Naturalization is the final step in the immigration journey. Here's the full roadmap from green card to US passport.
5-year permanent residency
Must hold green card for 5 years (3 years if married to US citizen)
Continuous residence
Cannot have trips outside US of 6+ months; 1+ year trip breaks continuity
Physical presence
Must be physically present in US for ≥30 months of the 5-year period
State residence
Must live in the same state for ≥3 months before filing N-400
Good moral character
No disqualifying criminal history for the statutory period
English proficiency
Read, write, and speak basic English (exemptions for age/disability)
Civics knowledge
Pass 100-question civics test (must answer 6 of 10 correctly)
Oath of allegiance
Swear loyalty to the United States at oath ceremony
Source: USCIS Naturalization Eligibility
File Form N-400 online or by mail. Fee: $760 (includes biometrics). Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income applicants.
USCIS schedules fingerprints and photo at local Application Support Center. Usually 2–4 weeks after N-400 filing.
USCIS officer reviews your N-400, asks about your background, and administers English reading/writing test plus 10 civics questions from the 100-question pool.
If you pass the interview and meet all requirements, USCIS approves your application. If additional review needed, case continues.
Attend naturalization ceremony (court or administrative). Receive N-550 Certificate of Naturalization. You are now a US citizen.
Use your N-550 to apply for a US passport at any Passport Acceptance Facility. You can also apply for Social Security updates as needed.
| Field Office | Processing Time (2026) |
|---|---|
| National Average | 12–18 months |
| California (Los Angeles) | 16–24 months |
| New York City | 14–20 months |
| Texas (Dallas) | 10–14 months |
| Illinois (Chicago) | 12–16 months |
Processing times fluctuate significantly. Check your local field office at uscis.gov/processing-times.
The US does not formally recognize dual citizenship but does not prohibit it. When you naturalize, you take an Oath of Allegiance that technically renounces prior allegiances, but USCIS does not require you to renounce your previous citizenship or surrender your foreign passport. In practice, many naturalized US citizens retain their original citizenship if their home country allows it. Countries that do NOT allow dual citizenship with the US include India, Japan, Singapore, and several others, check your home country's laws before naturalizing.
USCIS publishes all 100 civics questions and answers on their official study materials page. During the interview, the officer asks you 10 of the 100 questions. You must answer 6 correctly to pass. The questions cover: American government (principles, system of government, rights), American history, and integrated civics (geography, symbols, holidays). Most applicants pass on the first attempt, the questions are straightforward if you study the official USCIS materials.
Sample Civics Questions
Q: What is the supreme law of the land? A: The Constitution
Q: What do we call the first 10 amendments to the Constitution? A: The Bill of Rights
Q: How many US Senators are there? A: 100
Q: Who is the Commander in Chief of the military? A: The President
To start this journey, review our complete H-1B to green card roadmap and the I-485 adjustment of status guide.
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