10 steps to naturalization

A practical summary of USCIS guidance. Use this as a roadmap and always verify details on the official site.

Step 01

Check if you are already a U.S. citizen

If you were born in the United States or acquired/derived citizenship from parents, you may already be a citizen.

Step 02

Confirm eligibility and timing

Use the USCIS eligibility tool and confirm you meet the residency, physical presence, and state residence requirements.

Step 03

Prepare Form N-400

Read the instructions, gather supporting evidence, and create your USCIS online account if you plan to file online.

Step 04

File the application

Submit Form N-400 with the required fee. USCIS will issue a receipt notice and case number.

Step 05

Biometrics appointment (if required)

USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment to collect fingerprints, photo, and signature.

Step 06

Naturalization interview

Attend the interview and take the English and civics tests unless you qualify for an exception.

Step 07

Receive a decision

USCIS will grant, continue, or deny your application. A continuation often means more evidence or a retest.

Step 08

Oath ceremony notice

If approved, USCIS will schedule you for the Oath of Allegiance and send Form N-445.

Step 09

Take the Oath of Allegiance

Return your green card, take the oath, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Step 10

Understand rights and responsibilities

Update your records, consider passport and voter registration, and follow citizenship responsibilities.

Key eligibility paths

Naturalization eligibility depends on your status and time as a lawful permanent resident (LPR).

5-year LPR path

Age 18+ at filing
LPR for at least 5 years
Continuous residence for 5 years
Physical presence at least 30 months
Lived 3 months in your state or USCIS district
Good moral character

3-year path (married to a U.S. citizen)

Age 18+ at filing
LPR for at least 3 years
Married and living with a U.S. citizen spouse for 3 years
Spouse has been a U.S. citizen for 3 years
Continuous residence for 3 years
Physical presence at least 18 months

English/civics exceptions

50/20: age 50+ and 20 years as an LPR
55/15: age 55+ and 15 years as an LPR
65/20: age 65+ and 20 years as an LPR (special civics consideration)

Disability accommodations

Medical exception via Form N-648
Reasonable accommodations for disabilities
Interpreter permitted when eligible

USCIS rules vary by category and individual history. Always confirm details on the official site.

Prepare for the interview and tests

The naturalization interview includes English and civics testing unless you qualify for an exception.

English test

Speaking is evaluated during the interview
Reading: 1 out of 3 sentences
Writing: 1 out of 3 sentences
Study USCIS reading and writing lists

Civics test (2025 version)

20 questions asked from a bank of 128
Answer at least 12 correctly to pass
Some answers change with elections/appointments

Civics test (2008 version)

10 questions asked from a bank of 100
Answer at least 6 correctly to pass
Use the official answers current at your interview

Retest policy

If you fail the English or civics test, USCIS gives you one more opportunity
A retest is usually scheduled 60–90 days after the first interview

If you filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS applies the 2025 civics test. Earlier filings use the 2008 test.

Official USCIS sources

Every summary and question set in this app is drawn from USCIS publications.

Questions checked against official USCIS lists: October 26, 2026

Civic Test & U.S. Citizenship Test Practice