Naturalization is the process by which an immigrant who meets certain requirements becomes a US citizen. When you are naturalized, you accept all of the responsibilities of a citizen. Also, you can get all of the benefits and privileges of a citizen. For instance, you cannot be deported if you are a US citizen.

Requirements

Generally, you can be naturalized if:

• You are at least 18 years old;
• You have had a green card and continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years before filing an application;
  • Note: If you got your green card by marrying a US citizen and you are still married and living together, you may apply after only 3 years.
• You have lived in the same state, or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district for at least 3 months before filing an application;
• You have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately before filing an application;
  • Note: You must subtract all trips outside of the US from this period. If you have had any single trip that lasted more than 6 months, you may be ineligible to naturalize until you again meet the continuous residency requirements after your longer than 6 month trip(s)
• You live in the US from the date you file your application to the time of naturalization;
• You are considered to have “good moral character” by USCIS;
  • Note: For "good moral character," USCIS considers any criminal background and also your honesty throughout the naturalization process. If you lie during your interview with USCIS, USCIS can deny your application for lacking good moral character. 
• You understand US history and government;
• You are able to read, write, and speak English; and
• You will swear an oath of allegiance to the US and agree to uphold the US Constitution.

There is a general requirement to pass an English test and civics test to prove you are able to read, write, and speak English, and you understand US history and government. There are some exceptions to the English requirement based on age. You do not need to take the English test and you may take the civics test in your preferred language if:

• You have been living in the US as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) for more than 20 years and are 50 years or older,
• You have been living in the US as an LPR for more than 15 years and are 55 years or older, or
• You have been living in the US as an LPR for more than 20 years and are 65 years or older.

If you have a disability and cannot show the required English and civics knowledge, you can apply for an exception. You will need a doctor to help you complete the form.

USCIS guide

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has prepared A Guide to Naturalization.

The guide explains who can apply for US citizenship and how to complete the application, including:

• What form to use to apply for naturalization,
• Where to send the form,
• How much to pay,
• How to pay,
• How to get fingerprinted,
• How to check the status of your application, and
• How to appeal the denial of your application.

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