U.S. Citizenship — N-400 Naturalization for the DMV
Naturalization is the final step of the U.S. immigration journey. Hasan Legal PC prepares N-400 applications for green card holders living in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland — including federal employees, healthcare workers, military spouses (who may qualify for expedited naturalization under INA 319(b)), and long-time permanent residents from across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America.
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Eligibility for naturalization
Most applicants must be at least 18, hold a green card for at least 5 years (3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the entire 3 years), have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, demonstrate good moral character, pass an English and civics test, and take the Oath of Allegiance. Certain U.S. military service members may qualify under expedited rules.
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Continuous residence and physical presence
Continuous residence means you have not abandoned your residence in the U.S. (trips of 6 months or more raise a presumption of abandonment; trips of one year or more break continuous residence). Physical presence means you must be in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (18 of 36 months for the 3-year spousal rule). DMV-area applicants who travel frequently for federal contracting or international work should track travel carefully.
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The English and civics test
Applicants must demonstrate basic English speaking, reading, and writing, and pass a U.S. civics test of 10 questions drawn from a public list of 100. Applicants 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15 years, may take the civics test in their native language. Applicants 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident receive a simplified 20-question civics test.
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The interview and oath at DMV field offices
Naturalization interviews are scheduled at your local USCIS field office — the Washington DC field office, the Baltimore field office, or the Fairfax field office. After approval, you will be scheduled for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. Same-day oath ceremonies are available at some field offices in the DMV.
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Good moral character considerations
USCIS evaluates the 5-year period before filing (3 years for spousal applicants) for good moral character. Issues that may delay or deny naturalization include unpaid taxes, child support arrears, prior arrests or convictions (including DUIs), failure to register for Selective Service for males who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26 as LPRs or in certain other statuses, and immigration fraud. Hasan Legal PC reviews these issues before filing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does N-400 naturalization take at the Washington DC field office in 2026?
N-400 naturalization applications at the Washington DC field office are currently taking approximately 14.5 months in 2026, including biometrics, interview scheduling, and the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. Baltimore and Fairfax field offices report similar timelines.
What is the N-400 filing fee in 2026?
The N-400 filing fee in 2026 is $760, which includes biometrics. Applicants ages 75 and older, certain military applicants, and applicants who qualify for a fee waiver or fee reduction pay less or nothing.
Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years if I am married to a U.S. citizen?
Yes. If you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen for the entire 3-year period before filing N-400, you may apply after holding a green card for 3 years instead of 5, provided your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the entire 3-year period.
What happens if I traveled outside the United States a lot?
Trips of 6 months or more create a rebuttable presumption that you abandoned continuous residence. Trips of one year or more break continuous residence and reset the eligibility clock. Federal contractors and frequent international travelers should consult an attorney before filing N-400 to address travel patterns.
Do I have to take the English and civics test?
Yes, with limited exemptions. Applicants 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15 years, may take the civics test in their native language. Applicants 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident receive a simplified civics test of 20 questions.
Where will my naturalization interview and Oath ceremony take place?
Interviews are scheduled at the USCIS field office serving your address — the Washington DC field office, the Baltimore Maryland field office, or the Fairfax Virginia field office. The Oath of Allegiance ceremony may be scheduled the same day as your interview or at a later administrative or judicial ceremony.
Last updated April 28, 2026 Source: USCIS.gov Not legal advice
Need help with your immigration case?
Hasan Legal PC attorneys handle USCIS petitions, family immigration, employment-based green cards, and naturalization across Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland.