🗽 How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship by Naturalization
Naturalization is the process through which an eligible lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. Common paths require years of permanent residence, continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics testing, and attachment to constitutional principles, with important exceptions.
Start with the USCIS naturalization guide and Form N-400 page. International travel, taxes, arrests, selective service, child support, marital history, and prior immigration filings can affect eligibility; obtain qualified legal advice for complications.
Never file merely because a document preparer promises approval. False or incomplete answers can have serious immigration consequences.
📋 Documents you'll need
- Permanent Resident Card and full immigration history
- Five years of addresses, employment, or school history as requested
- Complete travel history outside the United States
- Marriage, divorce, spouse citizenship, and child records when applicable
- Federal, state, and local tax records when relevant
- Certified court and police dispositions for every arrest or charge
- Selective Service, child-support, name-change, or disability exception records when applicable
🪜 Step-by-step
- Use the USCIS eligibility tools and calculate the earliest safe filing date.
- Review continuous residence, physical presence, travel, tax, and good-moral-character issues.
- Gather complete records and obtain legal advice for arrests, long trips, false claims, or other risks.
- Create a USCIS account and complete Form N-400 accurately.
- Pay the full or reduced fee or submit an eligible fee-waiver request under current instructions.
- Attend biometrics if scheduled and study official English and civics materials.
- Attend the interview with original documents and answer under oath.
- If approved, attend the oath ceremony and update Social Security and voting records afterward.
| Estimated cost | USCIS currently lists full N-400 filing costs in the $710–$760 range depending on online or paper filing. Reduced-fee and fee-waiver options have eligibility rules; verify Form G-1055 immediately before filing. |
|---|---|
| Typical timeline | Varies by field office, background checks, evidence, interview availability, and case complexity. Use the USCIS processing-time tool. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply 90 days early?
Certain applicants may file up to 90 calendar days before meeting the continuous-residence period, but all other requirements still apply.
Does an arrest automatically prevent citizenship?
Not always, but every incident must be disclosed and analyzed. Seek qualified immigration legal advice before filing.
Can I request an English or civics exception?
Age/residence and disability exceptions exist under specific rules and forms. Review current USCIS eligibility criteria.