🇺🇸 United States

N-400 Naturalization

US Citizenship Application

Hard ~60 min CitizenshipNaturalizationImmigration

/ What is this form?

Form N-400 is the application for US citizenship through naturalization. After 5 years as a permanent resident (3 if married to and living with a US citizen), you can apply. The process includes a biometrics appointment, interview, English language test, and civics test.

After the interview and approval, you attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony where you officially become a US citizen. You receive a Certificate of Naturalization and can then apply for a US passport.

The United States allows dual citizenship in practice, although the naturalization oath includes renouncing allegiance to other sovereigns. Your other country of citizenship may or may not recognize the US citizenship as ending your obligations there.

/ Who needs this form?

Green card holders who have been permanent residents for 5 years
Green card holders married to and living with a US citizen for 3 years
Certain military members and veterans

/ What you need before you start

Permanent Resident Card (green card)

Federal tax returns for the past 5 years

Detailed travel history (all trips outside the US in past 5 years)

Employment history for past 5 years

Filing fee: $760 ($640 for ages 75+)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Confirm Eligibility

Must be a permanent resident for 5 years (3 if married to US citizen), age 18+, and demonstrate continuous residence and good moral character.

2 Complete Form N-400

Fill in personal history, travel history (all trips outside US in past 5 years), employment history, and background questions.

3 File and Pay Fee

Submit online or by mail with $760 filing fee ($640 for those 75+). USCIS will confirm receipt.

4 Biometrics & Interview

Attend biometrics appointment, then naturalization interview where your application is reviewed and you take the English and civics tests.

5 Oath Ceremony

After approval, attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony where you become a US citizen. Receive Form N-550 (Certificate of Naturalization).

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Continuous residence	Confirm you have maintained continuous residence — trips outside the US of 6+ continuous months can disrupt this.	Not reporting trips outside the US that lasted close to or over 6 months.
Good moral character	Answer all background questions about criminal history, tax compliance, and other conduct honestly.	Not disclosing all arrests — USCIS will check. Non-disclosure is considered far more seriously than the underlying incident.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Applying before meeting the exact eligibility date — file as early as 90 days before the 5-year mark.

Not disclosing all arrests or legal issues, even expunged records.

Not preparing adequately for the civics test — 6 of 10 questions must be answered correctly.

Having extended trips abroad that broke continuous residence.

/ Frequently asked questions

Do I have to give up my other citizenship?

The US does not formally require renunciation of other citizenships, and many people hold dual citizenship. However, your other country may have its own rules about this.