Apply to become a U.S. citizen.
Green card holders who have held LPR status for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
Form N-400 is the application to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. You must meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements, demonstrate English language ability, and pass a civics test.
Confirm eligibility (5 years as LPR, or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
File N-400 with required documents and fee
Attend biometrics appointment
Attend naturalization interview and take civics/English test
Attend oath ceremony and receive Certificate of Naturalization
Beyond the basic 5-year (or 3-year) residence requirement, USCIS also requires:
Continuous residence — no single trip abroad longer than 6 months (with some exceptions) during the qualifying period
Physical presence — at least half of the qualifying period physically present in the U.S.
Good moral character — generally assessed over the qualifying period, though some issues can be considered further back
English and civics — ability to read, write, and speak basic English, and pass a civics test (some age/residency-based exemptions exist)
Copy of your green card (front and back)
Two passport-style photos (if filing by paper)
Travel history for the qualifying period — dates and destinations of all trips abroad
Marriage certificate and spouse's proof of citizenship, if applying under the 3-year rule
Any court/arrest records, even if the case was later dismissed or expunged
Incomplete travel history. Forgetting or underreporting trips abroad is one of the most common issues — USCIS cross-checks this against travel records.
Not disclosing old legal issues. Even resolved or expunged matters generally must be disclosed — omitting them can be treated as misrepresentation, which is far more serious than the underlying issue itself.
Filing too early. You can file up to 90 days before meeting the residence requirement, but not sooner — early filing results in rejection.
Do I need to give up my other citizenship? The U.S. does not require you to renounce other citizenships, though your home country's laws may have their own rules about dual citizenship.
What if I fail the English or civics test? You're typically given a second opportunity to retest on those specific portions, usually within 60-90 days.
How long after naturalization can I apply for a passport? Immediately — many people apply for an expedited passport right after their oath ceremony.
📄 Official Form on USCIS.gov →Use ClearPath's free tools to check your own situation
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