Applying for U.S. Citizenship: A User-Friendly Digital Guide
iAmerica is proud to guide you in your journey to becoming a United States citizen! This guide will help you navigate the naturalization process and give you the tools and information you need to make sure you:
- Qualify for naturalization,
- Fill out your application properly, and
- Include the right documentation in your packet to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
*Please note, this guide is intended as a resource and does not provide legal advice. This guide is not a substitute for independent legal advice provided by an immigration attorney. Individuals should independently confirm whether the process has changed since the latest update of this guide.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Eligibility and Requirements
We’ve listed what makes you eligible to start the naturalization process and what requirements you need to satisfy in order to qualify for naturalization, like English-language skills, etc.
Digging Deep: Continuous Residency
Whether you travel often or haven't left the U.S. in years, we explain the requirements needed to meet the continuous residency criteria.
Digging Deep: Moral Character
You must have "good moral character” to become a U.S. citizen. We provide a checklist to help you spot red flags or potential concerns before starting your application process.
Digging Deep: Income Taxes
Understand the income tax factors when applying for U.S. citizenship.
Key Do’s & Don'ts
We know the naturalization process can sometimes feel overwhelming, so here's a list of key do's and don'ts to make it easier.
Document Checklist
It’s important to include all required documents when submitting your application for naturalization. We’ve put together this checklist to make sure you have included everything you may need.
Criminal Record: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Some criminal history will prevent you from qualifying for U.S. citizenship, while others may have no effect on whether you qualify. Learn the difference.
N-400 Application for Naturalization and CitizenshipWorks
The N-400 is the main form you will need to fill out and send to USCIS. We’ve included a link to the form and provided a free tool called CitizenshipWorks to help you fill out the form online, step-by-step, and in less time.
Take this journey with us. Walk the path to citizenship and become an active participant in America’s democracy. You’ve earned it!
Let’s get started.
Eligibility & Requirements
Before you start filling out the N-400 form (citizenship application), make sure you meet all of the requirements. Review all the requirements carefully so you know if you’re ready to apply.
Age Requirement
You must be 18 years old or older
Immigration Status
You must be a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder) for 5 years or more, unless you performed active military service during specific times or are a national of the U.S.
Or
If you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen who has been a citizen for 3 or more years, you must be a Lawful Permanent Resident for 3 years or more to be eligible.
You must have the required 5 or 3 years as of the date you file your citizenship application.
Physical Presence
You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during the past 5 years.
Or
If you have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for 3 years, you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months during the past 3 years.
Note: If you are an active military member, you do not have to meet this requirement.
Continuous Residence
The U.S. must be your main home and you must be physically living in the U.S. for the required period of time. You must meet these residence requirements on the date you sign and file your application form. So...
You must show you have NOT traveled outside of the U.S. for ONE YEAR or MORE during a 5 or 3 year period.
If you were outside of the U.S. for between 6 months and one year, there is a presumption that you do not have continuous residence. That presumption may be overcome by showing certain ties to the U.S. during time outside the United States.
Check out the section Digging Deep: Continuous Residency for more info.
Note: If you are an active military member, you don't have to meet this requirement.
These are some of the requirements that you should keep in mind BEFORE deciding whether to apply for naturalization. Review carefully so you can make an informed decision.
U.S. History & Civics
There will be an in-person interview. During the interview, you must show that you understand basic U.S. history by answering 6 history questions correctly. Usually, you will be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 civics test questions. (Don't worry, you can study with iAmerica.org resources online.)
BUT... you do NOT need to pass the history test if a doctor certifies that you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from learning history/civics.
English - language
You must also show that you can read, write, and speak simple English.
EXCEPTIONS: You don’t need to show English-language skills if
- You are over 50 years old and have had a green card for 20 years; or
- You are over 55 years old and have had a green card for 15 years; or
- You have a doctor-certified physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from learning English.
Good Moral Character
You must show that you are a person of “good moral character.”
- STOP
If you have committed certain crimes, you may not be able to show that you meet the good moral character requirement. Certain conduct, even if not a criminal offense, may also prevent you from showing you are a person of good moral character.
Check out the Digging Deep: Moral Character section of our guide to see the list of red flags or types of offenses that can affect your application. It is VERY IMPORTANT to consult a reputable immigration attorney before applying for naturalization if you believe any of the red flags apply to you.
The Oath
You must take an oath swearing to support and defend the U.S.
Exception: Modifications and waivers of the oath requirement are available in certain situations such as religious beliefs, strong personal feelings, or for medical conditions that make it difficult to take the oath.
Use iAmerica’s eligibility quiz to see if you qualify to become a U.S. citizen.
Digging Deep: Continuous Residency
We get it, the N-400 naturalization application is long and asks a lot of questions. Don’t worry, we’re digging deep and making it easy in the sections where you may need to provide more answers or details.
Continuous Residency (Part 5 and 9 of N-400)
In Part 5 of the N-400 application, USCIS requires that you provide the complete addresses of the places where you have lived for the past 5 years or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen. Make sure you write down all the addresses that apply even if you were living outside of the United States for a period of the 5 or 3 years.
In Part 9 of the N-400 application, USCIS wants to know how often and long you traveled outside of the U.S. during the past 5 years or 3 years (if married to a U.S. citizen). Your total amount of travel abroad should add up to LESS THAN 30 MONTHS in the 5 years or LESS THAN 18 MONTHS in the 3 years.
- STOP
To be eligible, you must NOT have remained outside the U.S. for ONE YEAR or MORE during the required 5 year period or 3 year period (if married to a U.S. citizen).
If you were outside of the U.S. between 6 MONTHS and ONE YEAR, there is a presumption that you do not have continuous residence. That presumption may be overcome by showing certain ties to the U.S. during time outside of the United States.
If you’re unsure, consult a reputable immigration attorney.
Here are some examples of supporting documentation:
- A lease for your apartment;
- Proof you filed your taxes (i.e. copies of tax filings, income taxes, etc.);
- Proof you took a leave of absence from your job or school;
- Proof you had a bank account;
- Monthly payments for U.S. property;
- Study abroad program and when you are planning/planned to return.
If you travel frequently between the U.S. and Mexico or Canada and do not remember how many times you crossed the border, you may wish to write a personal statement where you explain how often and for how long you traveled between each country.
Digging Deep: Moral Character
Criminal History & Red Flags (Part 12 of N-400)
Part 12 of the N-400 application is one of the longest parts of the whole form. It’s IMPORTANT to answer each question honestly. If you answer “YES” to questions related to criminal history or certain others, you’ll need to provide documentation and seek advice from a reputable attorney.
To be eligible to apply and/or become a U.S. citizen, you have to show “good moral character.”
Part 12 of N-400 (Questions 1-50) generally asks about your immigration history and whether you have committed or been convicted of crimes or certain conduct. If you have done so, you’ll need to consult with a licensed immigration attorney. It is important to consult with a lawyer BEFORE applying for naturalization even if the conduct or criminal history was longer than 5 years ago because you may be at risk of deportation.
NOTE: Parking tickets are not criminal violations. Generally, moving violations will not affect citizenship applications, but be sure to consult with an immigration attorney if you need further advice.
- STOP
If you check any of the following RED FLAGS, you SHOULD consult a lawyer before applying:
- You have committed or been arrested for or convicted of a criminal offense
- You have engaged in prostitution
- You helped anyone enter the United States unlawfully
- You have been married to more than one person at the same time
- You have lied to obtain immigration benefits
- You engaged in terrorist acts, genocide, torture, recruiting of child soldiers, persecution of others
- You are currently on probation or parole
- You have not made child support or alimony payments
- You were in jail for 180 days or more during the past 5 years or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
- You have ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen or voted in a U.S. election
- You have had encounters with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- You lied in order to receive public benefits
- You have engaged in illegal gambling
Digging Deep: Income Taxes
In Part 12 of the N-400 application, USCIS also asks if you owe any federal, state or local taxes. This is really important because if you do owe taxes, you MUST show that you have a repayment plan in place with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or appropriate state or local agency.
- STOP
CONSULT A LAWYER IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY:
- If you DO NOT have a repayment plan in place, you may want to make sure that you do BEFORE you submit your application and/or speak to a licensed immigration attorney.
- If you HAVE NOT filed taxes, and were required to, in most cases it is a crime. You may want to make sure you file your taxes BEFORE you submit your application and/or speak to a licensed immigration attorney.
- Note: Only people whose income is above a certain amount have to file a tax return. If you did not file taxes because your income is below that amount, you can apply for U.S. citizenship. Be sure to speak to a licensed immigration attorney before you submit your application.
- If during the period that you have been a Lawful Permanent Resident you have filed taxes as a NON-RESIDENT, this will affect your eligibility. Consult with a licensed immigration attorney.
Remember, don’t be fooled by notarios or scammers.
Key Do’s and Don’ts
The naturalization process can sometimes feel overwhelming so here’s a list of key do’s and don’ts to make it easier.
DO
- Feel confident that you can become a U.S. citizen by understanding the process and receiving assistance from reputable legal services organizations and community groups.
- Make sure all sections of the N-400 application are filled out completely. If a question does NOT apply to you, you may write NOT APPLICABLE in the blank.
- Be aware of the information you gave USCIS in past applications and interviews. USCIS may compare your N-400 application to all other applications you have submitted previously.
- Make sure you have included all documents that apply in the checklist, including a PHOTOCOPY of both sides of your LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD (“green card”), the 2 passport-size pictures, and payment for the naturalization fee.
DON'T
- Don’t submit your application until you consult with an immigration attorney if you answered “YES” in any of the questions on Part 12 of the N-400 naturalization application, mostly about criminal and immigration history numbered 1 thru 43. Answering “YES” in that particular section may affect your eligibility.
- Don’t submit your application until you speak to an immigration attorney if you answered “NO” in the questions about the Oath numbered 45 to 50 of Part 12 of the N-400 naturalization application.
- Don’t ask “notarios” for help or advice in filling out your application. “Notarios” are not authorized to fill out your application, advise, or represent you.
- Don’t pay for a copy of the N-400 application. It’s free! You can download it here, get a copy from your local library, or at www.USCIS.gov.
Document Checklist
Before you submit the N-400 application, make sure you fill it out properly and include the required documents. Review this checklist carefully and make sure you have included everything you may need with your application.
A must for all applicants:
- A copy of both sides of your Lawful Permanent Resident Card ("green card"). If you lost your card, you may want to include a copy of the receipt of your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident card.
- 2 identical passport-style color photos taken within 30 days of filing your Form N-400, with your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) written lightly in pencil on the back of each photo.
-
Payment for the naturalization fee. You may pay by check, money order, or credit card. If paying by check or money order, make the payment out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and you may want to write your A-number on the memo line. Credit card payments can be made by using Form G-1450.
- Paper filing of the N-400 application with biometric fee is $760.
- Online filing of the N-400 application with biometric fee is $710.
You may be eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee. Visit the USCIS website for more information.
Note: You do not have to pay if you are a military applicant. Also, remember you may be eligible for a reduced fee or fee waiver. You may want to double check current filing fees at USCIS and consult with a legal services provider before you apply.
If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, make sure you include copies of the 4 following items:
- Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last 3 years (i.e. U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or certificate of citizenship); and
- Your current marriage certificate; and
- Documents referring to you and your spouse (i.e. tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children; or IRS tax returns); and
- If you were married before, send proof that all earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s)).
Some additional documents you may need:
- Remember, if you lived out of the U.S. for 6 MONTHS and LESS THAN ONE YEAR during the required 5 year period or 3 year period (if married to a U.S. citizen), you must show proof of ties to the U.S. during that time. (See the Digging Deep: Continuous Residency section of this guide)
- If you have a criminal history or answered "YES" on questions 1 to 43 (except for 37-38) in Part 12 of Form N-400, make sure you consult a licensed immigration attorney before submitting your application.
- If you answered "NO" to the Oath questions numbered 45-50 of Part 12 of Form N-400, be sure to consult an immigration attorney.
- If you owe taxes, make sure you include evidence of your repayment plan with the IRS or the appropriate local or state agency.
- Make sure you have studied for the English and U.S. history/civics test if you are not exempt. Find links to resources and study material to help you prepare.
Criminal Record: What is it and why does it matter?
What is a criminal record and why does it matter?
A criminal record is a record of any contact with the police and the court system. Some criminal records will prevent you from qualifying for U.S. citizenship, while others will have no effect on whether you qualify for U.S. citizenship.
Can people with a criminal history apply to become a U.S. citizen?
It depends on the type of criminal history.
How do you know if you have a criminal record?
Answer the following questions:
- Have you ever been handcuffed?
- Have you ever been fingerprinted by the police?
- Have you ever been in the back of a police car?
- Have you ever gone to court or appeared in front of a judge?
- Have you ever had to pay a fine at the court?
- Have you ever been on probation?
- Have you ever spent any time, even one night, in jail?
- STOP
If you answered YES to any of these questions, you may have a criminal record.
It is important to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for U.S. citizenship. Visit iAmerica.org/legalhelp to find a list of reputable immigration attorneys and legal service organizations.N-400 Application for Naturalization & CitizenshipWorks
Now that you have a better understanding of the naturalization process, if you are eligible and ready to apply, begin your application today!
Download the N-400 Application for Naturalization here.
Or better yet, start your application online with CitizenshipWorks, a free tool that helps you apply for citizenship, step-by-step, and in less time. It will tell you about any potential problems with your application and connect you to the expert help you need, either online or in person. Learn more about CitizenshipWorks or start your application now.
