Citizenship

Most permanent residents can apply for naturalization after five years, or three if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. The application looks at your whole time as a resident, including trips abroad, taxes and any arrest, so it is worth reviewing before you file.

Who this is for

• Permanent residents at five years, or three through marriage to a citizen
• Children who became citizens through a parent and need proof (N-600)
• Residents with long trips abroad or a past arrest who want a review first

How a case usually goes

1. Eligibility review: residence, physical presence, trips, record
2. N-400 filed online or on paper, with a fee waiver or reduced fee where you qualify
3. Biometrics and interview with the English and civics tests
4. Oath ceremony, then a U.S. passport

Documents to gather

• Green card, front and back
• List of every trip abroad of 24 hours or more
• Tax transcripts for the last five years
• Marriage certificate and spouse’s citizenship proof, for the three-year rule
• Court records for any arrest or citation
• Proof of income for a fee waiver or reduced fee

Watch out for

If you file the N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test: 20 questions asked, 12 correct answers needed.

General information, not legal advice. Every case depends on its own facts. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.