Citizenship

The short version

This lesson explains how you can become a United States citizen through a process called naturalization. It covers the main requirements you must meet and mentions the application form, N-400, you'll need to use. Understanding this process is important if you are a lawful permanent resident and wish to become a citizen, gaining new rights and responsibilities.

The law this is built on

Every point below comes from the authority named next to it. Verify the current text before relying on it.

• 8 U.S.C. § 1427(a)

  This law states that to become a naturalized citizen, you generally must have lived in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years immediately before applying. You also need to have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that time.

  Why it matters: This sets the minimum time you must hold a green card before you can apply to become a citizen.

• 8 U.S.C. § 1427(a)(2)

  The law requires that you must have resided continuously in the U.S. from the date you filed your naturalization application up until you become a citizen.

  Why it matters: This means you cannot move outside the U.S. permanently during the application process.

• 8 U.S.C. § 1427(a)(3)

  This section requires you to show you are a person of 'good moral character' during the time required for residency, and for it to continue until you take the Oath of Allegiance.

  Why it matters: Certain criminal acts or other actions can prevent you from meeting this requirement, even if they happened some time ago.

• 8 U.S.C. § 1427(a)(4)

  The law states you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. You also need to have some knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government.

  Why it matters: This means you will likely need to pass an English test and a civics test during your naturalization interview.

• 8 U.S.C. § 1427(a)(5)

  This part of the law requires you to demonstrate that you are committed to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and are well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.

  Why it matters: You will be asked about your willingness to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the U.S. as part of the process.

Words you need to know

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. It's how someone not born in the U.S. can gain citizenship.

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)

An LPR, often called a 'green card holder,' is someone who has been granted permission to live permanently in the United States. This status is usually a prerequisite for naturalization.

Form N-400

This is the official 'Application for Naturalization' form that you must file with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to begin the naturalization process.

Continuous Residence

This means you have maintained your status as a permanent resident and not abandoned your residency in the U.S. for the required period before applying and until you become a citizen. Longer trips outside the U.S. can break continuous residence.

Physical Presence

This refers to the actual amount of time you have spent physically within the borders of the U.S. during your continuous residence period. The law requires you to be physically present for at least half of the continuous residence period.

Good Moral Character

This is a legal requirement meaning you have generally followed the law and acted ethically for a certain period before applying for citizenship. Certain criminal convictions or actions can show a lack of good moral character.

Civics Test

During your naturalization interview, you will be tested on your knowledge of U.S. history and government. You must answer a certain number of questions correctly.

Your rights

• ✓You have the right to apply for naturalization if you meet the eligibility requirements.
• ✓You have the right to an interview with a USCIS officer.
• ✓You have the right to bring an attorney or accredited representative to your interview.
• ✓You have the right to appeal a denial of your naturalization application.
• ✓You have the right to certain accommodations for disabilities that might affect the English or civics test.
• ✓As a naturalized citizen, you gain the right to vote in federal elections.
• ✓As a naturalized citizen, you gain the right to hold federal office (except for President or Vice President).

How the process actually works

1. 1
   Meet eligibility requirements

   Ongoing until application.

   Before applying, you must generally be at least 18 years old, a lawful permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), and meet continuous residence and physical presence rules. You also need to show good moral character.

2. 2
   Prepare Form N-400

   When you meet eligibility or are within 90 days of meeting the continuous residency requirement.

   You will complete the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) carefully and truthfully. Gather all necessary supporting documents, such as copies of your green card, marriage certificate (if applicable), and travel records.

3. 3
   Submit N-400 and fees

   After preparation, when you are ready to apply.

   Mail your completed Form N-400 along with the required filing fee and biometric services fee to the correct USCIS lockbox facility. Keep a copy of everything you send.

4. 4
   Biometrics appointment

   Usually a few weeks to a few months after filing N-400.

   USCIS will send you an appointment notice to visit an Application Support Center (ASC). There, they will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.

5. 5
   Naturalization interview

   Several months to over a year after filing N-400, depending on location.

   You will attend an interview with a USCIS officer. The officer will review your application, ask questions about your eligibility, test your English skills (reading, writing, speaking), and administer a civics test.

6. 6
   Decision and Oath Ceremony

   Immediately after interview for some, or weeks to months later for others.

   After your interview, USCIS will make a decision. If approved, you will receive an invitation to an Oath of Allegiance Ceremony, where you will take an oath and officially become a U.S. citizen.

Deadlines that can end your case

• Continuous Residence (general)
  5 years as a lawful permanent resident (LPR)

  You can file Form N-400 up to 90 days before reaching your 5-year anniversary as an LPR.

• Continuous Residence (spouse of U.S. Citizen)
  3 years as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for that entire period

  You can file Form N-400 up to 90 days before reaching your 3-year anniversary as an LPR under this rule.

• Physical Presence
  At least half of your continuous residence period (e.g., 2.5 years for the 5-year rule)

  If you don't meet this, your application may be denied, and you may need to wait longer to reapply.

Common questions

How this changes by state

Naturalization requirements are set by federal law, specifically the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), found in Title 8 of the U.S. Code. This means the rules and forms for naturalization are the same across all U.S. states and territories. There are no state-specific variations for the N-400 application or the eligibility criteria to become a U.S. citizen. The process is managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a federal agency.

When you need a lawyer

You should consider consulting an immigration lawyer if you have a criminal record, even a minor one, or if you have had long absences from the U.S. or other issues with continuous residence. A lawyer can also help if you've been denied naturalization in the past, or if you have complex immigration history. If you are unsure about any part of the N-400 application or your eligibility, especially regarding good moral character, legal advice can prevent costly mistakes.

Do this today

• →Review the official USCIS website for the most current version of Form N-400 and its instructions.
• →Use the USCIS 'Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet' (Form N-400 Worksheet) to assess your eligibility.
• →Begin gathering all necessary documents needed to support your N-400 application, such as your green card and travel history.
• →Start studying for the English and civics tests by using the official USCIS study materials.