How to Become a U.S. Citizen

Do you want to become a U.S. citizen? Enjoy the privilege to vote in elections, protection from deportation, and a wide array of employment opportunities—these are just a few of the numerous benefits that come with completing the naturalization process. Learn about the requirements, procedures, and tests you need to pass to officially become a U.S. citizen.

You must be at least 18 years old. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires applicants to be 18 years of age to begin the naturalization process, regardless of how long you’ve lived in the U.S.

Prove that you have lived as a legal permanent resident in the U.S. for five consecutive years. The permanent resident card, or 'green card,' shows the date you were granted residency. You will be eligible to begin the naturalization process exactly five years from the date your card was issued.

• If married to a U.S. citizen, you can begin the naturalization process after three years of living as a permanent resident with your spouse (instead of five years).
• If you have served in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than one year, you do not need to prove five years of continuous residence.
• If you leave the U.S. for six months or more, it may 'break' your permanent resident status and you will need to start the time calculation over before applying for citizenship.

The applicant must reside in the United States. In most cases, you cannot apply for naturalization if you are living abroad.

Good moral character. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will review your character based on the following criteria:

• Criminal record. Individuals with a history of crimes related to harming others, terrorism, drugs, controlled substances, hate crimes, and other offenses will be excluded from the naturalization process.
• Lying to USCIS about past criminal history can result in your application being denied.
• Most minor traffic fines or incidents will not disqualify you from the naturalization process.

Ability to read, write, and speak English at a conversational level. The English test is one of the main parts of the interview.

• Language requirements may be less strict for applicants with disabilities or those above a certain age.

Basic understanding of U.S. history and government. The civics test is also a part of the naturalization process.

• For applicants above a certain age or with disabilities, the knowledge requirements will be less demanding.

Demonstrate allegiance to the Constitution. The Oath of Allegiance is the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen. You will swear to:

• Renounce allegiance to any foreign country.
• Support the Constitution.
• Be ready to serve the U.S., whether in the Armed Forces or through civil assistance.

Fill out the naturalization application. Download Form N-400 from the USCIS website (select 'Forms'). Provide all requested information and answer all questions. Be sure not to skip any sections, as incomplete applications may be delayed or denied, requiring you to submit a request for reconsideration.

Prepare two passport-sized photos. Visit a professional photo service to obtain passport-style photos within 30 days of submitting your application.

• Request two color photos printed on thin paper with a white background.
• Your face should be fully visible, with no head coverings except for religious purposes.
• Write your name and 'Alien Registration Number' lightly with pencil on the back of each photo.

Send your documents to the USCIS Lockbox Facility. Find the appropriate facility address based on your location. Your application packet should include:

• Your passport-sized photos.
• A copy of both sides of your permanent resident card.
• Other documents relevant to your situation.
• A check or money order to pay the fee (refer to 'Forms' on www.USCIS.gov for details).

Submit your fingerprints. Once USCIS receives your application, they will ask you to visit a local office for fingerprinting.

• Your fingerprints will be forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a background check.
• If your fingerprints are rejected, you will need to provide additional details to USCIS.
• Once your fingerprints are approved, you will receive a notification with the time and location for your interview.

Pass the interview. During the interview, questions will focus on your application, background, character, and you will be asked to take the Oath of Allegiance. The interview process includes the following steps:

• Complete a combined test that covers reading, writing, and speaking English.
• Take a civics test, where you must answer at least six out of ten questions correctly about U.S. history.

Wait for the results. After the interview, USCIS will immediately notify you whether your naturalization application is approved, continued, or denied.

• If approved, USCIS will invite you to take the Oath of Allegiance to complete your naturalization process.
• If your application is denied, check the appeals process.
• If your application is incomplete, you may be asked to submit additional documents and undergo a second interview.

Attend the naturalization ceremony. This is a significant event as it marks the moment you officially become a U.S. citizen. During the ceremony, you will:

• Answer questions about your interview experience.
• Return your green card.
• Reaffirm your commitment by taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
• Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, an official document proving your U.S. citizenship.

• Don't skip the interview without notifying USCIS to reschedule for another day. Failure to attend may result in USCIS closing your case, causing months of delays in your naturalization process.
• If you are fluent in English, you will be exempt from the English language test during the interview.
• If possible, take the time to improve your speaking and writing skills in English while waiting for your application to be processed. Additionally, focus on learning more about U.S. history and government to prepare for the civics test. You can access online resources offering practice tests designed for applicants.
• Applicants of a certain age, or those who have lived in the U.S. for 15-20 years or more, may be exempt from the language and history tests.