate of Naturalization

After the Ceremony

• Apply for a U.S. passport
• Update your records with the Social Security Administration
• Register to vote
• You may now file petitions for your parents, brothers, and sisters