US Naturalization: Eligibility and Process

Naturalization is how a US lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a US citizen. This guide covers eligibility, the N-400 steps, the fees and the tests. This page describes United States rules. Based on the official USCIS guidance (uscis.gov), September 2026.

Who can apply

• You are a US lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
• Generally at least 5 years as a permanent resident. A shorter route can apply for spouses of US citizens; confirm the exact conditions on the official page.
• You can file up to 90 days early.
• Non-immigrant visa holders and people only renewing a green card are not eligible.

The 10 steps

1. Confirm you are eligible.
2. Gather documents and complete Form N-400. If you live outside the US, prepare 2 passport-style photos; the M-477 document checklist applies.
3. Pay the fee, then attend the biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center.
4. Attend the interview, bringing your appointment notice.
5. Receive the decision notice.
6. If approved, the oath ceremony may be the same day.
7. Complete Form N-445 and report.
8. Surrender your green card.
9. Take the oath of allegiance.
10. Receive your Certificate of Naturalization and check it for errors before leaving.

Fees and timing

A fee waiver or reduced-fee request must be filed on paper, not online. USCIS offices have different processing times, so no single decision period is stated here.

Common pitfalls

• Break in continuous residence: if you left the US for more than 6 months but less than 1 year, you may need to show you kept your continuous residence.
• Foreign documents need a complete English translation with a translator's certification.
• Filing a fee waiver or reduced-fee request online instead of on paper.
• Treating a failed test as a denial — it is often “Continued”, allowing a retake.
• Not bringing the 2 passport-style photos if you live abroad.
• Leaving without checking the Certificate of Naturalization for errors.

Documents

The M-477 checklist covers the supporting documents. A medical exception to the tests uses Form N-648. Prepare a passport-style photo where required with the passport photo checker and US visa photo guidance.

Frequently asked questions

How much does US naturalization cost?
The N-400 fee is $760 on paper or $710 online. A reduced fee of $380 is available, and a fee waiver (using Form I-912 on paper) can bring it to $0.

Can I apply before I have five years of residence?
Yes. You can file up to 90 days before you meet the continuous residence requirement.

Do I have to give biometrics?
Generally yes. After filing you receive an appointment notice for an Application Support Center, unless a waiver applies.

What happens at the interview and test?
You attend an interview with your appointment notice and take the English and civics tests. If you do not pass a test the first time, the decision may be “Continued” rather than denied, letting you retake it.

What are the three possible decisions?
Granted, Continued, or Denied. “Continued” is used, for example, when a test is failed the first time.

What happens at the oath ceremony?
You complete Form N-445, report, surrender your green card and take the oath of allegiance. You then receive your Certificate of Naturalization, and you should check it for errors before leaving.

Related: the document translation and copies guide, the US first passport checklist, and the guides hub.

Source: USCIS (uscis.gov), "10 Steps to Naturalization" and the N-400 form page — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules and fees change, so confirm the current position on the official page (per the official page at the time you apply).