Becoming a United States citizen

Were you born in the United States?

• If yes, then you are a U.S. citizen.

If you were not born in the United States, are either of your parent(s) U.S. citizens?

• If yes, then it depends on the following:
  • when you were born,
  • whether one or both of your parents are citizens, and
  • if you meet other requirements for getting citizenship.

For more details, see the USCIS website or talk to an immigration lawyer. 

You must be a current lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to apply to be a U.S. citizen, through a process called naturalization. 

To qualify for naturalization, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years, or 3 years if you received your green card through marriage.
• Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 2.5 years of the past 5 years, or 1.5 years of the past 3 years if you received your green card through marriage. Any long periods of time outside the U.S. will have to be explained. If you have been outside of the U.S. for more than a year, you should talk to an immigration attorney.
• For most people, be able to pass an English and Civics test.
• Be a person of "good moral character."

Important

Talk to an immigration lawyer if you have been charged or convicted of any offense, even if you don’t think it is serious. Talk to an immigration lawyer if you have any other issues related to moral character.

You do not have to take the English test if:

• You are at least 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more.
• You are at least 55 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years or more.
• You are at least 65 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more.

You may not have to take the English and/or Civics tests if you qualify for a disability waiver. You will need a doctor to complete another form (N-648) to qualify.

You may be able to take the Civics test in a language other than English if:

• You are at least 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more.
• You are at least 55 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years or more.
• You are at least 65 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more. You can take a simplified civics test.
• You qualify for a disability waiver, and your disability only impacts your ability to learn English primarily.

The USCIS website has a worksheet to help you decide if you are eligible to apply for citizenship.

1. Send an Application for Naturalization (N-400) and the filing fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Receive notification that your application has been received by USCIS.
3. Go to your appointment at a local office where they will take your fingerprints and/or photo to complete a background check.
4. Receive notification for an interview at your local USCIS office.
5. Go to your interview where you will take the English and Civics exams (if required).
6. Get a notice that tells you if your application was approved.
7. Attend the Oath Ceremony.

Learn more details on the USCIS website: 10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen

Be aware of the risks.

To apply for citizenship, you must show that you are a person of “good moral character” for 5 years prior to applying for citizenship (3 years if you received your green card through marriage) through the time of your interview.

Here are some examples of issues that may cause the government to determine that you do not have good moral character. This is not a complete list, and you should talk to an immigration lawyer if you have any doubts.

• Criminal convictions or charges,
• Smuggling,
• Alcoholism,
• Participation in illegal gambling or prostitution,
• Committing fraud to get a visa or green card, 
• Practicing polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time),
• Failure to pay child support,
• Failure to file taxes,
• Voting or false claims to U.S. citizenship,
• Having helped someone enter the U.S. illegally.

There are many other issues that may affect your good moral character. Please talk to an immigration lawyer.

If you have committed certain crimes, voted, committed fraud, or have left the U.S. for a long period of time (more than 1 year), applying to become a U.S. citizen could put you in danger of deportation.

Also, if you had any issues before getting your green card, they could be discovered by USCIS during your naturalization process. Talk to an immigration lawyer if any of these issues may apply to you.