Citizenship is the common thread that connects all Americans. We are a nation bound not by race or religion, but by the shared values of freedom, liberty, and equality. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions an immigrant can make.
Be a lawful permanent resident (have a Green Card)
Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the United States for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
Demonstrate continuous physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years preceding your application
Show good moral character
Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics)
Demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak basic English
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
02
Regulatory Criteria
Important Reasons to Consider U.S. Citizenship
Citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. By applying, you are demonstrating your commitment to this country and our form of government.
Examples
Vote: Only citizens can vote in federal elections. Most states also restrict voting to U.S. citizens
Serve on a jury: Only U.S. citizens can serve on a federal jury. Most states also restrict jury service to U.S. citizens
Travel with a U.S. passport: Enables you to get assistance from the U.S. government when overseas
Bring family members to the U.S.: U.S. citizens generally get priority when petitioning family members
Obtain citizenship for children under 18: In most cases, a child born abroad to a U.S. citizen is automatically a U.S. citizen
Apply for federal jobs: Certain jobs with government agencies require U.S. citizenship
Become an elected official: Only citizens can run for federal office (Senate or House) and most state/local offices
Keep your residency: A U.S. citizen's right to remain in the United States cannot be taken away
Become eligible for federal grants and scholarships: Many financial aid grants are available only to U.S. citizens
Obtain government benefits: Some government benefits are available only to U.S. citizens
Citizenship Rights
As a U.S. citizen, you are entitled to fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Examples
Freedom to express yourself
Freedom to worship as you wish
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury
Right to vote in elections for public officials
Right to apply for federal employment requiring U.S. citizenship
Right to run for elected office
Freedom to pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Citizenship Responsibilities
All citizens should exercise and respect these responsibilities. Some are legally required; all are important for America to remain free and prosperous.
Examples
Support and defend the Constitution
Stay informed of the issues affecting your community
Participate in the democratic process
Respect and obey federal, state, and local laws
Respect the rights, beliefs, and opinions of others
Participate in your local community
Pay income and other taxes honestly and on time
Serve on a jury when called upon
Defend the country if the need should arise
Paths to Citizenship
Depending on your situation, there may be different ways to obtain citizenship.
Examples
Naturalization: Process for lawful permanent residents to become U.S. citizens after meeting INA requirements
Acquisition of citizenship: Obtained through U.S. citizen parents at birth or after birth (before age 18)
Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years: Standard naturalization path
Married to a U.S. Citizen: May naturalize after 3 years instead of 5
Serving in the U.S. Military: Special provisions for military members
Child of a U.S. Citizen: May acquire citizenship automatically in certain cases
General Naturalization Requirements
To be eligible for naturalization, you generally must meet all of the following requirements:
Examples
Be 18 years old or older when you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Be a lawful permanent resident (have a Green Card)
Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years
Demonstrate continuous physical presence in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the 5 years
Show good moral character during the required period
Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics test)
Demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak basic English
Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
10 Steps to Naturalization
Understanding the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.
Examples
Step 1: Determine if you are already a U.S. citizen (by birth or through parents)
Step 2: Determine if you are eligible to become a U.S. citizen
Step 3: Prepare Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Step 4: Submit Form N-400 and pay fees
Step 5: Complete biometrics appointment if required
Step 6: Complete the interview with USCIS officer
Step 7: Receive decision from USCIS
Step 8: Receive notice of naturalization ceremony
Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance
Step 10: Understanding U.S. citizenship and your new rights and responsibilities
The Naturalization Interview and Test
During the naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will test your English language ability and knowledge of U.S. civics.
Examples
English Test: Reading, writing, and speaking ability in English
Civics Test: Knowledge of U.S. history and government
2025 Civics Test: 100 civics questions covering American government, history, and integrated civics
You must correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions to pass the civics test
Some applicants may qualify for exceptions or accommodations
Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization after 3 years of continuous residence.
Examples
Must be a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years
Must be married to and living with U.S. citizen spouse for 3 years
U.S. citizen spouse must have been a citizen for 3 years
Must have continuous residence in the U.S. for 3 years
Must have physical presence for at least 18 months of the 3 years
All other naturalization requirements still apply
03
Application Process
Determine Eligibility
Check if you meet the requirements for naturalization.
Prepare Form N-400
Complete the Application for Naturalization with all required information.
Submit Application
File Form N-400 with USCIS and pay the required fees.
Biometrics Appointment
Attend biometrics appointment if required for fingerprinting.
Naturalization Interview
Complete interview with USCIS officer including English and civics tests.
Receive Decision
USCIS will issue a decision on your application.
Attend Ceremony
Receive notice to attend naturalization ceremony.
Take Oath of Allegiance
Become a U.S. citizen by taking the Oath of Allegiance.
04
Key Benefits
Right to vote in federal, state, and local elections
Ability to run for elected office
Priority when petitioning family members for immigration
U.S. passport for international travel and government protection abroad
Access to federal jobs requiring citizenship
Eligibility for federal grants and scholarships
Access to government benefits only available to citizens
Permanent right to remain in the United States
Ability to pass citizenship to children born abroad
Protection from deportation
05
Documents Needed
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Copy of Green Card (front and back)
Two passport-style photographs
Filing fee payment
Evidence of continuous residence
Evidence of physical presence
Tax returns for the past 5 years (or 3 years if applicable)
Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage to U.S. citizen)
Spouse's proof of U.S. citizenship (if applicable)
Military records (if applying based on military service)
06
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to be a permanent resident before I can apply for citizenship?
Generally, you must be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years before you can apply for naturalization. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply after 3 years.
What is the civics test?
During your naturalization interview, you will be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 civics questions about U.S. history and government. You must correctly answer 6 questions to pass the civics test.
Do I need to speak English to become a citizen?
Yes, you must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. However, there are exceptions for applicants who are 50 years old or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, or who are 55 years old or older and have been a permanent resident for 15 years.
Can I keep my original citizenship?
The United States does not require you to renounce your original citizenship when you become a U.S. citizen. However, some countries do not allow dual nationality. Check with your home country's embassy or consulate for their policies.
What happens at the naturalization ceremony?
At the naturalization ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and officially become a U.S. citizen. You can apply for a U.S. passport immediately after the ceremony.
How much does it cost to apply for naturalization?
The filing fee for Form N-400 includes the application fee and biometrics services fee. Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants. Check the current fee schedule on the USCIS website.
Can my children become citizens when I naturalize?
In most cases, children under 18 who are lawful permanent residents automatically become U.S. citizens when their parent naturalizes, as long as the child is residing in the U.S. in the legal and physical custody of the citizen parent.
07
Fees
Attorney Fee
$2,000
Initial Installment
$2,000
USCIS Fee
$760
Fees are estimates and may change. Contact us for a quote for your specific case.
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.