U.S. citizenship through naturalization is usually available to lawful permanent residents who meet residency and physical presence rules, show good moral character, pass English and civics requirements (or qualify for an exception), and take the Oath of Allegiance. Most people qualify under the 5-year rule, or the 3-year rule if married to a U.S. citizen.
What Are the Requirements to Become a U.S. Citizen?
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, most applicants must be lawful permanent residents, meet residency and physical presence requirements, show good moral character, demonstrate English and civics knowledge, and take the Oath of Allegiance. If you meet these five pillars, you can usually apply without needing the rest of this page.
Who Is Eligible for U.S. Citizenship?
You may be eligible to apply if you fit one of these common categories:
- Green Card holders using the 5-year rule
- Spouses of U.S. citizens using the 3-year rule
- Special categories: some military service members and certain other narrow groups under immigration law
The eligibility category determines whether the 3-year or 5-year timeframes apply and what evidence is most important.
Legal Permanent Residence (Green Card Requirement)
Lawful permanent residence is the baseline requirement for most naturalization cases. A lawful permanent resident is someone authorized to live in the United States permanently and who maintains that status.
Most applicants qualify after 5 years as a lawful permanent resident. Many spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after 3 years if they meet the marriage-based conditions. Maintaining status matters, because abandonment of residence or removal issues can affect eligibility.
Continuous Residence Requirement
Continuous residence is about where your main home is, not simply how many days you are present. It is separate from physical presence.
- 5-year route: show 5 years of continuous residence
- 3-year route: show 3 years of continuous residence
- Absences of more than 6 months can raise questions about continuity
- Absences of 1 year or more can break continuous residence in many cases
Extended travel can delay eligibility and may require additional documentation to show the United States remained your primary home.
Physical Presence Requirement
Physical presence is the day count. It is separate from continuous residence.
Checklist:
- 5-year rule: 30 months physically present in the U.S. out of the last 5 years
- 3-year marriage rule: 18 months physically present in the U.S. out of the last 3 years
- Days abroad do not count toward physical presence
- Frequent trips can reduce your total even if you kept a U.S. home
Good Moral Character Requirement
Good moral character is reviewed by USCIS based on the required period and can include earlier conduct. The review is fact-specific and depends on records.
Examples of factors USCIS may consider include:
- Criminal history
- Tax filing and payment history
- Honesty in immigration and other applications
- Compliance with legal obligations, including child support and court orders
English Language and Civics Test Requirements
Most applicants take an English and civics test during the naturalization interview. English usually includes speaking plus a short reading and writing check, and civics covers basic U.S. history and government.
Some applicants may qualify for age-based or medical exceptions, which require specific criteria and documentation.
Loyalty to the U.S. Constitution and Oath of Allegiance
Applicants must show attachment to the U.S. Constitution, meaning acceptance of the basic responsibilities of citizenship and the rule of law.
The Oath of Allegiance is the final step. Citizenship is granted at the oath ceremony, not at the interview, and applicants must remain eligible until the oath is taken.
How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization Process)
- Confirm eligibility using your Green Card date, travel history, and any potential good moral character issues.
- File Form N-400.
- Attend biometrics if scheduled.
- Attend the naturalization interview and complete the English and civics tests if required.
- Attend the oath ceremony and receive proof of naturalization.
Timelines vary by case and location, and results are not guaranteed.
Common Mistakes That Delay or Deny U.S. Citizenship
- Filing before meeting the 3-year or 5-year eligibility timelines
- Extended travel that disrupts continuous residence or reduces physical presence
- Incomplete forms, missing documents, or inconsistent travel dates
- Failure to disclose prior arrests, citations, or past immigration issues
When Legal Assistance May Be Helpful for Citizenship Applications
Legal assistance may be helpful when the facts are complex or the record needs careful presentation, such as:
- Prior criminal issues or arrests
- Extended absences or frequent travel
- A prior naturalization denial
- A complex personal history, including taxes or past misstatements
For more immigration guidance and resources, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?
It varies by case and USCIS office, and there is no guaranteed processing time. Many cases take several months to more than a year from filing to the oath ceremony. - Can I apply for U.S. citizenship early?
Yes, some applicants can file Form N-400 up to 90 days before meeting the 3-year or 5-year continuous residence requirement. Filing even a little too early can cause rejection, so the filing date should be calculated carefully. - Can I travel while my citizenship application is pending?
Yes, but long trips can create continuous residence or physical presence issues and may also affect scheduling. Keep clear travel records and consider the impact before extended travel. - What happens if my naturalization application is denied?
A denial does not always end the process. Depending on the reason, an applicant may request a hearing on the denial or reapply later after fixing the issue. - Is U.S. citizenship automatic after holding a Green Card?
No. For most people, citizenship requires filing Form N-400, completing the interview and tests if required, and taking the Oath of Allegiance.
