Requirements for U.S. citizenship through naturalization in 2026

Naturalization is the legal process by which a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen. It is one of the most significant procedures in the U.S. immigration system, granting full civic rights including the right to vote, hold a U.S. passport, and petition for certain family members.

The process is administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and involves submitting a formal application, providing supporting documents, passing an English and civics test, and attending an interview. While the steps are clearly defined, preparation matters — incomplete applications or missing documents are among the most common reasons for delays.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

Naturalization allows eligible lawful permanent residents to become full U.S. citizens. Once naturalized, you receive a Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as proof of citizenship and allows you to apply for a U.S. passport.

This procedure applies to you if you are:

• A lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who has held that status for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen)
• At least 18 years old at the time of filing
• Able to demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the United States
• A person of good moral character
• Able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

The official body responsible for this procedure is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. Applications are submitted online or by mail to USCIS, and interviews are conducted at a local USCIS field office.

Documents required

Gather all documents before you begin your application. USCIS requires originals or certified copies unless otherwise noted. Documents not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Identity and immigration status

• Permanent Resident Card (green card) — front and back copy required (original not submitted; keep it)
• Copy of all pages of your current passport(s) — including any foreign passports
• Copy of any prior passports if you traveled internationally while a permanent resident

Residence and presence

• Travel records — copies of entry/exit stamps, I-94 records, or airline itineraries showing trips outside the U.S. during the eligibility period
• Evidence of continuous residence — such as lease agreements, mortgage statements, utility bills, or tax returns covering the required period

Marital status (if applying under the 3-year rule as spouse of a U.S. citizen)

• Marriage certificate (original or certified copy; if not in English, include a certified translation)
• Proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship — U.S. passport, birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization
• Evidence of joint residence — joint lease, joint bank statements, or similar documents
• Divorce decrees for any prior marriages (yours or your spouse’s), if applicable

Good moral character

• Copies of any court records or arrest records, if you have ever been cited, arrested, charged, or convicted of any offense — even if charges were dropped or expunged
• If you have no criminal history, no document is needed, but you will certify this on the application

Selective Service (males only)

• Selective Service registration acknowledgment letter if you are male and registered between ages 18 and 25 while in the U.S.
• If you failed to register and are now over 31, you may need to obtain a status information letter from the Selective Service System

Photographs

• Two identical passport-style photographs taken within 30 days of filing, meeting USCIS photo requirements (white background, 2×2 inches)

Fee payment

• Form G-1450 (credit/debit card authorization) if paying online, or a check/money order made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security if filing by mail

Additional documents that may apply

• IRS tax transcripts or tax returns for the past 3 or 5 years (to demonstrate good moral character and continuous residence)
• Evidence of disability or medical condition (Form N-648 completed by a licensed medical professional) if requesting an exemption from the English or civics test
• DD-214 or military service records if you served in the U.S. armed forces and are applying under a military naturalization provision

Steps to complete the procedure

Step 1 — Confirm your eligibility Before filing, verify that you meet all eligibility requirements: lawful permanent resident status for the required period, continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, and age. Use the USCIS eligibility tool at uscis.gov.

Step 2 — Complete Form N-400 Download or complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) on the USCIS website. Answer every question carefully and truthfully. Incomplete or inconsistent answers are a leading cause of delays.

Step 3 — Gather your supporting documents Collect all required documents listed in the section above. Make photocopies of everything. Do not send original documents unless USCIS specifically requests them.

Step 4 — Submit your application You may file online through your USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov or by mailing a paper application to the USCIS filing location designated for your state. Include your two photographs and fee payment.

Step 5 — Receive your biometrics appointment notice USCIS will mail you an appointment notice (Form I-797) for a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC). Attend this appointment to have your fingerprints, photograph, and signature collected. Bring your appointment notice and a government-issued photo ID.

Step 6 — Prepare for the interview and tests USCIS will schedule an interview at your local USCIS field office. You will be tested on:

• English (reading, writing, and speaking)
• U.S. civics (you must answer at least 6 out of 10 questions correctly from the official 100-question list)

Study materials are available free at uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources.

Step 7 — Attend your USCIS interview Bring your interview notice, your green card, a valid photo ID, and any original documents USCIS requests. The officer will review your application, conduct the English and civics tests, and ask questions about your background.

Step 8 — Receive a decision USCIS will grant, continue (request more information), or deny your application. If approved, you will either take the Oath of Allegiance at the end of the interview or receive a notice scheduling a separate oath ceremony.

Step 9 — Take the Oath of Allegiance You must take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony — either at the USCIS office or at a court. You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization at this ceremony. Bring your green card, as you must surrender it at the ceremony.

Estimated total time from filing to oath: Currently ranges from 8 to 24 months, depending on the USCIS field office and application volume. Check current processing times for your specific office at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.

Fees and timelines

• Filing fee for Form N-400: $760 (as of 2026; includes the biometrics fee)
• Filing fee for online applications: same as paper — $760
• Fee waiver (Form I-912): available if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; submit with your N-400
• Reduced fee option: $380 if your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; file Form I-942 with your N-400
• Military applicants: no filing fee in most cases under Sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act
• Estimated processing time: 8 to 24 months from receipt of application, varying by USCIS field office
• Biometrics appointment: typically scheduled within 4 to 8 weeks of application receipt
• Interview scheduling: typically several months after biometrics
• Certificate of Naturalization validity: the Certificate of Naturalization does not expire; it is a permanent document
• U.S. passport: once naturalized, you may apply for a U.S. passport immediately; standard processing is 6 to 8 weeks, expedited is 2 to 3 weeks (fees apply separately)

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Failing to disclose all trips outside the United States: USCIS cross-checks travel records. List every trip, even short ones to Canada or Mexico. Omissions can be treated as misrepresentation and may result in denial.
• Not meeting the continuous residence or physical presence requirements: Absences of more than 6 months in a single trip can disrupt continuous residence. Calculate your time carefully before filing, and consult an immigration attorney if you have had long absences.
• Leaving questions blank on Form N-400: Every question must be answered. If a question does not apply to you, write “N/A.” Blank fields cause processing delays or requests for evidence (RFE).
• Submitting expired or incorrect photographs: Photos must be taken within 30 days of filing, meet the 2×2-inch white-background requirement, and show your current appearance. Glasses are no longer permitted in U.S. immigration photos.
• Failing to disclose criminal history: Even minor arrests, citations, or charges that were dismissed must be disclosed. USCIS conducts background checks. Concealment is treated as a serious integrity issue and can result in denial or removal proceedings.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for naturalization if I have been outside the United States for more than 6 months? A single absence of more than 6 months (but less than 1 year) may break your continuous residence. You may be able to overcome this by showing you did not abandon your U.S. residence. An absence of 1 year or more generally breaks continuous residence entirely. Consult USCIS guidance or an immigration attorney before filing.

Do I have to give up my other citizenship to become a U.S. citizen? The United States does not formally require you to renounce your other citizenship, but you will take an Oath of Allegiance that includes renouncing foreign allegiances. Whether your other country allows dual citizenship is governed by that country’s laws — not U.S. law. Many people do hold dual citizenship after naturalization.

What happens if I fail the English or civics test at my interview? If you fail one or both tests, USCIS will schedule a second interview, typically within 60 to 90 days. You will be retested only on the portion(s) you failed. If you fail again, your application will be denied, but you may reapply.

Can I apply for a U.S. passport before I receive my Certificate of Naturalization? No. You must first complete the naturalization process, take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization before applying for a U.S. passport. Once you have the certificate, you can apply immediately at a passport acceptance facility or U.S. post office.

What is the difference between filing online and filing by mail? Both methods result in the same outcome. Filing online through your USCIS account allows you to track your case status in real time, receive electronic notices, and respond to requests more quickly. Paper filing by mail is still accepted but may result in slower initial processing and fewer real-time updates.

What to do next

The most important documents to have ready before you start are your green card, travel records, tax returns, and proof of continuous residence. Your first concrete step is to confirm your eligibility and then complete Form N-400 through your USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov.

Immigration rules, fees, and processing times can change. Always verify the current requirements, fee amounts, and filing instructions directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at uscis.gov or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 before submitting your application.