Citizenship by Naturalization: What It Means and How to Apply

Citizenship by naturalization is the process through which a foreign-born individual becomes a U.S. citizen after meeting specific requirements under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It is the most common pathway for lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who wish to fully integrate into American civic life.

Unlike citizenship by birth, citizenship by naturalization meaning involves an application process overseen by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English language proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. civics and history. Once approved, the individual takes the Oath of Allegiance, officially acquiring the same rights and responsibilities as natural-born citizens, with very limited exceptions.

This guide explains what citizenship by naturalization is, who is eligible, the requirements for U.S. naturalization, and how the naturalization process works, so you know exactly what to expect when you start to tackle the process.

• What is citizenship by naturalization?
• Eligibility for Citizenship by Naturalization
• Requirements for U.S. Naturalization
• The Naturalization Process (Step by Step)
• Processing Times and Costs
• Benefits of Becoming a Naturalized Citizen
• Naturalization vs. Citizenship
• Exemptions and Special Cases
• Risks and Potential Denials
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is citizenship by naturalization?

Citizenship by naturalization is the legal process through which a non-U.S. citizen becomes an American citizen after meeting certain eligibility requirements.

In essence, it gives lawful permanent residents (a.k.a. Green Card holders) the opportunity to obtain the same rights and responsibilities as native-born citizens.

The process ensures that applicants are committed to the United States and prepared to fully participate in civic life.

Once naturalized, individuals gain full citizenship benefits, from the right to vote and hold a U.S. passport to the ability to sponsor close family members for immigration.

Eligibility for Citizenship by Naturalization

Not everyone qualifies to apply for U.S. naturalization. Eligibility depends on your immigration status and personal circumstances.

Eligibility also focuses on your pathway to naturalization, whether that is through the length of residency, marriage, military service, or refugee/asylum status.

The main categories of people who can apply include:

• Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs): Most applicants must hold a green card and maintain lawful permanent resident status for at least 5 years before applying.
• Spouses of U.S. citizens: If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible after 3 years of permanent residency, provided you continue to live with your U.S. citizen spouse.
• Military service members and veterans: Active-duty service members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for expedited naturalization with reduced residency requirements.
• Refugees and asylum seekers: Refugees and asylum seekers can apply for a green card one year after admission and may be eligible for naturalization five years after becoming permanent residents.
• Children of naturalized citizens: Certain children under 18 years old automatically acquire U.S. citizenship when their parents naturalize, provided they live with the parent and hold permanent resident status.

Requirements for U.S. Naturalization

Once eligible to apply, all applicants must meet specific requirements for U.S. naturalization. These requirements ensure that new citizens are fully prepared for the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.

• Continuous residence: Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. during the qualifying period (5 or 3 years, depending on the pathway).
• Physical presence: Be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the qualifying period (30 months out of 5 years, or 18 months out of 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
• Good moral character: Demonstrate good moral character, which includes no serious criminal convictions, tax compliance, and honest dealings with USCIS.
• English language proficiency: Show the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, unless you have age or disability exemption.
• Civics test: Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government.
• Oath of Allegiance: Take the Oath of Allegiance, pledging loyalty to the Constitution and U.S. laws.
• Selective service registration: Male applicants between 18 and 26 must prove registration with the Selective Service, if required.
• Fees and documentation: Submit the filing fee (currently $760 including biometrics) and provide documents such as proof of residence, tax records, and your green card.

Requirements focus on the conditions and tests all applicants must fulfill, regardless of which eligibility pathway (see section above) applies to them.

The Naturalization Process (Step by Step)

The naturalization process is designed to ensure that applicants meet all eligibility requirements and are prepared for full participation in U.S. civic life. Below is a step-by-step guide to how it works:

1. Submit Form N-400

• File the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Pay the required filing fee and submit supporting documents.

2. Receive a biometrics appointment

• Attend a biometrics appointment where fingerprints, photographs, and signatures are collected.
• These are used for an FBI background check.

3. Attend the naturalization interview

• Meet with a USCIS officer who reviews your application and asks questions about your background.
• You will also be tested on English and civics unless exempt.

4. Take the English test

• Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Some applicants may qualify for age-based or disability exceptions/exemptions.

5. Complete the civics test

• Answer questions about U.S. history, the Constitution, and government structure.
• You must get at least 12 of 20 questions correct to pass.

6. Wait for USCIS decision

• USCIS will notify you of approval, denial, or continuation (if more evidence is needed).

7. Take the Oath of Allegiance

• If approved, attend a naturalization ceremony where you swear the Oath of Allegiance.
• After this, you officially become a U.S. citizen and receive citizenship and a Certificate of Naturalization.

Following these steps, applicants gain all the rights of U.S. citizens, including the ability to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and petition family members for immigration.

Processing Times and Costs

Processing times

The processing time for naturalization can vary based on your local USCIS field office and case complexity. On average:

• 6 to 12 months: Typical time from application submission to Oath of Allegiance.
• Cases may take longer if additional documents, interviews, or background checks are required.

Costs of naturalization

The current cost to apply for naturalization is:

• $760 total filing fee (includes biometrics fee as of 2025).
• Some applicants may qualify for fee waivers or reductions based on income or special circumstances.

Additional considerations

• Fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.
• Applicants should budget for costs of translations, legal assistance, or travel to appointments if necessary.

Benefits of Becoming a Naturalized Citizen

Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization provides rights and privileges that go beyond permanent residency. While lawful permanent residents (LPRs) enjoy many protections, citizens who have successfully gone through the naturalization process gain full access to the benefits of American citizenship.

• Right to vote: Naturalized citizens can vote in federal, state, and local elections.
• U.S. passport: Gain access to one of the world’s most powerful passports, ranking in the top 20 most powerful passports in the Global Passport Index.
• Family sponsorship: Petition more family members, including parents and siblings, for permanent residency.
• Eligibility for federal jobs: Apply for government positions restricted to U.S. citizens.
• Security from deportation: Unlike green card holders, citizens cannot be deported for most legal infractions.
• Access to federal benefits: Qualify for programs and scholarships reserved for U.S. citizens.
• Run for elected office: Citizens can hold many public offices (with the exception of President and Vice President).
• Greater global mobility: With a U.S. passport, naturalized citizens can travel visa-free or with visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries.

In short, naturalization not only provides legal security but also expands personal freedom, global opportunities, and civic participation.

Naturalization vs. Citizenship

A common question is whether naturalization and citizenship are the same thing. The terms are closely related, but they refer to different aspects of status:

To summarize:

• Naturalization = the legal process.
• Citizenship = the legal status gained after completing the process.

Exemptions and Special Cases

While most applicants must follow the standard path, certain exemptions and special cases apply in the naturalization process:

1. Age-based exemptions

• Applicants 50 years or older who have lived in the U.S. as permanent residents for at least 20 years are exempt from the English language requirement (but must still take the civics test in their native language).
• Applicants 55 years or older with 15 years of permanent residency are also exempt from the English test.

2. Disability exceptions

• Individuals with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments may qualify for a medical certification of disability exemption (Form N-648).
• This may excuse them from the English and civics test requirements.

3. Military service

• U.S. service members and veterans may apply for expedited naturalization without meeting the usual residency or physical presence requirements.
• Military applicants may also take the Oath of Allegiance overseas.

4. Refugees and asylum seekers

• Refugees and asylum seekers may apply for a green card one year after being admitted and may become eligible for naturalization five years after obtaining permanent residency.

5. Children

• Certain children automatically acquire citizenship when their parent(s) naturalize, provided they are under 18, live with the parent, and hold permanent resident status.

These exemptions reflect the flexibility of U.S. immigration law, ensuring that age, disability, or service do not create unfair barriers to citizenship.

Risks and Potential Denials

Not every application for naturalization is approved. USCIS carefully reviews each case, and there are several common reasons for denial:

1. Criminal convictions

• Crimes involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, or aggravated felonies can disqualify applicants.
• Even some minor offenses may affect eligibility if they call good moral character into question.

2. Failure to meet residency or presence rules

• Extended absences from the U.S. may break continuous residence or physical presence requirements.

3. Unpaid taxes or financial obligations

• Applicants must prove compliance with U.S. tax laws and demonstrate financial responsibility.

4. Dishonesty in the application

• Providing false information on Form N-400 or during the naturalization interview can lead to denial and even deportation proceedings.

5. Failure to pass tests

• Repeated failure of the English or civics test may result in denial, though applicants usually get two chances to pass.

6. Failure to demonstrate good moral character

• USCIS considers factors like domestic violence, substance abuse, polygamy, or failure to support dependents as grounds for denial.

7. Administrative or technical issues

• Incorrect forms, missing documents, or failure to pay required fees may delay or derail an application.

Applicants denied citizenship may appeal the decision or reapply after addressing the issue. Seeking legal guidance can improve the chances of success.