How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship in 5 Simple Steps

Navigating the U.S. naturalization process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the five essential stages to becoming a U.S. citizen. Whether you’re just starting or ready to file your application, this guide breaks it down in a clear, straightforward way.

Ready to Begin Your Journey to U.S. Citizenship? Here’s How to Get Started:

• Get Trusted Legal Support:
  Before you begin, consider reaching out to a licensed immigration attorney or an accredited legal service provider. Many offer free or low-cost consultations to help guide you through the process.
• Create Your USCIS Account:
  Head over to myaccount.uscis.gov and set up your secure online account. This will be your main hub for completing and tracking your application.
• Prepare and Submit Form N-400:
  Complete your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization with care, gather your documents, and submit everything online through your USCIS account. You’re officially on your way!

Step 1: Make Sure You’re Eligible for Naturalization

Before you begin your application, it’s crucial to confirm that you meet the basic requirements for naturalization. There are two main factors to consider:

1. How Long You’ve Had Your Green Card

• Through Marriage: If you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization after three years.

• Other Methods: If you obtained your green card in any other way, the typical waiting period is five years.

The 90-Day Rule: You’re allowed to apply up to 90 days before reaching your 3- or 5-year residency mark. That means you can apply at 2 years and 9 months if married to a U.S. citizen, or at 4 years and 9 months otherwise.

To determine your timeline, simply check the “Resident Since” date on your green card and count forward.

2. Continuous Residency (Physical Presence Requirement)

You must demonstrate that you’ve been physically living in the U.S. for most of the past 3 or 5 years, depending on your green card category.

• Ideally, you should be present in the U.S. for at least six months of each year.

• If you’ve been abroad for more than six months but less than a year, you may still qualify—but you’ll need to provide additional proof of continuous ties to the U.S.

• Trips longer than one year typically break the residency requirement, although there are some exceptions. If this applies to you, it’s best to consult an immigration attorney.

📝 There are other requirements as well—such as good moral character, ability to speak English, and understanding of U.S. civics. We’ve linked a full list of naturalization requirements in the description below.

Step 2: Complete and File Form N-400

The next step is to submit Form N-400, officially called the Application for Naturalization.

You can complete the form in one of two ways:

• Online through your USCIS account.

• Paper form submitted by mail, along with your supporting documents.

💡 Want a detailed walkthrough of Form N-400? Drop “400” in the comments to let us know you’re interested in a step-by-step video tutorial!

Filing Costs

• Form N-400 filing fee: $640

• Biometrics (fingerprinting) fee: $85

• Total: $725

⚖️ Working with an attorney? Be sure to factor in their additional legal fees.

Processing Time

The average processing time for naturalization applications is around 10 months, though this can vary based on your location and the workload of your local USCIS field office. Including the interview, testing, and oath ceremony, you can expect the entire process to take anywhere from 10 to 20 months (and possibly more in certain states).

Step 3: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After USCIS accepts your application, you’ll receive a biometrics appointment notice in the mail.

• Expect this notice within 2 to 3 weeks after filing.

• The actual appointment will usually be scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after you receive the notice.

Bring the notice with you to your appointment, where your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be collected.

Step 4: Go to Your Naturalization Interview

Following your biometrics, USCIS will schedule your citizenship interview, typically within 10 to 14 months of submitting your N-400.

During this interview, the USCIS officer will:

• Review your application.

• Verify your eligibility.

• Administer the naturalization test, which includes two parts:

  • English Test: You’ll be asked to read and write a sentence in English.

  • Civics Test: You’ll be asked 10 questions from a list of 100. To pass, you must answer at least 6 correctly.

📋 After the interview, you’ll receive a results sheet indicating whether your application was approved, continued, or denied.

Reasons for Denial

Common reasons for naturalization denial include:

• Failing the English or civics tests.

• Gaps in your physical presence or residency.

• Outstanding taxes or unpaid child support.

• Misrepresentations on your application.

Step 5: Attend Your Oath Ceremony

If your interview goes well and your application is approved, you’ll receive a notice for your Oath of Allegiance ceremony—the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen.

At the ceremony, you’ll officially take the oath, receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and celebrate your new status as a U.S. citizen!

🎉 Congratulations—you’re now a citizen of the United States!

Bonus: Special Circumstances and Helpful Resources

What if you have previous arrests, unpaid taxes, or foreign-language documents?

We’ve created a comprehensive naturalization guide that includes:

• A downloadable document checklist

• Tips to save time and avoid delays

• Guidance on how to handle tricky situations