How to Apply for US Citizenship (Naturalization)
After 3–5 years as a green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ holder, file Form N-400Application for Naturalization — The form green card holders file to become US citizens.Click for official info ↗, pass the English and civics tests at your interview, and take the Oath of Allegiance to become a US citizen.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 9 steps
- Before You Go 30 min
Check eligibility requirements
Generally: 18+, green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ for 5 years (3 if married to a US citizen), continuous residence, 50% of time physically in the US, good moral character, and English basics.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1–2 weeks
Gather records
Collect 5 years of tax returns, travel dates (from passport stamps), employment history, and addresses. Gaps or errors here cause delays.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1–2 weeks
Translate non-English documents
If any supporting document (birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, police clearance) is in another language, USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ requires a complete English translation with a signed certification from the translator. Certified translation services charge roughly $20–$40 per page with 2–5 day turnaround; keep the originals — USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ returns them but bring them to the interview. This guide itself is available in Hindi, Nepali, Português (Brasil), and Español via the language dropdown at the top of the page.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 3–5 hours
Complete Form N-400
File online at my.uscis.gov or on paper. The form asks about your background, residence, trips abroad, and moral character. Answer honestly — lying is grounds for denial and even prosecution.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 1 day
Submit and pay the fee
Pay $710 online or $760 by mail. You will get a receipt notice and then a biometrics appointment notice.
Click to mark as done
- Go 30 min
Attend biometrics
Fingerprints and photo at an Application Support Center. This starts your background check.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 2–6 months
Study for the tests
Study the 100 civics questions (uscis.gov has flashcards and practice tests) and practice English reading/writing. You get two chances within the interview process.
Click to mark as done
- Go 1–2 hours
Attend the naturalization interview
A USCISUS Citizenship and Immigration Services — The federal agency that processes green cards, work permits, naturalization, and most immigration benefits. Part of the Department of Homeland Security.Click for official info ↗ officer reviews your N-400Application for Naturalization — The form green card holders file to become US citizens.Click for official info ↗, tests your English (read/write a sentence) and civics (6 of 10 questions must be correct), and makes a decision — often same day.
Click to mark as done
- Receive 2 hours
Take the Oath and get your certificate
Attend the oath ceremony (weeks to months later), surrender your green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗, receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and apply for a US passport.
Click to mark as done
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I fail the English or civics test?
You get one free retake of the failed portion, scheduled 60–120 days later. If you fail twice, your application is denied — but you can reapply.
Can I get the test in my own language?
Yes, if you are 50+ with 20 years as a permanent residentCanadian permanent resident — Someone granted the right to live and work anywhere in Canada permanently, without being a citizen.Click for official info ↗, or 55+ with 15 years, you may take the civics test in your native language. Age 65+ with 20 years gets easier civics questions.
Does a trip abroad break my continuous residence?
Trips under 6 months usually do not. Trips of 6–12 months raise a presumption of breaking residence (you can rebut with evidence), and trips over 12 months break it.
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