How do I get U.S. citizenship?

The process for becoming a U.S. citizen is called "naturalization." Most people have to be a "Legal Permanent Resident" (green card holder) to apply for citizenship. 

U.S. citizens can travel freely, vote, and apply for family members to get green cards. A citizen cannot be deported.

To qualify for naturalization, you must:

• Have had a green card for the past five years. Some people qualify in three years. Example: if you are married to a U.S. citizen you may qualify in three years.
• Have lived more than half of the past five (or three) years in the U.S. Long trips outside the U.S. can make it harder to qualify.
• Pass the English and civics tests. There are exceptions if you:
  • are older
  • have had your green card for a long time
• Swear loyalty to the U.S.
• Show "good moral character." Good moral character includes paying taxes, paying child support, staying out of trouble with the law, and more. Some criminal convictions disqualify you or lead to deportation. Any problems or lies on your other immigration applications can disqualify you.

There are exceptions to some of these rules. There are also special rules for members of the U.S. military and their families.

The naturalization process

1. Check if you qualify: 
   1. Have you had your green card long enough? 
   2. Are you old enough? 
   3. Are you ready for the tests? Or do you qualify for the exceptions?
   4. Have you spent most of the past five (or three) years inside the U.S.? 
   5. Can you show "good moral character?" 
   6. Can you afford the application fees or qualify for a fee waiver?
2. If you have any arrest records, problems, or questions, get legal help before you apply. 
3. Fill out the N400 application and supporting forms:
   1. On the government (USCIS) website,
   2. using paper forms from the government website, or
   3. with free guidance at Citizenshipworks.

Answer the questions carefully and truthfully. Sign the forms and keep a copy. 

4. File the forms and fees. If you fill out the form on the USCIS website, you can file and pay online. If you use Citizenshipworks or paper, check where to mail the forms and fee. It depends on where you live.  
5. Get a receipt (online or by mail, depending on how you filed).
6. Wait for an interview notice and date. You will also get a notice to go to a fingerprinting appointment. Check how long the wait and process is at USCIS. 
7. Study for the English and civics test.  Practice your English and review the USCIS lists of civics questions, reading words, and writing words. You must show that you: 
   1. speak and understand basic English and
   2. know about U.S. history and civics. 

Exceptions: 

• You can take the citizenship test in your own language if you are:
• 50 or older and have had a green card for at least 20 years, or
• 55 or older and have had a green card for at least 15 years.
• Some people qualify for disability accommodations or medical waivers. 

8. Go to your interview appointment. At the interview, answer questions about your immigration applications and take an English and civics test.
9. If your application is approved, you will get a notice to attend an oath ceremony and get your Certificate of Naturalization. If your application is denied, get legal help to decide if you should appeal or try again. 

Fees

Applying for citizenship is expensive. If your job does not pay well, you may qualify for a fee waiver or a reduced fee.

Free help with your application and more information: 

Citizenshipworks is a free, safe, online guide to fill out the naturalization forms. The guide is in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Their website has more information about the process.