Naturalization. The path to U.S. citizenship.
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. The application is made on Form N-400, and the requirements include residence, good moral character, English-language ability, and basic civics knowledge. We help our clients through every step.
Lawful permanent residents apply for U.S. citizenship by filing Form N-400 with USCIS. Under INA § 316, the standard requirements are five years of continuous residence (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), physical presence for at least half of that period, good moral character, basic English proficiency, and a passing score on the civics test. The process ends with the oath of allegiance.
What naturalization involves
Form N-400 is the application for naturalization. Most lawful permanent residents are eligible after five years of continuous residence (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the full three-year period), under the requirements set out in INA § 316.
USCIS reviews the application, takes biometrics, and schedules an interview. At the interview, the officer tests basic English (reading, writing, and speaking) and administers the civics test: generally 10 of 100 possible questions, of which the applicant must answer at least 6 correctly. Some applicants qualify for age-based exceptions to the English requirement.
Good moral character during the statutory period is required. Certain criminal convictions, even from years before, can either delay an application or, in some cases, raise removal risk. We review the full record before filing.
After approval, the applicant takes the oath of allegiance at a naturalization ceremony, which is generally scheduled within weeks of approval. At the oath ceremony the new citizen receives the Certificate of Naturalization.
Naturalization questions
How long do I have to be a permanent resident before I can naturalize?
Under INA § 316, the standard requirement is five years of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident, with physical presence in the United States for at least half of that period. If you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the full three years before filing, the residence requirement drops to three years.
What is on the English and civics test?
The English portion tests speaking, reading, and writing at a basic level. The civics test draws from a published list of 100 questions on U.S. history and government; the officer asks up to 10, and you must answer at least 6 correctly. USCIS publishes the questions and answers, and study materials are widely available.
Can I get the N-400 fee waived?
USCIS offers a fee waiver (Form I-912) for applicants who meet income thresholds or who receive certain means-tested benefits. There is also a reduced-fee option for some applicants. We evaluate eligibility for both as part of the consultation.
Will a criminal record prevent me from becoming a U.S. citizen?
It depends on the offense. Some convictions are absolute bars (aggravated felonies, certain drug offenses, multiple DUIs in some patterns); others raise good-moral-character concerns within the statutory period. Some applicants with criminal histories should not file N-400 without first addressing the underlying record. We review the record carefully before any USCIS filing.
When do I take the oath after my N-400 is approved?
After USCIS approves the N-400, the applicant is scheduled for a naturalization ceremony, generally within a few weeks of approval, though scheduling varies by USCIS field office. At the ceremony you take the oath of allegiance and receive the Certificate of Naturalization, which is the legal proof of U.S. citizenship.
Reviewed by Abraham HansonLast updated 2026-06-15