Complete Guide to Applying for U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone for any green card holder. It offers major benefits such as the right to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and enjoy full legal protection under U.S. law.

This step-by-step guide explains how to apply for U.S. citizenship, including eligibility requirements, documents, fees, and expert tips to make your U.S. citizenship application successful. Whether you are a green card holder, refugee, or asylee, this guide will help you understand the process clearly and apply with confidence.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship

Before you begin, make sure you meet all citizenship eligibility requirements. This is the most important step before filing your application.

Age and Residency Requirements

• You must be 18 years or older.
• Standard residency: 5 years as a green card holder.
• If married to a U.S. citizen: 3 years of permanent residence.

Good Moral Character Requirement

• Demonstrate honesty, lawfulness, and responsible behavior.
• Certain criminal convictions can affect eligibility.

Continuous Residence and Physical Presence

• Maintain continuous residence in the U.S. for the required period.
• Meet the physical presence requirement: at least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the last 5 years, or 18 months for spouses of U.S. citizens.

Special Eligibility for Refugees, Asylees, and Military Personnel

• Refugees and asylees: Can apply 5 years after obtaining a green card.
• Military personnel: May qualify under different rules for expedited citizenship.

Use our free citizenship eligibility tool to check your eligibility.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Organizing your paperwork early can prevent delays. Use our N-400 document checklist to make sure you have everything ready.

Essential Documents for All Applicants

• Green card (front and back)
• Passport or travel documents
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Tax returns for the last 3–5 years

Additional Documents for Refugees and Asylees

• Form I-94 (arrival/departure record)
• Employment authorization documents (EAD) if issued

Tips for Organizing Your Paperwork

• Keep a separate folder for original documents and copies.
• Label each document clearly to avoid confusion during the interview.

Step 3: Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)

Form N-400 is your official application for citizenship. Check out our detailed N-400 instructions for section-by-section guidance.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Fill the Form

1. Fill in personal information: name, address, employment history.
2. Answer questions on travel, criminal history, and affiliations.
3. Ensure answers are accurate and honest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving fields blank
• Forgetting to sign the form
• Using outdated or incorrect documents

Online vs. Paper Filing

• Online: Create a USCIS account, upload documents, pay fees.
• Paper: Mail completed form with payment to the USCIS address for your state.

Step 4: Pay the Citizenship Application Fee

Before submitting, make sure you understand the cost to apply for U.S. citizenship.

Current N-400 and Biometrics Fees

• Total: $760 (paper filing) $710 (Online filing)
• Check the latest fee schedule on USCIS.gov.

Fee Waivers for Eligible Applicants

• Applicants with low income or certain benefits can submit Form I-912 for a fee waiver.

Applicants with household income between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may be eligible for a reduced fee.

Those with income below 150% or facing financial hardship may qualify for a fee waiver that removes all costs.

Accepted Payment Methods

• Online: Credit/debit card or bank transfer
• Paper: Check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Step 5: Submit Your Citizenship Application

Once your form and payment are ready, it’s time to file.

Online Submission via USCIS Portal

• Upload Form N-400 and required documents
• Pay fees securely
• Receive an electronic confirmation

Paper Submission by Mail

• Send N-400, documents, and check/money order to the USCIS lockbox address
• Track delivery using USPS
• Wait for the Receipt Notice (Form I-797C)

Track Your Case Status

Use your receipt number on the USCIS Case Status Tool to monitor progress.

Step 6: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

After filing, USCIS will schedule your biometrics appointment.

What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment

• Fingerprinting
• Photograph and signature collection
• Identity verification

Documents to Bring

• Appointment notice
• Green card or passport

Tip: Arrive 15–20 minutes early to avoid delays.

Step 7: Prepare for the Citizenship Interview and Tests

This is one of the most important steps. Learn what to expect with our citizenship interview guide and citizenship test overview.

Interview Overview

• USCIS officer reviews your N-400 answers and background.
• Bring all supporting documents, including travel and tax records.

English and Civics Test

• English Test: Reading, writing, and speaking evaluation.
• Civics Test: 10 questions from the list of 100.

Practice the citizenship test by checking our civics questions and answers.

Step 8: Receive Your Citizenship Decision

USCIS will notify you whether your application is approved, continued, or denied.

Approval

If approved, you’ll receive an oath ceremony notice.

Continuation or Denial

If additional evidence is needed, USCIS will send an RFE (Request for Evidence).

You can reapply or appeal, depending on the case.

Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance

This is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Learn what to expect in detail with our citizenship oath ceremony guide.

Scheduling Your Oath Ceremony

USCIS sends a notice with the date and location of your ceremony.

During the Ceremony

• Take the Oath of Allegiance
• Receive your Certificate of Naturalization

After the Ceremony

• Apply for your U.S. passport
• Update your Social Security record
• Register to vote

FAQs About Applying for U.S. Citizenship