How Do You Become a US Citizen Through Naturalization in 2026?

Who is eligible to naturalize

Naturalization is how a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) becomes a US citizen. The standard rule is five years as a permanent resident. If you obtained your green card through marriage and are still married to and living with the same US citizen, the requirement drops to three years. You must also be at least 18 at the time of filing.

Beyond the time requirement, you need continuous residence in the US, physical presence for at least half of the qualifying period, residence in the state or USCIS district where you file for at least three months, good moral character, and a basic command of English plus knowledge of US history and government. Certain applicants — older long-term residents and those with qualifying disabilities — get test exemptions or accommodations.

Step 1: File Form N-400

The process begins with Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, filed online or by mail with USCIS. You will provide your immigration history, travel record, employment, and answers to the good-moral-character questions. Filing online is generally faster and lets you track status and upload evidence.

Pay the government filing fee when you submit. Because USCIS revised fees in 2024, check the current N-400 amount on the official fee schedule; reduced fees and fee waivers (Form I-912) are available to qualifying low-income applicants. Some military applicants are exempt from the fee entirely.

Step 2: Biometrics and the interview

After USCIS accepts the N-400, most applicants receive a biometrics appointment to capture fingerprints and a photo for background checks (some applicants have biometrics reused from a prior filing). USCIS then schedules a naturalization interview at a local field office.

At the interview a USCIS officer reviews your application, verifies your eligibility, and administers the English and civics tests. Bring your green card, passport(s), and any documents the appointment notice requests. Answer consistently with your N-400 — discrepancies can lead to delays or a request for more evidence.

Step 3: The English and civics tests

The English test checks your ability to read, write, and speak ordinary English during the interview. The civics test covers US history and government; the officer asks questions from the official study list and you must answer a set number correctly. USCIS publishes free study materials, flash cards, and practice tools, and most applicants who study pass on the first try.

If you do not pass a portion, USCIS gives you a second chance, usually within 60–90 days, to retake only the part you failed. Qualifying older applicants and those with certain medical conditions can request exemptions or a simplified version of the test.

Step 4: The Oath of Allegiance and timeline

Once approved, you attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance — the moment you officially become a US citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. In some districts the ceremony happens the same day as the interview; in others it is scheduled separately.

Total processing in 2026 commonly runs about 8–14 months from filing to the oath, though it varies by field office. After naturalizing you can apply for a US passport, petition for certain relatives, and vote. Use our free tools to plan around your specific timeline.

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