U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization

Generally, a person may become a citizen of the United States by being born in the United States under applicable law, acquiring or deriving citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent under applicable law, or becoming a citizen through naturalization.

Naturalization is the process through which an eligible lawful permanent resident, commonly known as a Green Card holder, can become a U.S. citizen. The process involves eligibility requirements, an application, background checks, an interview, testing, and an Oath of Allegiance. Because the process can involve detailed requirements and procedures, it can be confusing for applicants.

Requirements for Naturalization

The general requirements for naturalization include:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years old when Form N-400 is filed.
• The applicant generally must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. Certain applicants married to and living with a U.S. citizen may qualify after three years of lawful permanent residence if they meet the applicable requirements.
• The applicant generally must have maintained continuous residence in the United States for the required period.
• The applicant generally must have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the five years immediately preceding the application. For applicants qualifying under the three-year rule, the applicable physical-presence requirement is generally 18 months during the three-year period.
• The applicant generally must have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed.
• The applicant must demonstrate good moral character during the applicable statutory period, as well as satisfy other applicable requirements.
• The applicant must demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
• The applicant generally must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English, subject to applicable exceptions and exemptions.
• The applicant generally must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government, known as the civics requirement, subject to applicable exceptions and exemptions.
• The applicant must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

USCIS also allows certain applicants to file Form N-400 up to 90 days before completing the required period of continuous residence, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.

The Naturalization Test

The naturalization process generally includes an English test and a civics test during the naturalization interview, unless the applicant qualifies for an applicable exemption or waiver.

The civics test requirements depend on when the applicant filed Form N-400. Applicants who filed on or after October 20, 2025, generally take the 2025 naturalization civics test. USCIS provides study materials for applicants preparing for the test.

Advantages of U.S. Citizenship

A citizen of the United States enjoys rights and privileges that may not be available to noncitizens, including:

• The right to vote in federal elections
• The ability to apply for jobs that require U.S. citizenship
• The ability to obtain a U.S. passport and receive certain protections and assistance from the U.S. government while abroad
• Expanded opportunities to petition for certain family members to immigrate to the United States
• The ability to transmit or confer U.S. citizenship to certain children born abroad, depending on the applicable law
• The ability to hold certain elected and appointed positions for which U.S. citizenship is required

U.S. citizenship also provides the right to live in the United States without being subject to the immigration consequences that can apply to lawful permanent residents.

Responsibilities of U.S. Citizenship

Citizenship also carries certain responsibilities. These include:

• Supporting and defending the Constitution and laws of the United States
• Being willing to serve the United States when required by law
• Serving on a jury when required
• Paying taxes as required by law
• Participating in the civic and political life of the United States

The Oath of Allegiance includes commitments to renounce foreign allegiance, support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States, and serve the United States when required by law.

The Naturalization Procedure

The naturalization process generally involves:

1. Filing Form N-400: The applicant completes and submits the Application for Naturalization along with the required documentation and filing fee.
2. Biometrics, if required: USCIS will notify the applicant if biometrics, such as fingerprints, a photograph, or a signature, are required.
3. Background checks: USCIS conducts the required background checks.
4. Naturalization interview: A USCIS officer reviews the application and background information with the applicant.
5. English and civics tests: The applicant generally completes the required English and civics examinations unless an applicable exception or exemption applies.
6. Decision on the application: USCIS determines whether the applicant qualifies for naturalization.
7. Oath of Allegiance: After approval, the applicant attends a naturalization ceremony and takes the Oath of Allegiance. The applicant becomes a U.S. citizen upon taking the Oath.

Raheen Law Group Can Help You

The U.S. naturalization process can be confusing, particularly when an applicant is unsure whether he or she meets the eligibility requirements or how a particular circumstance may affect the application.

At Raheen Law Group, we can help you understand the naturalization process, identify the requirements that apply to your situation, prepare the necessary documentation, and navigate the application process.

An experienced immigration attorney can help you understand the applicable requirements, avoid common filing errors, and prepare for the naturalization process.