Citizenship Application Process

A comprehensive guide to help you navigate the U.S. citizenship application process.

Step by Step Guide

The Path to U.S. Citizenship

Follow these steps to successfully complete your citizenship application process.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet all USCIS eligibility requirements. Generally, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
Have lived in the U.S. continuously for 3-5 years
Demonstrate good moral character
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
Pass a test on U.S. history and government

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet all USCIS eligibility requirements. Generally, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
Have lived in the U.S. continuously for 3-5 years
Demonstrate good moral character
Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
Pass a test on U.S. history and government

Step 2: Complete Form N-400

Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You can:

Apply online at USCIS.gov
Download and complete the paper form
Be thorough and honest in your answers
Include all required documentation
Review everything carefully before submitting

Download Form N-400 directly from USCIS

Step 2: Complete Form N-400

Fill out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You can:

Apply online at USCIS.gov
Download and complete the paper form
Be thorough and honest in your answers
Include all required documentation
Review everything carefully before submitting

Download Form N-400 directly from USCIS

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

Submit the application fee when you file Form N-400:

The standard fee is $725 ($640 filing fee + $85 biometric services fee)
Fee waivers are available for qualified applicants
Reduced fees may be available for some applicants
Check the USCIS website for current fee information

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

Submit the application fee when you file Form N-400:

The standard fee is $725 ($640 filing fee + $85 biometric services fee)
Fee waivers are available for qualified applicants
Reduced fees may be available for some applicants
Check the USCIS website for current fee information

Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment:

Bring your appointment notice
Bring your green card and valid ID
USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature
This is typically a brief appointment (30 minutes or less)

Step 4: Attend Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment:

Bring your appointment notice
Bring your green card and valid ID
USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature
This is typically a brief appointment (30 minutes or less)

Step 5: Complete the Interview

Attend your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer:

Bring all required documents listed in your interview notice
The officer will review your application and may ask additional questions
You'll take the English test (reading, writing, speaking)
You'll take the civics test (up to 10 questions from the 100 study questions)
You must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass

Step 5: Complete the Interview

Attend your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer:

Bring all required documents listed in your interview notice
The officer will review your application and may ask additional questions
You'll take the English test (reading, writing, speaking)
You'll take the civics test (up to 10 questions from the 100 study questions)
You must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass

Step 6: Attend the Oath Ceremony

If your application is approved, you'll receive Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony:

Complete the form and bring it to your ceremony
Return your green card at the ceremony
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
Congratulations! You are now a U.S. citizen!

Step 6: Attend the Oath Ceremony

If your application is approved, you'll receive Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony:

Complete the form and bring it to your ceremony
Return your green card at the ceremony
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
Congratulations! You are now a U.S. citizen!

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the naturalization process.

: The naturalization process typically takes 12-18 months from filing to oath ceremony, but processing times vary by location. You can check current processing times on the USCIS website.
: Required documents typically include:

A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Two identical color photographs (2x2 inches)

Tax returns for the past 5 years (if applicable)

Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen)

Documentation of any legal name changes

Additional documents may be required based on your specific situation
: Yes, there are exemptions for:

Applicants who are 50 years or older and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years

Applicants who are 55 years or older and have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 15 years

Applicants who have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents them from learning English (requires Form N-648 completed by a medical doctor)
: If you fail either the English or civics test, USCIS will schedule you for a second interview, usually 60-90 days later. You'll only need to retake the portion of the test that you failed. If you fail a second time, your application will be denied, and you'll need to reapply and pay the filing fee again if you wish to continue pursuing citizenship.
: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of your required residency period (30 months out of 5 years, or 18 months out of 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Additionally, trips outside the U.S. for more than 6 months may disrupt your continuous residence. Trips longer than one year generally break your continuous residence unless you qualify for certain exceptions.