greencardline

Paths /

PATH MAP · EVERY RULE QUOTED FROM AN OFFICIAL SOURCE · CHECKED OCTOBER 18, 2026 · NUMBERS UPDATED DAILY

U.S. citizenship through naturalization (Form N-400)

The steps USCIS describes for a permanent resident to become a U.S. citizen with Form N-400, from eligibility to the oath ceremony.

Naturalization is how a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder) becomes a U.S. citizen, after meeting the requirements Congress set in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).[1]

The application is Form N-400. USCIS lays out the process in ten steps, which the headings below follow.[2][3]

The routes to permanent residence itself are on the spouse of a U.S. citizen, family preference and employment path pages.

Step 1: Check whether the person is already a U.S. citizen

Someone who was not a citizen at birth, and did not acquire or derive citizenship automatically from a parent after birth, moves on to the next step.[4]

Acquisition of citizenship comes through U.S. citizen parents, at birth or after birth but before age 18.[5]

Step 2: Check the eligibility requirements

USCIS offers a naturalization eligibility tool and tells applicants to confirm every requirement, and any exceptions and accommodations, before applying.[6][7]

As with every USCIS request, eligibility has to exist at filing and last through adjudication (USCIS's decision).[8]

  • Time as a permanent resident: at least 5 years, or at least 3 years for someone married to a U.S. citizen.[9]
  • Filing window: on either basis, the N-400 may be filed 90 calendar days before the continuous residence requirement is complete.[10]
  • Continuous residence: a trip abroad of more than 6 months but less than 1 year calls for evidence that continuous residence was kept, such as rent or pay statements, bank statements or IRS tax transcripts.[11][12][13]
  • Physical presence: for spouses of U.S. citizens, the checklist asks for continuous residence and physical presence documents for the last 3 years when a trip lasted that long.[14]
  • Good moral character: the checklist asks for documentation of crimes and offenses, including records of any arrest or detention anywhere in the world.[15][16]
  • English and civics: unless exempt, the applicant takes a two-part test (Step 6). A disability exception is requested on Form N-648.[17][18]

Step 3: Prepare Form N-400

USCIS says to read the instructions, collect evidence of eligibility, and use the document checklist.[19][20]

The checklist is optional, does not replace the legal and form requirements, and is not sent with the form.[21][22]

  • A copy of both sides of the Green Card.[23]
  • The current marriage certificate and proof that any prior marriages ended.[24]
  • For a spouse of a U.S. citizen, evidence of the spouse's citizenship for the last 3 years.[25]
  • Copies rather than originals unless requested, with certified English translations of foreign-language documents.[26][27]
  • A signature: unsigned forms are rejected.[28]

If required initial evidence is missing, USCIS may deny the request or ask for the evidence within a set period.[29]

Step 4: Submit Form N-400 and pay the fee

There are generally two ways to file: online, or on paper by mail.[30]

  • Online filing requires a USCIS online account, which is also used to pay the fee and check case status.[31][32]
  • Reduced-fee and fee-waiver requests must be filed on paper.[33]
  • The fee is published on USCIS's Fee Schedule page.[34]
  • Paper forms go to the N-400 direct filing address; a case sent elsewhere may take longer.[35]

USCIS then sends a receipt notice. For a properly filed N-400, it automatically extends the Green Card for 2 years and is shown together with the card.[36][37][38]

More on the notice is under receipt notice, and on how the figures are measured under how USCIS processing times work.

The N-400 processing times page lists every USCIS field office, each with its own page. Current published times:

Step 5: Biometrics appointment, if required

Biometrics are fingerprints, a photograph or a signature. N-400 applicants generally must give them unless USCIS waives it, and those who must go to an Application Support Center (ASC) receive an appointment notice.[39][40]

They are used to confirm identity and run background and security checks.[41]

  • Applicants bring the notice (Form I-797C) and valid photo ID.[42][43]
  • Rescheduling for good cause goes through the online account, at least 12 hours ahead.[44][45]
  • Otherwise, USCIS may treat the application as abandoned and deny it.[46]

More on the appointment is under biometrics.

Step 6: The interview and the English and civics test

Once preliminary processing is done, USCIS schedules an interview; the applicant brings the notice and reports at the time it gives.[47][48]

An officer asks about the application and the applicant's background.[49]

  • Speaking: judged by the officer during the interview.[50]
  • Reading: read aloud one of three sentences correctly.[51]
  • Writing: write one of three sentences correctly.[52]

The civics test covers American history, government and civics; the version depends on the filing date.[53]

  • Filed before Oct. 20, 2025: the 2008 oral test, up to 10 questions from a list of 100, 6 correct to pass.[54][55]
  • Filed on or after Oct. 20, 2025: the 2025 oral test, 20 questions from a list of 128, 12 correct to pass.[56][57]

There are two attempts; a failed part is retested 60 to 90 days after the first interview.[58][59]

The interview and request for evidence pages explain both in more detail.

Step 7: The decision on Form N-400

USCIS mails a notice of decision; online filers can also see it in their account.[60]

  • Granted: the evidence in the record shows eligibility.[61]
  • Continued: more evidence is needed, the correct documents were missing, or a test was failed the first time.[62]
  • For a request for evidence (RFE), USCIS generally gives naturalization applicants 30 days (33 if mailed) to respond.[63]
  • Denied: the evidence in the record shows the applicant is not eligible.[64]

Step 8: Notice of the oath ceremony

After approval, the ceremony may be the same day as the interview. If not, USCIS mails a notice with the date, time and location.[65][66]

Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance

A person is not a U.S. citizen until taking the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.[67]

  • The applicant completes the Form N-445 questionnaire, checks in, and an officer reviews the answers.[68][69]
  • The Green Card is turned in and the oath is taken.[70]
  • The new citizen receives the Certificate of Naturalization and reports any errors before leaving.[71]

Step 10: Understanding U.S. citizenship

USCIS ends with a list of the main rights and responsibilities of all citizens.[72]

A path map shows the general sequence the official sources describe, with the government's current published numbers. It is not legal advice, does not decide whether any step applies to you, and does not predict how long your case will take. Each numbered source below is the official page a sentence comes from.

Sources

  1. USCIS, Citizenship and Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)”
  2. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Use this form to apply for naturalization if you meet the eligibility requirements”
  3. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “10 Steps to Naturalization Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen”
  4. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are not a U.S. citizen by birth, or you did not acquire or derive U.S. citizenship from your parent(s) automatically after birth, go to the next step.”
  5. USCIS, Citizenship and Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Acquisition of citizenship is obtained through U.S. citizenship parents either at birth or after birth, but before the age of 18.”
  6. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Review the naturalization eligibility tool to help you decide if you are eligible to apply for naturalization.”
  7. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Before you apply, be sure that you meet all eligibility requirements and check if you qualify for any exceptions and accommodations”
  8. USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 – Evidence. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “A requestor must establish eligibility for the requested benefit at the time of filing the benefit request and must continue to be eligible through adjudication.”
  9. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.”
  10. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization , 90 calendar days before you complete your continuous residence requirement”
  11. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you have taken any trips outside the United States that lasted more than 6 months but less than 1 year, provide evidence that you maintained your continuous residence in the United States for the required statutory period.”
  12. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Rent or mortgage statements, or pay statements; Bank, credit card, or loan statements showing regular transactions;”
  13. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Your passport showing entry and exit stamps; IRS tax transcripts;”
  14. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Continuous Residence and physical presence documentation for the last 3 years if you have taken any trips outside the United States during the last 3 years that lasted more than 6 months but less than 1 year.”
  15. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Good Moral Character : Documentation of crimes and offenses:”
  16. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Documentation of all arrest reports, charging documents, court dispositions, sentencing reports, and any other relevant documents”
  17. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Unless you qualify for an exemption , you will also take a naturalization test which is made up of two components, an English and civics test.”
  18. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “submit a completed Form N-648 to request an exception to the English language and/or civics tests.”
  19. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Read the instructions to complete Form N-400 . Collect the necessary documents to demonstrate your eligibility for naturalization.”
  20. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Use the document checklist to make sure you collect all the required documents.”
  21. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements.”
  22. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Please do not submit this checklist with your Form N-400.”
  23. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) (both sides)”
  24. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Provide current marriage certificate and any divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate showing that your prior marriages were terminated (if applicable).”
  25. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “A copy of your marriage certificate; Evidence of U.S. citizenship for spouse for the last 3 years, generally a copy of your spouse’s: U.S. birth certificate; Certificate of Naturalization; Certificate of Citizenship;”
  26. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.”
  27. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.”
  28. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.”
  29. USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 – Evidence. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If all required initial evidence is not submitted with the benefit request or does not demonstrate eligibility, USCIS in its discretion may either deny the benefit request for lack of initial evidence or for ineligibility, or request that the missing initial evidence be submitted within a specified period of time as determined by USCIS.”
  30. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You generally have 2 options for filing your Form N-400 with USCIS: Online; or By mail (paper).”
  31. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You must create a USCIS online account to file your Form N-400 online”
  32. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Pay your filing fee online; Check the status of your case; Receive notifications and case updates;”
  33. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are requesting a reduced fee or filing a fee waiver, you cannot file Form N-400 online. You must file a paper Form N-400 along with the appropriate waiver request and required evidence.”
  34. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You can find the filing fee for Form N-400 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.”
  35. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Please check our Direct Filing Addresses for Form N-400 page for information on where to mail your application. If you do not submit your applications to the appropriate direct filing address, your case may take longer to process.”
  36. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Once you submit Form N-400, USCIS will send you a receipt notice.”
  37. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “after you properly file Form N-400, you will receive a Form N-400 receipt notice that automatically extends your Green Card for 2 years from the”
  38. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The notice should be presented together with your Green Card.”
  39. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “if you need to provide your fingerprints, photograph, or signature, we will schedule your biometric services appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC).”
  40. USCIS, N-400, Application for Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Applicants who file Form N-400 must generally submit biometrics unless we waive the requirement. An applicant who is required to appear at an application support center (ASC) to submit biometrics will receive a notice of their scheduled appointment.”
  41. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “allow us to confirm your identity and run the required background and security checks.”
  42. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Your ASC appointment notice (Form I-797C).”
  43. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Valid photo identification (such as your Green Card, passport, or driver’s license)”
  44. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you are unable to attend your scheduled biometric services appointment for good cause, you may request to reschedule your appointment through your USCIS online account”
  45. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Requests to reschedule through your USCIS online account must be made at least 12 hours before your scheduled appointment time.”
  46. USCIS, Preparing for Your Biometric Services Appointment. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If you fail to request to reschedule before your existing appointment or fail to establish good cause, USCIS may consider your application, petition, or request abandoned and it may be denied.”
  47. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Once all the preliminary processes on your case are complete, USCIS will schedule an interview with you to complete the naturalization process.”
  48. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You must report to the USCIS office at the date and time on your appointment notice. Please bring the appointment notice with you.”
  49. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and background.”
  50. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview”
  51. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English.”
  52. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English.”
  53. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “During the civics test, you will answer important questions about American history, U.S. government, and civics”
  54. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “We will administer the 2008 naturalization civics test to aliens who file Form N-400 to apply for naturalization before Oct. 20, 2025.”
  55. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The 2008 naturalization civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass the 2008 test.”
  56. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “We will administer the 2025 naturalization civics test to aliens who file Form N-400 to apply for naturalization on or after Oct. 20, 2025.”
  57. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “The 2025 naturalization civics test is an oral test consisting of 20 questions from the list of 128 civics test questions. You must answer 12 questions correctly to pass the 2025 test.”
  58. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You will be given two attempts to take the English and civics tests”
  59. USCIS, The Naturalization Interview and Test. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview.”
  60. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “USCIS will mail a notice of decision to you. If you filed your N-400 online, you can also access the electronic notice in your account.”
  61. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Granted - USCIS may approve your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes that you are eligible for naturalization.”
  62. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Continued - USCIS may continue your application if you need to provide additional evidence/documentation, fail to provide USCIS the correct documents, or fail the English and/or civics test the first time.”
  63. USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 1, Part E, Chapter 6 – Evidence. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “USCIS generally provides an applicant for naturalization 30 days (33 if mailed) to respond to an RFE.”
  64. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Denied - USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if the evidence in your record establishes you are not eligible for naturalization.”
  65. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If USCIS approved your Form N-400 in step 7, you may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview.”
  66. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “If a same day naturalization ceremony is unavailable, USCIS will mail you a notification with the date, time, and location of your scheduled ceremony.”
  67. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony.”
  68. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Complete the questionnaire on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.”
  69. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Report for your naturalization ceremony and check in with USCIS. A USCIS officer will review your responses to Form N-445.”
  70. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Turn in your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen.”
  71. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Receive your Certificate of Naturalization, review it, and notify USCIS of any errors you see on your certificate before leaving the ceremony site.”
  72. USCIS, 10 Steps to Naturalization. Last checked October 18, 2026.
    “Check out this list of some of the most important rights and responsibilities that all citizens”

Other paths