Naturalization is available for a U.S. lawful permanent resident who meets the requirements of the Naturalization to become a U.S. citizen.

Naturalization Eligibility

  • Be at least 18 years old when submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
  • Have been a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least five years. Or, for at least three years if having married a U.S. citizen spouse.
  • Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least five years (or three years for the applicant who married a U.S. citizen spouse) immediately before the date of filing Form N-400.
  • Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the five years (or 18 months out of three years for the applicant who married a U.S. citizen spouse) immediately before the date of filing Form N-400.
  • Have lived for at least three months in a state or USCIS district having jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence.
  • Show good moral character and an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Can read, write and speak basic English.
  • Have knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States (civics).

How to Apply

Apply for citizenship by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization to USCIS by mail or through USCIS online account. The applicant is required to appear at the interview for English and civics test. There are two attempts to take the English and civics tests. If the applicant fails any of the tests at the initial interview, the applicant will be retested on the portion of the test that failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of the initial interview.

English Test Exemption

50/20 exception: Age 50 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in the United States for 20 years.

55/15 exception: Age 55 or older at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a permanent resident in the United States for 15 years.

Even if the English test can be waived, the applicant still needs to take the civics test in native language.

English and Civics Test Exemption

Due to a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment, the applicant is exempted for the English and Civics test.