You can become a United States citizen if you were born in the United States, if your parents are U.S. citizens, or if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and apply for citizenship. Be aware that even if you qualify to apply for citizenship, there can be risks (see more information below).
Am I already a U.S. Citizen?
Were you born in the United States?
- If yes, then congratulations you are a U.S. citizen.
Are your parent(s) or grandparent(s) U.S. Citizens?
- If yes, then it depends on when you were born, whether one or both of your parents or grandparents are citizens, and if you meet other requirements for getting citizenship.
- See this chart or consult an immigration lawyer.
How do I become a U.S. Citizen?
You must be a current lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to apply to be a U.S. citizen, through a process called naturalization.
How do I qualify?
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for 5 years or 3 years if you received your green card through marriage.
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 2.5 years of the past 5 years or 1.5 years of the past 3 years if you received your green card through marriage.
- Be a person of good moral character.
- Have no serious criminal charges or convictions (consult an immigration lawyer if you have been charged or convicted of a crime).
- Be able to pass an English and civics test.
- You do not have to take the English test if you are at least 50 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, or you are at least 55 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years or more – you will still have to take the civics exam, but in your native language.
- You do not have to take the English test if you are at least 65 years old and have been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more, and you can take a simplified civics exam in your native language.
- You may not have to take the English exams if you qualify for a disability waiver. You will need a doctor to complete another form (N-648) in order to qualify.
Citizenship Process Overview
- Send an Application for Naturalization (N-400) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Receive notification that your application has been received by USCIS.
- Go to your appointment at a local office where they will take your fingerprints to complete a background check.
- Receive notification for an interview at your local USCIS office.
- Go to your interview where you will take the English and civics exams.
- Get a notice that tells you if your application was approved.
- Attend the Oath Ceremony.
Do I run any risks if I apply for citizenship?
- Be aware of the risks.
- To apply for citizenship, you must show that you are a person of “good moral character” for 5 years prior to applying for citizenship (3 years if you received your green card through marriage) through the time of your interview.
- Here are some examples of issues that may cause the government to determine that you DO NOT have good moral character. This is not a complete list and you should consult an immigration lawyer if you have any doubts.
- Criminal convictions,
- Smuggling,
- Alcoholism,
- Participation in illegal gambling or prostitution,
- Committing fraud to get a visa or green card,
- Practicing polygamy (being married to more than one person at the same time),
- Failure to pay child support,
- Failure to file taxes,
- Voting or false claims to U.S. citizenship,
- Having helped someone enter the U.S. illegally,
- There are many other issues that may affect your good moral character. Please consult an immigration lawyer.
- Here are some examples of issues that may cause the government to determine that you DO NOT have good moral character. This is not a complete list and you should consult an immigration lawyer if you have any doubts.
- If you have committed certain crimes, voted, committed fraud, or have left the U.S. for a long period of time (more than 1 year), applying to become a U.S. citizen could put you in danger of deportation. You should consult an immigration lawyer if any of these issues may apply to you.
- To apply for citizenship, you must show that you are a person of “good moral character” for 5 years prior to applying for citizenship (3 years if you received your green card through marriage) through the time of your interview.
Links to naturalization eligibility
- Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet Instructions
- 10 Steps to Naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen