Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone for many immigrants. While lawful permanent residents (green card holders) enjoy many rights, naturalization opens the door to full civic participation, including the right to vote and the ability to sponsor more family members for immigration. If you’re thinking about applying for citizenship, this guide breaks the process down into clear, understandable steps.
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What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process by which a lawful permanent resident (LPR) becomes a U.S. citizen. Once naturalized, you gain the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Who Qualifies for Naturalization?
To qualify for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must generally meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for a specific period
- Have continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- Be able to read, write, and speak English
- Have basic knowledge of U.S. history and government
- Be a person of good moral character
Residency Requirements
Most applicants must have:
- 5 years of permanent residence (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- At least 30 months (or 18 months for spouses of citizens) physically present in the U.S.
- No single trip outside the U.S. longer than 6 months unless you can prove ties to the U.S.
Step-by-Step Guide to Naturalization
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, confirm you meet the residency, age, and moral character requirements. If you’re unsure, consider speaking to an immigration attorney or using the USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool.
2. Prepare Form N-400
The Form N-400, Application for Naturalization is the main form used to apply. You’ll need to gather:
- Your green card (Form I-551)
- Travel history (last 5 years)
- Addresses and employment for the past 5 years
- Details of your spouse and children (if applicable)
- Any criminal history or past immigration violations
3. Submit the Application and Pay the Fee
As of 2025, the filing fee is $640, plus an $85 biometric fee (total: $725). You can file online or by mail.
Fee waivers are available for low-income applicants — check Form I-912 for eligibility.
4. Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center. They’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and signature for background checks.
5. Complete the Naturalization Interview
At your interview, a USCIS officer will:
- Review your N-400 application
- Ask questions about your background
- Test your English and civics knowledge
The English test includes:
- Reading aloud one sentence
- Writing one dictated sentence
- Answering questions in English
The civics test includes 10 questions from a list of 100. You must answer 6 correctly. Study materials are available at the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.
6. Receive a Decision
USCIS may:
- Approve your application
- Continue (ask for more information)
- Deny (you can appeal or reapply)
Most applicants receive a decision at or soon after their interview.
7. Take the Oath of Allegiance
If approved, you’ll be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony. At the ceremony, you:
- Return your green card
- Take the Oath of Allegiance
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
You are now officially a U.S. citizen.
How Long Does Naturalization Take?
Processing times vary, but the typical timeline in 2025 looks like this:
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| USCIS Receives Application | 2–3 weeks |
| Biometrics Appointment | 3–8 weeks after filing |
| Interview Notice | 6–12 months |
| Interview & Decision | 8–14 months total |
| Oath Ceremony | 1–4 weeks after approval |
Delays can occur, especially if background checks take longer or more evidence is required.
What Happens After You Become a U.S. Citizen?
After naturalization, you gain:
- The right to vote in all U.S. elections
- The ability to apply for a U.S. passport
- The option to sponsor more relatives for green cards (e.g., parents, married children, siblings)
- Protection from deportation (U.S. citizens cannot be deported)
You must still obey all laws, serve on juries when summoned, and register for Selective Service if you’re a male between 18–25.
Can You Keep Your Original Citizenship?
The U.S. allows dual citizenship, but your home country might not. Before applying for naturalization, check your home country’s rules — some automatically revoke citizenship when you become naturalized elsewhere.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Failing to disclose arrests or past immigration issues
- Lying on your N-400 or during the interview
- Applying too early (before meeting residency rules)
- Long absences from the U.S. without proper documentation
It’s better to delay your application than to risk denial for a technical error.
Final Notes
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a powerful step that offers legal stability, expanded rights, and a deeper sense of belonging. If you’re eligible, it’s worth preparing carefully and applying with full understanding of the process.
