How to Become a US Citizen: Naturalization Explained

For many immigrants, becoming a United States citizen is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and hope. Naturalization opens doors — to voting, to certain federal employment, to a U.S. passport, and to a sense of permanent belonging that a green card alone cannot provide. But the path to citizenship involves specific legal requirements that must be carefully met. If you're wondering how to become a US citizen, this guide walks you through the naturalization process step by step.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for Naturalization?

To apply for naturalization in 2026, you generally must meet all of the following criteria.

Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400.

Lawful Permanent Residence: You must be a green card holder. Most applicants must have held permanent residence for at least five years. If you obtained your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you are still married to and living with that citizen, the required period is three years.

Continuous Residence: You must have maintained continuous residence in the United States throughout the required period. Extended trips abroad can disrupt this requirement. Absences of more than 6 months but less than one year create a rebuttable presumption of broken continuous residence; absences exceeding one year generally break continuity entirely, unless you obtained a Reentry Permit before departing.

Physical Presence: In addition to continuous residence, you must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months of the five years before filing — or 18 months of the three-year period for marriage-based applicants.

State or District Residence: You must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you plan to file for at least three months immediately before filing.

Good Moral Character: USCIS evaluates your conduct during the required residency period. Certain criminal convictions, tax compliance issues, or prior misrepresentations to immigration authorities can raise concerns or be disqualifying. If there are any issues in your background, speaking with an immigration attorney before filing is strongly recommended.

English Language Ability: Most applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Exceptions exist for applicants who are 50 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, or who are 55 years old with 15 years of permanent residence.

Knowledge of Civics: You must pass a test demonstrating knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Step-by-Step: The Naturalization Process

Step 1 — File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)

The naturalization application is submitted on USCIS Form N-400. You can file online through your USCIS account or submit a paper application by mail. As of 2026, the filing fee is $760 for most applicants who file online. You may file up to 90 days before you complete your continuous residence requirement, so you don't need to wait until the exact anniversary date.

Step 2 — Biometrics Appointment

After USCIS receives your application, they will schedule you for a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center. You'll provide fingerprints and photographs, which are used for identity verification and a thorough background check.

Step 3 — The Naturalization Interview

USCIS will schedule you for an interview at a local field office — typically 5 to 8 months after filing, though wait times vary significantly by location. Applicants in New York and New Jersey may experience different wait times depending on the specific field office handling the case.

At the interview, a USCIS officer will go through your N-400 application with you, verify the information you provided, and test your English reading and speaking ability.

Step 4 — The Civics Test

During the same interview, you will take the civics test. If you filed your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you will be tested on the 2025 civics test. The officer will ask up to 20 questions drawn from a list of 128 possible questions covering U.S. history, government, rights, and responsibilities. You must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.

If you do not pass on the first attempt, you will have one additional opportunity at a follow-up interview. For applicants who qualify for the 50/20 or 55/15 exception, the civics test may be administered in your native language with an interpreter.

Step 5 — Decision

In most cases, USCIS issues a decision on the day of the interview. If approved, you will receive a notice to appear for a naturalization ceremony.

Step 6 — Oath of Allegiance

At the naturalization ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This is the moment you officially become a U.S. citizen. You will surrender your green card and receive a Certificate of Naturalization. From that point forward, you have the full rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Common Reasons Naturalization Is Delayed or Denied

Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid them.

Criminal history, even for minor offenses, can raise good moral character concerns and may require additional documentation or legal analysis before filing. Tax issues — including failure to file returns or pay taxes owed — can also be raised as evidence of poor moral character. Gaps or inaccuracies in documenting foreign travel are a frequent source of delays. And any prior misrepresentations to immigration authorities, even from years ago, must be addressed carefully and honestly.

Working with an immigration attorney before you file gives you the opportunity to identify and address these issues proactively, rather than discovering them at an interview.

FAQ: Naturalization Questions

Can I apply for naturalization if I was ever arrested?
An arrest does not automatically disqualify you, but it must be disclosed on Form N-400. The key question is whether the underlying offense affects your good moral character determination. An immigration attorney can help you assess how a prior arrest or conviction might affect your case.

What if I fail the civics test?
You have one more opportunity to pass at a second interview. USCIS typically reschedules this within 60 to 90 days.

Can I lose my citizenship after naturalization?
Naturalized citizenship can only be revoked in very limited circumstances — for example, if it was obtained through fraud or deliberate misrepresentation. For the vast majority of naturalized citizens, their citizenship is permanent.

How Fibi Law Can Help

Naturalization may seem like a straightforward process compared to earlier immigration steps, but the details matter. An incomplete application, a criminal record issue that was not properly addressed, or a poorly documented travel history can cause real delays or complications.

At Fibi Law, our immigration attorneys serve clients across New York, New Jersey, and surrounding communities who are ready to take this important final step toward citizenship. Our team reviews your eligibility carefully, helps you prepare for the civics test and interview, and ensures your N-400 is complete, accurate, and submitted at the right time. Learn more about how we support clients on our immigration services page.

Ready to become a U.S. citizen? Contact Fibi Law today to schedule a consultation. We're proud to help immigrants take this meaningful step forward.