🇺🇸 United States · Citizenship
Naturalization rules: required residence years, language and civics requirements, and each country's dual-citizenship policy.
Quick answer
U.S. citizenship by naturalization generally requires five years as a green-card holder (three if married to a U.S. citizen), continuous residence, good moral character, and passing English and civics tests. Those born in the U.S. are citizens by birth.
US citizenship by naturalisation is generally available to lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) after five years — three if married to and living with a US citizen — who meet continuous-residence and physical-presence rules, pass an English and civics test, show good moral character and take the Oath of Allegiance. The 2025 civics test (for Form N-400 filed on or after 20 Oct 2025) asks 20 questions from a list of 128, with 12 correct to pass. USCIS administers naturalisation.
- Eligibility: usually five years as an LPR (three years if married to a US citizen), meeting continuous-residence and physical-presence rules.
- You must pass an English test and a civics test (2025 version: 20 oral questions, 12 to pass) unless exempt by age/length of residence.
- Good moral character and the Oath of Allegiance are required; you apply on Form N-400.
- The US generally permits dual citizenship, but check whether your current country allows it.
Step-by-step
- 1
Confirm your route and residence
Most naturalize after 5 years as a green-card holder (3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), meeting continuous-residence and physical-presence rules.
- 2
Meet language and knowledge tests
Pass the English test (reading/writing/speaking) and the U.S. civics test, unless an age/residence or disability exemption applies.
- 3
Meet good-character and other conditions
Show good moral character over the statutory period (tax filing, no disqualifying crimes) and Selective Service registration where applicable.
- 4
Apply to the nationality authority
File Form N-400 with USCIS (online or by mail) and give biometrics.
- 5
Attend interview / test and ceremony
Attend the USCIS interview and tests, then take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.
- 6
Receive citizenship and a passport
You become a U.S. citizen; the U.S. permits dual nationality. Apply for a U.S. passport with your Certificate of Naturalization.
Checklist
- Eligible route + qualifying residence period
- Physical-presence / absence limits met
- Language + civics/knowledge test passed
- Good character / clean record
- Application + documents + fee
- Interview / test attended
- Oath / pledge / ceremony completed
- Dual-nationality rule checked; passport applied
Official authorities
- USCIS — Citizenship Resource Center
Official naturalisation requirements and study materials.
- USCIS — Apply for Naturalization
How to file Form N-400.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I hold a green card before naturalizing?
Usually five years, or three years if you have been a permanent resident married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
Is there a citizenship test?
Yes — an English language test and a civics test on U.S. history and government, with some age-based exemptions.
Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship?
Yes — the U.S. permits dual citizenship and does not require renouncing another nationality to naturalize.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- The White House — Official residence and office of the US President — executive orders, policy briefings, press releases
- U.S. Department of State — US passport and visa services, travel warnings, embassy information worldwide
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Federal tax filing, refund status, ITIN/EIN applications, and Free File program
- USCIS — Green card, H-1B and work visas, naturalization, immigration benefits, and case status