U.S. Citizenship Guide
Naturalization
The most common way to become a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents who meet residency, physical presence, and other requirements can apply through naturalization.
Other Pathways
U.S. citizenship can also be acquired through parents (derivative citizenship), birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents, or military service.
Pathways to U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization
Applicable for: Adult permanent residents
Most common path - permanent residents apply after meeting residency requirements
Key Requirements:
Physical presence, English/civics tests, good moral character
Derivative Citizenship
Applicable for: Minor children of USC parents
Children automatically acquire citizenship through their U.S. citizen parents
Key Requirements:
USC parent, child under 18, child is LPR, residing with parent
Acquisition at Birth Abroad
Applicable for: Children born abroad to USC parents
Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may acquire citizenship at birth
Key Requirements:
USC parent(s) meet physical presence requirements
Military Naturalization
Applicable for: U.S. military members and veterans
Expedited naturalization for current and former military members
Key Requirements:
Honorable military service, modified requirements
Naturalization Requirements
General Requirements for Naturalization
- Be at least 18 years old at time of filing
- Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
- Have continuous residence in the United States for required period
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of 5 years (or 18 out of 36 months if married to USC)
- Live in the state or USCIS district for at least 3 months before filing
- Demonstrate good moral character during the required period
- Pass English and civics tests (with some exceptions)
- Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
Reduced Requirements
3-Year Rule: If married to U.S. citizen:
- • 3 years as permanent resident (instead of 5)
- • 18 months physical presence (instead of 30)
- • Must be married and living with USC for 3 years
- • Spouse must have been USC for 3 years
Exceptions Available
Certain applicants may qualify for exceptions to:
- • English test (age 65+ with 20+ years as LPR)
- • Civics test (age 65+ with 20+ years as LPR)
- • Oath of Allegiance (physical or mental disability)
- • Continuous residence (brief trips abroad)
Naturalization Process
Step-by-Step Naturalization Process
Determine Eligibility
Review all requirements including residency, physical presence, and good moral character
Required Documents:
- •Green card and travel records
- •Tax returns for required years
- •Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- •Any court documents for arrests or citations
Complete Form N-400
Fill out the Application for Naturalization completely and accurately
Required Documents:
- •Form N-400 application
- •Copies of required documents
- •Two passport-style photos
- •$640 filing fee + $85 biometrics fee
Submit Application
Mail your complete application package to the appropriate USCIS lockbox facility
Required Documents:
- •Complete N-400 package
- •Check or money order for fees
- •Certified mail or delivery confirmation
Biometrics Appointment
Attend fingerprinting and background check appointment
Required Documents:
- •Biometrics appointment notice
- •Valid photo identification
- •Green card
Interview and Tests
Complete naturalization interview including English and civics tests
Required Documents:
- •Interview appointment notice
- •Green card and valid ID
- •All original documents
- •Any requested additional evidence
Oath Ceremony
Take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization
Required Documents:
- •Oath ceremony notice
- •Green card (to surrender)
- •Any requested documentation
English and Civics Tests
English Test Components
Speaking Test
Assessed during eligibility interview through normal conversation
Preparation: Practice speaking English daily, especially about your background and application
Reading Test
Read 1-3 sentences aloud about civics and history topics
Preparation: Practice reading civics and history vocabulary, study materials available on USCIS website
Writing Test
Write 1-3 sentences about civics and history topics
Preparation: Practice writing civics vocabulary, proper sentence structure, and spelling
Civics Test Topics
American Government
- Principles of Democracy
- System of Government
- Rule of Law
American History
- Colonial Period and Independence
- 1800s and Expansion
- Recent History and Holidays
Integrated Civics
- Geography
- Symbols
- Current Leaders
Test Preparation Resources
Official Study Materials:
Test Information:
- • Civics test: Up to 10 questions from pool of 100
- • Must answer 6 out of 10 correctly to pass
- • English test includes speaking, reading, and writing
- • Tests are taken during naturalization interview
Derivative Citizenship
Requirements for Derivative Citizenship
- At least one parent is a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization
- Child is under 18 years old
- Child is residing in the United States in legal and physical custody of the USC parent
- Child is a lawful permanent resident
- Child meets these requirements before their 18th birthday
Certificate of Citizenship (N-600)
Children who automatically acquire citizenship may apply for a Certificate of Citizenship as proof of their citizenship status.
When to Apply:
- • Child has already acquired citizenship
- • Need official documentation of citizenship
- • For passport applications or other official purposes
- • No deadline - can apply any time after acquisition
Application Details:
- • Form N-600: Application for Certificate of Citizenship
- • Filing fee: $1,170
- • Processing time: 9-18 months
- • Evidence of parent's citizenship and child's status required
Benefits of U.S. Citizenship
Voting and Civic Participation
- • Vote in federal elections
- • Run for elected office (except President/Vice President)
- • Serve on jury duty
- • Petition for family members
Travel and Security
- • U.S. passport for international travel
- • No risk of deportation
- • Consular protection abroad
- • No need to renew immigration status
Employment and Benefits
- • Eligible for federal jobs requiring citizenship
- • Federal benefits and social programs
- • Priority in bringing family members to U.S.
- • Automatic citizenship for children born abroad
Application Timeline
Early Filing: Can apply up to 90 days before meeting residency requirement
Total Process: Typically 8-24 months from filing to oath ceremony
Factors Affecting Timeline:
- • USCIS office workload
- • Completeness of application
- • Background check complexity
- • Need for additional evidence
Common Challenges
Most Common Issues:
- • Insufficient physical presence documentation
- • Tax compliance issues
- • Good moral character concerns
- • English or civics test difficulties
- • Incomplete travel records
Recommendation: Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for complex cases.