How to Apply for US Citizenship

Naturalization gives permanent residents the right to vote, a US passport, and protection from deportation. Here is how the process works.

Basic eligibility

Under 8 U.S.C. 1427 and USCIS rules, most applicants must:

• Be at least 18
• Have been a permanent resident for 5 years, or 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen who has been a citizen for those 3 years (8 U.S.C. 1430)
• Have continuous residence: trips abroad of more than six months can break it
• Have physical presence in the US for at least half of that period (30 months in the five-year path, 18 months in the three-year path)
• Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply
• Show good moral character
• Pass the English and civics tests
• Support the principles of the Constitution and take the oath

Military members and veterans have special, faster paths.

When to file

You can file up to 90 days before you reach the 5-year or 3-year mark.

Fees

Under the current fee schedule, N-400 costs $710 online or $760 on paper. A reduced fee of $380 is available for households at or below 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, and fee waivers are available in some cases (USCIS G-1055). Reduced-fee and waiver requests must be filed on paper. Check the current fee before filing.

The steps

1. Check eligibility and gather documents: green card, travel history, addresses, employment, marital history, and any court records.
2. File Form N-400 online or by mail.
3. Biometrics appointment.
4. Interview with English and civics testing. See the citizenship interview.
5. Decision: granted, continued (for more evidence or a retest), or denied.
6. Oath ceremony, after which you are a citizen.

The civics test

For applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS uses the 2025 civics test: officers ask up to 20 questions from a bank of 128, and you must answer 12 correctly. Applicants 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident study a shorter list (New Americans Campaign).

Red flags to discuss with a lawyer first

• Any arrest, citation or conviction, even if dismissed or expunged
• Trips abroad of six months or more
• Unpaid taxes or failure to file
• Claims to US citizenship, voting, or registering to vote as a non-citizen
• Child support arrears
• Failure of men to register for Selective Service when required

These issues can lead to denial or, in serious cases, removal proceedings. An immigration lawyer can review your history before you file.

Sources

1. USCIS: Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
2. Cornell Law School LII: 8 U.S.C. 1427, Requirements of naturalization
3. Cornell Law School LII: 8 U.S.C. 1430, Married persons and employees of certain nonprofit organizations
4. New Americans Campaign: New naturalization civics test effective 10/20/25
5. USCIS: Form G-1055, Fee schedule