Permanent residents – also known as green card holders – must use form N-400 to request US citizenship.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I apply for US citizenship?
To apply for US citizenship, you must submit a N-400 Application for Naturalization with USCIS. As part of the application, you will need to submit the N-400 Form as well as supplementary documents evidencing your ongoing permanent residency in the United States.
 

When can I apply for US citizenship?
If you are a permanent resident and have been married to a US citizen for at least three years, you can apply for US citizenship at the three year mark.

If you are a permanent resident who is NOT married to a US citizen, you can apply for US citizenship after five years.
 

What are the steps in the naturalization process?
There are several steps in the naturalization process:

1.    File Form N-400 Application for Naturalization with USCIS
2.    Attend your biometrics appointment
3.    Complete your naturalization interview
4.    Receive a decision from USCIS on your Form N-400 Application for Naturalization
5.    Receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance
6.    Take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
 

What qualifies you to be a US citizen?
You are eligible to apply for US citizenship if you have been a Permanent Resident for five years of more OR if you have been married to a US citizen for at least five years.
 

During this time, you must not have been outside of the US for 30 months in total OR have taken a trip outside of the United States for one year or more.
 

How long does it take to become a US citizen in 2020?
This depends. To check the most recent USCIS N-400 processing times in your region, click here.

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What are the filing fees to become a US citizen?
The N-400 application filing fee is $725 and there is an additional biometrics fee of $85. The total government filing fees are $725, as of November 2020. To check the current filing fees, please visit the USCIS fee calculator. 
 

What documents do I need to apply for citizenship?
If you are applying for naturalization based on your marriage to a US citizen, you must submit the following materials, among others:

-    Evidence that your spouse has been a US citizens for the last three years
-    Marriage certificate
-    Proof of termination of all prior marriages (either through a divorce decree, annulment or death certificate)
-    Financial documents from you and your spouse, such as tax returns, bank account statements, etc.
-    Birth certificates of your children, if applicable
-    Criminal records, if applicable
 

How long do I need to wait after getting a green card to apply for citizenship?
Generally, green card holders must wait five years after obtaining permanent residence to apply for citizenship. Permanent residents who are married to US citizens can apply for citizenship after three years.

You may file your N-400 Application for Naturalization 90 days before your five or three years as a permanent resident is completed. You can use this USCIS Early Filing Calculator to determine the earliest date you can file your application.