N-400 Citizenship & Naturalization Services
Take the next step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. H&S Worldwide provides personalized guidance to help eligible Green Card holders understand the naturalization process and prepare their Form N-400 application.
Book Your Free Consultation Explore the ProcessBecome a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
Naturalization is the legal process through which an eligible lawful permanent resident may become a United States citizen. Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is generally used by individuals applying for citizenship through this process.
Applicants must meet applicable residence, physical presence, good moral character, English language and civics requirements, along with other eligibility conditions.
- Understand the naturalization eligibility requirements
- Prepare and organize your application information
- Understand the interview and examination stages
- Receive guidance throughout your application journey
Who May Qualify for Naturalization?
Eligibility depends on your immigration history and the naturalization category that applies to you. The following are general requirements, not a complete eligibility determination.
Age Requirement
Most applicants must be at least 18 years old when filing Form N-400.
Permanent Residence
Most applicants need at least five years as a lawful permanent resident. Certain eligible spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify under a three-year provision.
Continuous Residence
Applicants generally must maintain continuous residence in the United States for the applicable statutory period.
Physical Presence
Applicants must meet the required physical presence period. Under the general five-year rule, this is usually at least 30 months.
Good Moral Character
Applicants must establish good moral character under applicable immigration law. Individual circumstances may require careful review.
English & Civics
Most applicants must meet English language and U.S. history and government knowledge requirements, unless an exemption or accommodation applies.
Common Paths to U.S. Citizenship
Different legal provisions may apply depending on your background and circumstances.
Five-Year Permanent Resident Rule
Many Green Card holders may apply after meeting the general five-year permanent residence requirement and all other applicable eligibility conditions.
Three-Year Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Rule
Certain Green Card holders married to and living in marital union with a U.S. citizen may qualify under a three-year provision, subject to additional requirements.
Military Service
Some current and former U.S. service members may qualify under special naturalization provisions. The applicable rules depend on the service and circumstances.
Citizenship Through Parents
Some children may acquire or derive U.S. citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent. Form N-400 may not be the correct process for every child.
Understanding the N-400 Process
The process can vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and USCIS requirements. These are common stages.
Eligibility Review
Review residence, travel history, background and other applicable naturalization requirements.
Application Preparation
Prepare Form N-400 and organize relevant supporting information and documents.
Submit Form N-400
File the application with USCIS using the applicable filing method and current fee requirements.
Biometrics
Attend a biometrics appointment if USCIS schedules one or reuses existing biometrics.
Interview & Tests
Attend the naturalization interview and complete required English and civics testing, unless exempt.
USCIS Decision
USCIS reviews the application and may approve, continue or deny it based on the case.
Oath Ceremony
If approved, attend the required Oath of Allegiance ceremony to complete naturalization.
Certificate of Naturalization
Receive your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the oath.
English & Civics Test Preparation
Most naturalization applicants must demonstrate English language ability and knowledge of U.S. history and government. Testing rules and exemptions depend on the applicant's circumstances and filing date.
English Test
The English test generally assesses speaking, reading and writing skills. Speaking and understanding are evaluated during the naturalization interview.
2025 Civics Test
For applicants filing Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, the 2025 civics test generally involves 20 oral questions selected from a bank of 128 questions. Applicants must answer at least 12 correctly.
Documents & Information to Organize
The documents needed depend on your circumstances. Common information may include:
Identity & Residence
- Permanent Resident Card
- Identity and personal details
- Current and previous addresses
- Residence and travel history
Personal History
- Employment and education history
- Marital history, where applicable
- Family information
- Tax and other relevant records
Additional Evidence
- Marriage or divorce documents, if applicable
- Travel records and supporting evidence
- Court or police records, if applicable
- Military or exemption-related documents, if relevant
Personalized Guidance from H&S Worldwide
Every naturalization journey is different. H&S Worldwide helps clients understand the general N-400 process and organize their application preparation according to their individual circumstances.
- Initial review of your naturalization goals and circumstances
- Guidance on general eligibility requirements
- Form and supporting-document preparation assistance
- Guidance on application stages and USCIS notices
- General interview and test preparation resources
- Coordination with qualified legal professionals when appropriate
N-400 Citizenship FAQs
Helpful answers to common questions about the naturalization process.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the Application for Naturalization used by eligible individuals to apply to become U.S. citizens through naturalization.
How long must I have a Green Card before applying?
Many applicants must have been lawful permanent residents for at least five years. Certain eligible spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after three years. Other requirements also apply.
Can I apply for citizenship after three years of marriage?
Some applicants may qualify under the three-year provision if they meet the specific requirements, including applicable marital union, residence and other conditions. Marriage alone does not establish eligibility.
Do I need to take an English and civics test?
Most applicants must complete English and civics testing unless they qualify for an applicable exemption or accommodation.
What is the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test?
Applicants filing on or after October 20, 2025 generally take the 2025 civics test: 20 questions from a bank of 128, with at least 12 correct answers required.
Will international travel affect my citizenship application?
Travel outside the United States can affect continuous residence or physical presence requirements. The impact depends on the length, timing and circumstances of each trip.
How long does N-400 processing take?
Processing times vary by location, workload and individual case. Check the current USCIS processing-time information for the office handling your application.
Does filing N-400 guarantee U.S. citizenship?
No. Filing an application does not guarantee approval. USCIS makes the decision after reviewing eligibility, evidence, interview results and applicable law.
When do I officially become a U.S. citizen?
For most applicants, naturalization is completed after approval and taking the Oath of Allegiance at the required ceremony.
Take the Next Step Toward U.S. Citizenship
Learn about the naturalization process and the steps that may apply to your circumstances. Connect with H&S Worldwide for personalized initial guidance.
Book Your Free Initial ConsultationImportant Disclaimer: H&S Worldwide Inc. is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide immigration consulting and application preparation assistance only. We do not make USCIS decisions and cannot guarantee eligibility, processing times, approval or U.S. citizenship. Immigration requirements may change and individual circumstances vary. For legal advice or complex immigration matters, consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney. Always refer to official USCIS instructions for current requirements, forms and fees.