Becoming a US citizen usually requires 5 years as a green card holder (3 if married to a citizen), plus several months for naturalization processing.
Basic timeline
Most applicants must hold a green card for 5 years (3 if married to and living with a US citizen) before applying for naturalization.
Processing time
The application (Form N-400) took a median of about 6 to 8 months in recent years (USCIS). Check uscis.gov for current times.
Requirements
- Be 18 or older.
- Continuous residence and physical presence.
- Good moral character.
- Pass the English and civics tests (100 civics questions, up to 10 asked).
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
Fee
$760 (paper) or $710 online (since 2024).
Military
Special rules for service members.
Naturalization in more detail
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a US citizen. The path runs through Form N-400, biometrics, an interview and the Oath of Allegiance. Most applicants wait for decisions after filing. Processing times vary by field office, and USCIS publishes the median on its website, which is the best way to check for your area.
Residence rules
Applicants must have lived continuously in the US as permanent residents for five years, or three years if married to a US citizen and living with that spouse. Trips abroad of more than six months can break continuous residence, and trips of a year or more usually do. Applicants must also have been physically present in the US for at least half of the required period, which is 30 months for the five year route. The applicant must live for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where they file.
The naturalization test
The English test covers speaking, reading and writing. The civics test draws from 100 questions, and applicants are asked up to 10, needing at least 6 correct. Some older long-term residents are exempt from the English test or can take it in their language: those 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15 years. Medical disability exceptions are filed on Form N-648.
Good moral character
USCIS looks at the statutory period before filing, and can consider earlier conduct. Things that can block approval include certain crimes, failure to pay taxes or child support, false claims of citizenship, voting illegally and lying under oath during the process. Not registering with Selective Service, when required for men aged 18 to 25, can also cause problems. Anyone with an arrest should talk to an immigration lawyer before filing.
Costs and help
The filing fee is $760 on paper and $710 online, and a reduced fee of $380 applies to some applicants with household income between 150% and 400% of the federal poverty guidelines. A fee waiver applies to those below 150% of the guidelines or receiving means-tested benefits. Free or low-cost help is available through nonprofit organizations recognized by the Department of Justice. Scams are common, and only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can give legal advice.
Military and other special routes
Members of the military with one year of honorable service can apply without the standard residence period, and those who serve during designated periods of hostility have even fewer requirements. Spouses of US citizens working abroad for the US government may also qualify under special provisions. Children under 18 who are permanent residents and live with a US citizen parent usually become citizens automatically, with no N-400.
After the oath
After the ceremony, the new citizen receives a Certificate of Naturalization. A passport application and registration to vote are the usual next steps. Citizens can sponsor relatives for green cards under more categories than permanent residents can, and a naturalized citizen cannot be deported except in rare cases where citizenship was obtained by fraud.
Based on data from USCIS and the US Department of State.
