Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most meaningful steps an immigrant can take. It opens doors to voting rights, a U.S. passport, and a permanent sense of belonging in the country. But before you get there, you need to go through a process called naturalization and it all starts with Form N-400.
The N-400 application is your official request to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Before you fill out the form, you need to make sure you actually meet the N-400 eligibility requirements. Here is a guideline which breaks the process down in plain and simple terms.
What Is Form N-400?
Naturalization is the way in which a person who is not born in the United States can voluntarily become a U.S. citizen. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the form permanent residents use to request citizenship through naturalization. USCIS uses the form to review your background, travel history, family details, and eligibility for naturalization.
General N-400 Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement
To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old when you file Form N-400. There is one important exception: if you are applying based on active military service, the age requirement does not apply.
Lawful Permanent Resident Status
You must have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years. In other words, you need to hold a valid green card and have maintained that status throughout the required period.
Residency and Physical Presence
This is where many people get tripped up, so pay close attention. There are two separate requirements here:
Continuous Residence - Continuous residence means you have not spent six months or more outside the United States during the required period. It is usually five years as a permanent resident, or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.
Physical Presence - You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the past 5 years (or 18 months out of the past 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen).
State Residency
You must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you plan to apply for at least 3 months before filing.
Spouse of a U.S. Citizen
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply after being a permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen. However, you must still meet all other requirements.
Good Moral Character (GMC)
Applicants must establish and maintain good moral character throughout the statutory period required for naturalization which is typically 5 years, or 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Things that can negatively affect your GMC include aggravated felonies, fraud, tax violations, and certain drug offenses. As of August 2025, USCIS updated its policy to take a more balanced approach which means officers will also consider your positive contributions, such as steady employment, paying taxes, supporting your family, volunteering, and showing personal growth after past mistakes.
English Language and Civics Test:
English Proficiency
You need to demonstrate basic ability in speaking, reading, and writing in English. This is tested during your naturalization interview. If you have a disability that affects your ability to take the test, you may be eligible for an exemption using Form N-648.
Civics Test
For the civics test, the applicant will be asked up to 20 questions from a pool of 128 total questions about U.S. history and government, and will be expected to answer at least six out of ten correctly in order to pass.
On October 20, 2025, USCIS began implementing the 2025 naturalization civics test. Depending on the date of your naturalization application, you may need to take either the 2008 or the 2025 version.
Oath of Allegiance
At the end of the process, every successful applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This is the final, official step that makes you a U.S. citizen. You also need to show a willingness to serve the country if required, including registering for Selective Service if you are a male between the eligible ages.
Documents required
Copy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Two identical passport-style photos
Any legal name change documents (if applicable)
Filing fee of $760 (paper) or $710 (online)
Additional documents based on your specific eligibility category
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for naturalization before completing 5 years of residency?
Yes, in limited cases. You may file Form N-400 up to 90 days before you complete your continuous residence requirement.
Q2: What happens if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of the offense. Some convictions can bar you from naturalization, while others may not. It is always best to consult an immigration attorney before applying.
Q3: Do I have to take the English and civics tests?
Most applicants do. If you meet certain age or disability qualifications, you may not have to take the civics or English test.
Q4: How long does the N-400 process take?
USCIS processing times for Form N-400 vary depending on your local field office. On average, expect processing to take 6–10 months.
Q5: Can my family become citizens too?
Minor children of naturalizing parents may automatically acquire citizenship in some circumstances. Spouses must apply separately through their own N-400 process.
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