How to Apply for US Citizenship (Naturalization)
You must hold a green cardPermanent Resident Card — The ID card proving lawful permanent resident status — live and work in the US permanently.Click for official info ↗ for 3–5 years first. Then you file Form N-400Application for Naturalization — The form green card holders file to become US citizens.Click for official info ↗, and you pass the English test and the civics test at your interview. Then you take the Oath of Allegiance. Then you become a US citizen.
At a glance
- Cost:
- $710 online / $760 paper (N-400 fee); $380 reduced fee / fee waiver available
- Total time:
- Varies by field office — check USCIS processing times
- Steps:
- 9 steps
- Where to apply:
- irs.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked every 6 months · next review due April 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 9 steps
- Before You Go 30 min
Check eligibility requirements
In general, you must meet these rules. You must be 18+. You must hold a green card for 5 years. You need only 3 years if you are married to a US citizen. You must live in the US on a continuous basis. You must spend 50% of your time in the US in person. You must have good moral character. You must know basic English.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 1–2 weeks
Gather records
Collect tax records, 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
A supporting document may be in another language. For example, a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or police clearance. USCIS needs a full English translation of it. The translator must sign a statement that says the translation is correct. Services that do certified translations charge about $20–$40 per page. They take 2–5 days. Keep the originals. USCIS returns them. But bring them to the interview. This guide is also available in Hindi, Nepali, Português (Brasil), and Español. Use 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 file on paper. The form asks about your background. It asks where you have lived. It asks about trips abroad. It asks about your moral character. Answer with the truth. Lying is a reason to deny your case. It can even lead to prosecution.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 1 day
Submit and pay the fee
Pay $710 online. Or pay $760 by mail. A lower fee of $380 is also available. It is for paper filing only. Your household income must be at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. A fee waiver is also available if you qualify. Form I-912 is the form you use to ask for it. You will get a receipt notice. Then you will get a notice for a biometrics appointment.
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
Did you file your N-400 on or after 20 October 2025? Then USCIS gives you the 2025 civics test. The test has 20 questions. The questions come from a bank of 128, and you need 12 correct answers to pass. Go to uscis.gov for study materials and practice tests. Did you file earlier? Then you take the 100-question test. You need 6 of 10 correct. Practice English reading/writing too. You get two tries as part of the interview process.
Click to mark as done
- Go 1–2 hours
Attend the naturalization interview
A USCIS officer goes over your N-400, and the officer tests your English. You read/write a sentence. The officer tests your civics too. Under the 2025 test, you need 12 of 20 correct. For N-400s filed before 20 October 2025, you need 6 of 10 correct. The officer then makes a decision. The decision sometimes comes on the same day.
Click to mark as done
- Receive 2 hours
Take the Oath and get your certificate
Go to the oath ceremony. It takes place weeks to months later. Give up your green card there. You will get your Certificate of NaturalizationBecoming a US citizen by application — The process a green card holder goes through to become a US citizen — application, interview, test, and oath.Click for official info ↗. Then apply for a US passport.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Filing before you meet the time rules. In general you must be 18 or older and hold a green card for 5 years, or 3 years if you are married to a US citizen. You must live in the US on a continuous basis and spend 50 percent of your time in the US in person.
Leaving gaps or errors in your records. Collect tax records, travel dates from passport stamps, employment history, and addresses before you file. Gaps or errors here cause delays, and lying on Form N-400 is a reason to deny your case and can even lead to prosecution.
Sending a partial or uncertified translation. A supporting document in another language needs a full English translation, and the translator must sign a statement that says the translation is correct. Keep the originals and bring them to the interview.
Taking a long trip abroad before you apply. Trips under 6 months usually do not break continuous residence. Trips of 6 to 12 months are a problem, and 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 ↗ will assume they broke your residence. Trips over 12 months break it.
Studying for the wrong civics test. Did you file your N-400 on or after 20 October 2025? Then USCIS gives you the 2025 civics test, with 20 questions from a bank of 128, and you need 12 correct answers to pass. Did you file earlier? Then you take the 100 question test and need 6 of 10 correct.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I fail the English or civics test?
You get one free retake of the part you failed. It is set for 60–90 days later. If you fail twice, USCIS will deny your application. But you can apply again.
Can I get the test in my own language?
Yes. You can do this if you are 50+ and have been 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 ↗ for 20 years. You can also do this if you are 55+ and have been a permanent resident for 15 years. Then you may take the civics test in your own 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 break it. Trips of 6–12 months are a problem. USCIS will assume they broke your residence. You can fight that with proof. Trips over 12 months break it.
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