Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the
requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In most cases, an applicant for
naturalization must be a legal permanent resident (green card holder) before filing. Except for certain U.S. military
members and their dependents, naturalization can only be granted in the United States.

You May Qualify for Naturalization if:

Your child may qualify for naturalization if you are a U.S. citizen, the child was born outside the U.S., the child is
currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met.
Are you a Legal Permanent Resident?
The following are your eligibility requirements in order to qualify for naturalization:
 Be 18 or older.
 Be a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years for a spouse of a U.S. citizen) immediately preceding
the date of filing the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
 Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3
months prior to the date of filing the application.
 Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years for a
spouse of a U.S. citizen) immediately preceding the date of the filing the application.
 Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (18 months out of the 3 years
for a spouse of a U.S. citizen) immediately preceding the date of filing the application.
 Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of
naturalization.
 Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and
government (civics).
 Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well
disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law.
 If you are a spouse of a U.S. citizen and have been living in marital union with your spouse, who has been a U.S.
citizen during all of such period, during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application and up
until examination on the application.
Note: There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify.
USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
How to Apply for Naturalization?
 Prepare for taking the naturalization test before you apply. See the back page for where you can find help with
your preparation.
 Submit your application (e.g., “Application for Naturalization” [Form N-400]), documents, and fee to U.S.Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You have been a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements.

You have been a legal permanent resident for 3 years or more and meet all eligibility requirements to file as a
spouse of a U.S. citizen.

You have qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.

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