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U.S. Citizenship Process: From Green Card Holder to Naturalized Citizen
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a major milestone for any green card holder. If you’ve held lawful permanent resident status and want to enjoy the full benefits of U.S. citizenship, this step-by-step guide is for you. From eligibility and required forms to the citizenship test and final naturalization interview, we’ll walk you through the entire process so you know what to expect—and how to succeed.
Blog Outline
- What Is Naturalization and Who Can Apply?
- What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship?
- How Do You Apply for Naturalization?
- What Is Form N-400 and When Should You File It?
- How Long Does It Take to Get U.S. Citizenship?
- What Happens During the Naturalization Interview?
- What Is on the U.S. Citizenship Test?
- Can Green Card Holders Apply Sooner If Married to a U.S. Citizen?
- Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in the U.S.?
- What Happens After You’re Approved for Naturalization?
What Is Naturalization and Who Can Apply?
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a citizen of the United States. Once you’ve gone through the naturalization process, you can vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and enjoy other rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Not all green card holders are eligible to apply right away. You must first meet certain eligibility requirements and file the correct forms with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), a division of the Department of Homeland Security.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship?
To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you must:
- Be a green card holder (lawful permanent resident) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Have continuous residence in the United States
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least half of that time
- Show good moral character and loyalty to the U.S. Constitution
- Be able to speak, read, and write basic English
You’ll also need to pass a civics test and English test, and attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
How Do You Apply for Naturalization?
To apply for naturalization, you must:
- File Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization
- Pay the application fee (can be done via check or online payment)
- Submit supporting documents (like your green card, income tax returns, and travel records)
- Receive notice for biometrics appointment
- Attend a naturalization interview and pass the test
- If approved, take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization
You can file Form N-400 online using a secure USCIS website account.
What Is Form N-400 and When Should You File It?
Form N-400 is the official application for naturalization. It’s filed with USCIS and is the first step in your path to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen.
You can submit Form N-400:
- Five years after getting your green card
- Three years after getting your green card if married to a U.S. citizen
The date you file Form N-400 is important for naturalization eligibility, so make sure you meet the requirements before applying.
How Long Does It Take to Get U.S. Citizenship?
So, how long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? On average, the naturalization process takes 8 to 12 months, depending on your USCIS field office and how complete your application is.
USCIS may request additional documents, which can delay the processing time. Once your application is approved, you’ll be invited to an oath ceremony, usually scheduled within a few weeks.
What Happens During the Naturalization Interview?
During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will:
- Review your Form N-400 and ask questions about your application
- Ask about your background, travel history, and moral character
- Test your English-speaking skills through conversation
If all goes well, the officer may approve your application on the spot or ask for more evidence.
What Is on the US Citizenship Test?
To become a citizen through naturalization, you must pass a two-part naturalization test:
- English test: Assessing your ability to read, write, and speak in English
- Civics test: Covering U.S. history and government
You’ll be asked up to 10 civics questions and must answer at least 6 correctly. Study guides are available on the USCIS website, and your naturalization interview will include both tests.
Can Green Card Holders Apply Sooner If Married to a U.S. Citizen?
Yes. If you’re a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply to become a citizen after just three years—instead of five. However, you must:
- Be living with your spouse in marital union
- Have continuous residence in the United States
- Meet all other requirements for naturalization
This rule helps spouses of U.S. citizens obtain citizenship faster.
Is Dual Citizenship Allowed in the U.S.?
Yes. The U.S. does allow dual citizenship, although it does not formally encourage or prohibit it. That means you can become a U.S. citizen while keeping your original citizenship, if your home country allows it.
Keep in mind that you must still take the Oath of Allegiance and declare loyalty to the United States. Some countries may require you to renounce your citizenship, so check your country’s rules first.
What Happens After You’re Approved for Naturalization?
Once you pass the naturalization interview and test, USCIS will send you a notice for your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. After you take the oath, you’ll:
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
- Officially become a citizen of the United States
- Be eligible to apply for a U.S. passport
Congratulations—you’ve completed the process of becoming a U.S. citizen!
Summary: What to Remember About Becoming a U.S. Citizen
- You must be a green card holder for 5 years, or 3 years if married to a United States citizen
- File Form N-400 to begin your naturalization application
- Pass a naturalization interview and a two-part test (English + Civics)
- Expect the application process to take 8–12 months
- You can apply online using a secure USCIS account
- Dual citizenship is allowed, depending on your home country’s laws
- After approval, take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization
