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After having a green card for a few years, lawful permanent residents (LPRs) often wonder how to apply for citizenship. Called naturalization, the process of applying for American citizenship begins with confirming that you qualify. Then, you submit an application, complete an interview and test, and, if you pass, take the Oath of Allegiance, which officially makes you a citizen.
At the Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh, we help immigrants throughout the U.S. navigate every stage of the citizenship process. Our team assists with preparing forms, collecting the proper evidence, and understanding each application requirement. We aim to make the process more transparent and easier to manage.
Requirements to Apply for American Citizenship
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) grants citizenship to green card holders who meet several requirements. Applicants must:
- Have lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for a period of years;
- Have good moral character, meaning they have followed the law, been truthful, and met civic and financial obligations;
- Read, write, and speak basic English; and
- Understand basic U.S. history and government (known as “civics”).
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to apply for American citizenship.
When Can I Apply for Citizenship?
When you can apply for citizenship depends on how long you have held permanent resident status and whether you are married to a U.S. citizen. Every applicant must meet time-based residency rules before they become eligible for citizenship. Most LPRs qualify after holding green cards for five years, while LPRs married to U.S. citizens qualify after three.
Applicants must also meet physical presence and continuous residence requirements. To meet the physical presence requirement, you must have been present inside the U.S. for enough days during the application period. Generally, you must have been in the U.S. for at least half of the required three- or five-year term.
You also need to show continuous residence, meaning your primary home must have been in the U.S. during the three- or five-year application period.
What Is Good Moral Character?
Applicants must demonstrate that they have good moral character (GMC), which generally means following U.S. laws, being honest, and meeting responsibilities. Showing you have GMC can be complicated if you have a history of:
- Criminal arrests, convictions, or probation;
- Financial issues, such as unpaid taxes, child support, or bankruptcy; or
- Dishonesty, including false statements on applications or during interviews.
USCIS considers your record during the three- or five-year eligibility period and up until your Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
English and Civics Requirements
All applicants must pass English and civics tests unless they qualify for an exception. The English test measures your ability to speak, read, and write simple English, while the civics test checks your knowledge of U.S. government and history.
USCIS is implementing a new civics test for individuals who apply on or after October 20, 2025. The 2025 civics test has 20 oral questions. You have to answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
USCIS offers limited exceptions, including:
- 50/20 Rule—age 50+ with at least 20 years as an LPR may be exempt from the English test and take the civics test in their native language;
- 55/15 Rule—age 55+ with at least 15 years as an LPR may be exempt from the English test and take the civics test in their native language; and
- 65/20 Rule—age 65+ with at least 20 years as an LPR can take a simplified civics test.
You can also request a disability exception if a medical condition prevents you from passing the tests.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Citizenship?
The documents you need to apply for citizenship typically include:
- A copy of the front and back of your green card;
- A government-issued photo ID and proof of any legal name change;
- Proof of marital history, if applying under the three-year rule;
- Certified court records for any arrests or citations;
- A list of all trips outside the U.S. during the qualifying period; and
- Tax returns or transcripts.
Bring original or certified copies to your interview if USCIS requests them.
How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship Step-by-Step
To apply for naturalization, complete the following steps:
- Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility. Ensure you meet the continuous residence and physical presence rules for your three- or five-year category.
- Step 2: Gather Required Documents. Before starting the application, collect your identification, travel records, tax information, and any court documents.
- Step 3: Complete Form N-400. To apply for citizenship, you complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, providing detailed information about yourself and your history.
- Step 4: Submit Your Application. After you file your required forms and supporting documents, USCIS sends a receipt notice confirming that it received your application.
- Step 5: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment. USCIS takes your fingerprints, photograph, and signature to perform background checks.
- Step 6: Prepare for Your Interview and Tests. Before your interview, review your application answers and study for the English and civics tests.
- Step 7: Attend the Citizenship Interview. A USCIS officer verifies your identity, asks questions about your background, and tests your English and civics knowledge.
- Step 8: Receive a Decision. USCIS can approve, continue, or deny your case; approval means you move on to the oath ceremony, while continuance means USCIS needs more information or you must retake a test. In the case of denial, USCIS sends you a written explanation for why it denied the case and informs you of any appeal rights.
- Step 9: Attend the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. If USCIS approves your application, it schedules your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. At this ceremony, you pledge loyalty to the U.S. and officially become a U.S. citizen.
Finally, you take your first steps as a U.S. citizen. After the ceremony, you can typically apply for a U.S. passport, update your Social Security records, and register to vote.
Take the Next Step Toward Citizenship
Applying for citizenship is a significant milestone, and we can help. At the Law Office of Rosina C. Stambaugh, we guide clients through when and how to apply for citizenship. From confirming eligibility to attending the oath ceremony, we can help you prepare for a smooth and successful process.
Our team understands what it means to pursue the American dream. We treat every client with honesty, integrity, and respect. Contact our office today if you are ready to apply for American citizenship.
