Overview: NaturalizationThe process by which a permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen, generally after three or five years of residence, by filing Form N-400.See it in the glossary is the process through which an eligible permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. The requirements depend on the applicable eligibility provision and individual history, and the main tests are time as a permanent resident, time physically in the United States, Good moral characterA requirement for naturalization. Applicants must show good moral character during the statutory period, generally the five years before filing (three for certain spouses of U.S. citizens), and continuing until the oath. USCIS decides each case individually, and the standard of proof is preponderance of the evidence.See it in the glossary, English and civics knowledge, and the oath. This guide explains the general sequence and points to the official instructions.
The basic requirements
USCIS lists the requirements in the instructions for Form N-400, and its naturalization eligibility tool walks through them. In general, an applicant must:
- be at least 18 and a lawful permanent resident;
- have been a permanent resident for at least five years, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for that period;
- have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months (913 days) of the five years, or 18 months of the three years;
- have lived in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed for at least three months;
- show good moral character and attachment to the principles of the Constitution;
- show basic knowledge of U.S. history and government and the ability to read, write, speak and understand basic English; and
- be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
An applicant may generally file up to 90 days before completing the five-year or three-year period, but must meet every other requirement on the filing date. Special rules exist for military service and some other groups, which the instructions describe.
Residence and travel history
Continuous residence and physical presence are different tests. Continuous residence looks at whether the applicant’s life in the United States was interrupted, while physical presence counts days inside the country. Long trips abroad can affect either one. Applicants are asked to list every trip outside the United States during the statutory period, so an accurate travel record helps. Time spent in the marriage-based three-year route requires that the couple lived together in marital union for the whole period. The continuous residence vs. physical presence comparison covers the difference in detail.
The process in order
- Check eligibility and gather records: green card dates, travel dates, addresses, employment, tax filings and any arrest or court records.
- File Form N-400: the fee is $760 on paper or $710 online, according to USCIS’s fee schedule, and fee waivers or reductions exist for some applicants.
- Biometrics: USCIS may schedule fingerprints and a background check.
- Interview: an officer reviews the application under oath and tests English and civics.
- Decision: USCIS may grant, continue or deny the application, and a denial has its own review process.
- Oath ceremony: the applicant becomes a citizen only after taking the oath, and then receives a Certificate of Naturalization.
English and civics tests
USCIS began giving a revised civics test to applicants who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025. It draws from a bank of 128 questions, the officer asks up to 20, and an applicant must answer 12 correctly to pass. The officer stops when the applicant reaches 12 correct answers or 9 incorrect ones. Applicants who filed earlier take the 2008 version. Applicants age 65 or older with 20 years as permanent residents receive a shorter version. Age and residence exemptions from the English requirement exist, and disability exceptions are reviewed closely.
Good moral character
Good moral character is judged over the statutory period, and it continues to matter until the oath. Criminal history, false statements to immigration officials, unlawful voting or claiming citizenship, unpaid taxes or child support, and failure to register with Selective Service when required can all affect an application. The details depend on the facts, and an officer weighs the whole record.
Costs
- N-400: $760 on paper, $710 online.
- Other costs: document copies, translations and any travel to the interview are separate.
- After the oath: a U.S. passport and other documents are applied for separately and have their own fees.
What has changed recently
- The civics test format changed for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025.
- USCIS’s January 1, 2026 memorandum placing holds on benefit requests from certain countries is marked as no longer in effect because of court orders. Check current USCIS guidance for a specific case.
- From October 23, 2026, USCIS moves a weekend or holiday deadline to the next business day only when the period is stated in days.
The dated policy guide tracks changes with their sources.
Common mistakes to watch for
- Filing before the 90-day early window opens, or without meeting the other requirements.
- Leaving out trips abroad or arrests, even old or minor ones.
- Assuming a long absence does not matter because the green card is still valid.
- Traveling shortly before the interview without checking the effect on the case.
- Assuming the application makes someone a citizen before the oath.