Apply for U.S. citizenship by filing Form N-400 after you confirm your eligibility. USCIS then reviews your records, schedules the required appointments, and decides your application. You become a citizen after taking the Oath of Allegiance, unless USCIS approves an oath waiver.
USCIS reported 818,500 naturalizations in fiscal year 2024. Of those new citizens, 83.8% qualified under the five-year permanent-resident provision and 14% under the three-year provision for spouses of U.S. citizens. These are historical totals, not approval odds for a new application. Source: USCIS, FY 2024 Naturalization Statistics, eligibility table.
Step 1: Check whether you are already a U.S. citizen
USCIS starts its 10-step naturalization process by asking whether you acquired citizenship at birth or through a parent. If you are already a citizen, you do not need to apply for naturalization with Form N-400. You may need documents to prove your citizenship:
- Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship: If you were born outside the United States and acquired citizenship through a U.S. citizen parent, you can request a Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS. This includes qualifying citizenship acquired at birth or before age 18. The official N-600 instructions explain who can apply and which evidence to submit.
- Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport: If you are already a citizen and want your first U.S. passport, follow the State Department’s passport application instructions. Submit the citizenship evidence for your situation, such as a qualifying U.S. birth certificate or records showing citizenship through a parent. You do not have to obtain an N-600 certificate first if you can establish citizenship with other accepted evidence.
Having a U.S. citizen parent does not by itself establish that you are a citizen. Check the requirements that apply to your birth date and family circumstances before choosing a form.
Step 2: Check your eligibility for naturalization
If you are not already a citizen, review the requirements for your eligibility category before paying an N-400 filing fee.
The five-year route and the spouse route have different residence requirements. Marriage to a U.S. citizen alone does not establish eligibility for the three-year route. Use the eligibility tool linked from the official N-400 page, then check our naturalization eligibility guide for the records to review.
Step 3: Prepare Form N-400
Download the accepted form edition and instructions from USCIS or use its online filing system. Collect the documents for your category, check your travel dates against your records, and keep a copy of the application you submit.
Step 4: Submit Form N-400 and pay the filing fee
Check the filing fee and payment instructions on the N-400 page on the day you file. A reduced fee and a fee waiver have different eligibility and submission requirements. Follow the applicable instructions before choosing an online or paper filing. USCIS sends a receipt notice after submission; keep it with your application copy.
Step 5: Attend biometrics if USCIS schedules them
Follow your appointment notice for the location, time, and documents. USCIS uses biometrics for identity and background checks. Attend an appointment if USCIS instructs you to do so; the agency lists this step as conditional in its naturalization instructions. Our biometrics appointment guide explains the visit.
Step 6: Complete the interview and required tests
The officer reviews your application and eligibility. Under USCIS testing policy, an N-400 filed before October 20, 2025 uses the 2008 civics test; a filing on or after that date uses the 2025 version. The standard passing scores are 6 of 10 and 12 of 20. Age-and-residence exceptions or an approved disability exception can change your testing requirements.
Prepare your application answers as well as civics. Unless exempt, you must demonstrate spoken English during the interview and pass reading and writing tests. Use spoken N-400 practice to rehearse explaining your own information.
Step 7: Receive a decision on Form N-400
USCIS can grant, continue, or deny the application. A continuation can mean the officer needs evidence or you need a second test. Follow the notice rather than treating an interview result as proof of citizenship.
Step 8: Receive your oath ceremony notice
After approval, USCIS may offer a same-day oath ceremony. If it schedules your ceremony for a later date, USCIS sends Form N-445 with the date, time, and location. Read the notice and complete its questionnaire before attending.
Step 9: Take the Oath of Allegiance
Attend the ceremony with your completed Form N-445 and the required documents. A USCIS officer reviews your questionnaire at check-in. Return your Green Card unless an exception applies, then take the Oath of Allegiance to become a citizen, unless USCIS approves an oath waiver. Check your Certificate of Naturalization for errors before leaving. Source: USCIS naturalization ceremony instructions.
Step 10: Understand your rights and responsibilities as a citizen
As a citizen, you can vote in federal elections and apply for jobs that require U.S. citizenship. You must serve on a jury when required. Review the USCIS guide to citizenship rights and responsibilities, then complete the paperwork for your new status.
Plan your passport application, voter registration, and Social Security citizenship-record update. Our checklist after the oath ceremony links those next steps. Allow for passport processing before booking international travel.
USCIS does not promise one nationwide filing-to-oath timeline. Use its case-processing tools and your notices to track the application. The N-400 processing-time guide explains the difference between a historical median and an office-specific estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does passing the citizenship test make me a citizen?
No. Passing the tests is one part of naturalization. You must meet the other eligibility requirements and take the Oath of Allegiance unless USCIS approves an oath waiver.
Where should I get Form N-400?
Get the accepted form edition, filing instructions, and current fee information from USCIS.gov, or use the online filing option linked from the official N-400 page.
Official Sources
Sources last checked .
- USCIS: Naturalization Statistics
- USCIS: 10 Steps to Naturalization
- USCIS: Instructions for Form N-600 (PDF)
- U.S. Department of State: Apply in Person for a Passport
- U.S. Department of State: Citizenship Evidence for a Passport
- USCIS: N-400, Application for Naturalization
- USCIS: Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2: English and Civics Testing
- USCIS: Naturalization Ceremonies
- USCIS: myUSCIS: Citizenship Rights and Responsibilities
Related Articles
- How Do I Fill Out Form N-400 Step by Step?
- What Documents Do I Need to File Form N-400?
- N-400 Filing Fees and Fee Waivers Explained
- What Should I Do After the Oath Ceremony?
Practice with Citizenry
Answer interview questions out loud and get feedback in the app.
