How to Apply for Citizenship (USA)

Co-authored by Dhenu Maru

Last Updated: December 15, 2022 References Approved

Do you want to become a US citizen? The right to vote in US elections, avoid deportation from the US, and have a broad array of work opportunities are just a few of the benefits of going through the naturalization process. Learn about eligibility requirements, the application process, and the tests you'll need to pass in order to become a US citizen.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Fulfilling the Eligibility Requirements

1
Be at least 18 years old. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that you be 18 years of age to undergo the naturalization process, no matter how long you have lived in the United States.
2
Show that you've lived as a permanent resident in the US for five consecutive years. Your permanent resident card, or "green card," shows the date you were granted permanent resident status. You are eligible to begin the naturalization process exactly five years from that date.
- If you are married to a US citizen, you may begin the naturalization process after living as a permanent resident with your spouse for three years, rather than five.
- If you have served in the US armed forces for more than one year, you do not have to prove five years of continuous residence.
- If you left the US for six months or more, you may have "disrupted" your permanent resident status, and you may have to make up for the time before applying to become a citizen.
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3
Be physically present in the United States. In most cases, you may not apply for US citizenship while out of the country.
4
Have good moral character. The USCIS will determine whether you have good moral character by taking the following into consideration:^{[1]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
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- Your criminal record. Crimes committed with the intent to harm a person, terrorist acts, drug or alcohol related crimes, hate crimes, and other types of crimes could disqualify you from the naturalization process.
- Lying to the USCIS about past crimes is grounds for denial of your application.
- Most traffic fines and minor incidents will not disqualify your application.
5
Be able to read, write and speak basic English. Examinations on these subjects will be administered as part of the application process.
- Applicants over a certain age or with a disability will have less rigorous language requirements.^{[2]
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  US Citizenship and Immigration Services
  U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
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6
Have a basic knowledge of US history and government. A civics exam will be administered as part of the application process.
- Applicants over a certain age or with a disability will have less rigorous civics requirements.
7
Demonstrate an attachment to the Constitution. Taking the Oath of Allegiance will be the final step to becoming a US Citizen. Be prepared to promise to:^{[3]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
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- Renounce foreign allegiances.
- Support the Constitution.
- Serve the United states, whether as part of the Armed Forces or through civilian service.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying for Naturalization

1
Complete the citizenship application. Download form N-400 from www.USCIS.gov (click "Forms"). Fill in the form completely, answering all the questions. If you miss anything, your application may be delayed or denied, and you will likely have to proceed with an appeal.^{[4]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
Go to source}
2
Have two photographs taken. Buy passport-style photos within 30 days of filling out your application at a location that is familiar with the specific requirements.^{[5]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
Go to source}
- You will need two color photos printed on thin paper with a white space around the head.
- Your face should be fully visible and nothing should cover your head, unless for religious purposes.
- Write your name and "A number" lightly in pencil on the back of the images.
3
Mail your application to a USCIS Lockbox facility. Find the address of the facility that serves your region. Include the following with your application:
- Your photos.
- A copy of your permanent resident card.
- Other documents necessary according to your circumstances.
- The required application fee (see the "forms" page at www.USCIS.gov).
4
Get fingerprinted. When the USCIS receives your application, you will be asked to come to a certain location to have your fingerprints taken.^{[6]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
Go to source}
- Your fingerprints will be sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which will perform a criminal background check.
- If your fingerprints are rejected, you may need to provide additional information to the USCIS.
- If your fingerprints are accepted, you will receive a notice in the mail telling you where and when your interview will be held.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Completing the Requirements for Becoming a US Citizen

1
Complete the interview. During your interview, you will be asked questions with regard to your application, your background, your character and your willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance. The interview process also includes the following:^{[7]
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- An English test with reading, writing and speaking components.
- A civics test during which you will be asked ten questions regarding US history; you must answer at least six correctly to pass.
2
Wait for a decision. After your interview, your naturalization will be either granted, denied, or continued.^{[8]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
Go to source}
- If your naturalization is granted, you will be invited to complete the process of becoming a US citizen.
- If your naturalization is denied, you may look into appealing the decision.
- If your naturalization is continued, which usually occurs when additional documents are needed, you will be asked to supply the needed documents and undergo a second interview.
3
Attend a naturalization ceremony. The ceremony is a meaningful event at which you will officially become a US citizen. During the event, you will ^{[9]
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US Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S. government agency in charge of the naturalization and immigration systems
Go to source}
- Answer questions about what you have done since the interview.
- Turn in your permanent resident card.
- Pledge your allegiance to the US by taking the Oath of Allegiance.
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, the official document stating that you are a US Citizen.

Community Q&A

Question

I'm a grasp card holder. Can I bring my parents to the USA to live with me?

Community Answer

Yes, you are allowed to bring in your parents if they can qualify for a visa and can get the green card.
Question

I am British, can I have dual citizenship?

Community Answer

Yes, you may.
Question

Can I apply for US citizenship if I have been out of the country for several months at a time over the past few years?

Community Answer

If you have been out for 6 months or more, then no, you will not qualify for citizenship and you will need to make up that time that you were outside of the country.