N-400 Citizenship Application: Complete Guide

Who Can Apply for Naturalization?

To be eligible for naturalization through Form N-400, you must meet several requirements established by the Immigration and Nationality Act. These are not suggestions — failing to meet even one can result in denial.

• Green card holder for 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen)
• At least 18 years old at the time of filing
• Continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years (3 if spouse-based)
• Physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years
• At least 3 months of residence in the state where you file
• Good moral character — no serious criminal convictions, fraud, or unpaid taxes
• Basic English — ability to read, write, and speak English
• Civics knowledge — understanding of U.S. history and government

N-400 Processing Timeline

The N-400 goes through several distinct stages after filing. Here is what a typical timeline looks like in 2026:

Required Documents Checklist

Having your documents organized before filing will save you significant time and reduce the risk of an RFE (Request for Evidence). Here is what you need:

• Permanent Resident Card (green card) — front and back copies
• Two passport-style photos (2x2 inches, white background)
• Tax returns for the last 5 years (or 3 years if spouse-based)
• Travel history — records of all trips outside the U.S. during the statutory period
• Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen)
• Spouse's proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport)
• Court records if you have any arrests, citations, or charges (even dismissed ones)
• Selective Service registration proof (for males ages 18–31)
• Form N-648 if requesting a medical disability exception for English/civics tests

The Citizenship Interview: What to Expect

The naturalization interview is the most critical step. It consists of three parts:

1. Application Review: The officer will go through your N-400 line by line, asking you to confirm or clarify your answers. Be honest — any inconsistency between your application and your interview answers can raise red flags.

2. English Language Test: You must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The officer will ask you to read 1 of 3 sentences aloud and write 1 of 3 sentences that are dictated to you. The speaking test happens naturally through the interview conversation.

3. Civics Test: You will be asked up to 10 questions from the official list of 100 civics questions. You must answer 6 correctly to pass. Questions cover topics like the Constitution, branches of government, U.S. history, and current government officials. The full list is available on the USCIS study materials page.

Filing Fees

The N-400 filing fee is $760, which includes the $710 application fee and $85 biometrics fee (combined as of the 2024 fee rule). You can pay by check, money order, or online if filing electronically. Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available if your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Common Reasons for N-400 Denial

• Failing the English or civics test — you get one re-test opportunity within 60-90 days
• Continuous residence issues — trips outside the U.S. exceeding 6 months
• Good moral character concerns — undisclosed arrests, DUI, tax fraud, or failure to pay child support
• Incomplete application — missing documents or unanswered questions
• Failure to appear at the interview without rescheduling

After Approval: The Oath Ceremony

Once approved, you will be scheduled for an Oath Ceremony. In many field offices, the oath happens on the same day as your interview. In larger offices, it may be scheduled separately within 1–3 months.

At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance, return your green card, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550). This document is your proof of U.S. citizenship. Keep it safe — you will need it to apply for a U.S. passport.

Frequently Asked Questions