Naturalization and Citizenship

Naturalization is the process by which lawful permanent residents become U.S. citizens. Citizenship confers the full rights and responsibilities of membership in the American political community.

Eligibility Requirements

To naturalize, an applicant generally must:

Be at least 18 years old

Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)

Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the 5-year period

Have lived in the state where they apply for at least 3 months

Demonstrate good moral character during the statutory period

Be able to read, write, and speak basic English

Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government (100 possible questions; must answer 6 out of 10 correctly)

Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States

The Naturalization Process

1. File Form N-400 — Application for Naturalization with USCIS

2. Biometrics appointment — fingerprinting and background check

3. Interview — a USCIS officer reviews the application, tests English and civics knowledge, and assesses eligibility

4. Decision — approved, denied, or continued for additional evidence

5. Oath ceremony — the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance and receives a Certificate of Naturalization

Rights of Citizens

U.S. citizens enjoy rights that LPRs do not, including:

The right to vote in federal, state, and local elections

The right to run for elected office (except President, which requires natural-born citizenship)

Priority in sponsoring family members for immigration

Protection from deportation (except in cases of fraud)

The right to hold a U.S. passport

Eligibility for certain government jobs and security clearances

Dual Citizenship

The U.S. does not require citizens to renounce other citizenships. However, dual citizens must use a U.S. passport when entering or leaving the United States and are subject to U.S. tax obligations on worldwide income.

Loss of Citizenship

A citizen may lose citizenship voluntarily through renunciation or, in rare cases, involuntarily if citizenship was obtained through fraud or material misrepresentation (denaturalization).

Naturalization and Citizenship