What Is Naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a US citizen. The application form is N-400, Application for Naturalization. US citizenship grants you the right to vote, hold a US passport, sponsor immediate relatives, and protection from deportation.
Eligibility Requirements
Most applicants must meet the 5-year rule. Spouses of US citizens may qualify under the 3-year rule.
| Requirement | 5-Year Rule | 3-Year Rule (Married to USC) |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous LPR status | 5 years | 3 years |
| Continuous residence before filing | 5 years | 3 years |
| Physical presence | 30 months of last 5 years | 18 months of last 3 years |
| Married to US citizen during period | Not required | Required throughout |
| Good moral character | 5 years | 3 years |
| English ability | Required (reading, writing, speaking) | |
| US civics knowledge | Required (100 civics questions) | |
Exemptions to English and Civics Requirements
- Age 50+, LPR for 20+ years ("50/20"): Exempt from English; civics test in your native language
- Age 55+, LPR for 15+ years ("55/15"): Exempt from English; civics test in your native language
- Age 65+, LPR for 20+ years: Exempt from English; simplified 20-question civics test
- Disability waiver (N-648): Medical conditions may exempt you from both English and civics
2026 Filing Fees
| Applicant | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard — online filing (myUSCIS) | $710 |
| Standard — paper filing | $760 |
| Reduced fee (income ≤ 400% FPL) | $380 |
| Fee waiver (income ≤ 150% FPL or receiving means-tested benefits) | $0 |
| US military (INA § 328 or § 329) | $0 |
| Biometrics | Included |
Step-by-Step Process
Check your green card approval date, count your physical presence days, and ensure no disqualifying events (criminal history, extended absences, failure to pay taxes) are in your history.
File online at my.uscis.gov or by mail to the appropriate lockbox. Online filing saves $50. Include passport photos, copy of green card, and applicable fee or fee waiver request.
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment for fingerprints and photos. Biometrics are included in the N-400 fee — no separate charge.
A USCIS officer will review your N-400, test your English (speaking at the interview; a short reading/writing test), and ask 10 of the 100 civics questions. You need 6 correct answers to pass.
If approved at the interview, you'll receive Form N-652 indicating approval. If continued or denied, USCIS will provide written reasons and an opportunity to re-test or appeal.
You take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony — either at the interview itself (same day) or at a later scheduled ceremony. Upon taking the oath, you become a US citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550).
After Naturalization
- Apply for a US passport immediately (Form DS-11) — your Certificate of Naturalization is proof of citizenship
- Update your Social Security record at ssa.gov
- You may now sponsor immediate relatives (spouse, children under 21, parents) without waiting for a visa number
- Children under 18 who are LPRs may automatically acquire citizenship when you naturalize (if conditions are met)
Processing Times
N-400 processing times vary by USCIS field office. Typical ranges:
- Most field offices: 12–24 months
- Some offices process faster (6–12 months) depending on backlog
Check current processing times at uscis.gov/processing-times using your filing date and field office.