From green card to citizen: N-400 requirements and process
After holding a green card for a certain number of years, you can apply to become a U.S. citizen by filing Form N-400. As a citizen you can vote, travel on a U.S. passport and petition for more categories of relatives, and you no longer have to worry about long trips abroad affecting your green card.
Basic requirements
| Requirement | General rule | Married to a U.S. citizen |
|---|---|---|
| Time as a green card holder | 5 years | 3 years, while married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for those 3 years |
| Continuous residence | Continuous residence in the U.S. during that period | Same |
| Physical presence | At least 30 months | At least 18 months |
| Local residence | 3 months in your state or USCIS district before filing | Same |
You can file up to 90 days before you meet the time requirement. You must also be at least 18, have good moral character, be attached to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, and pass the English and civics test.
Continuous residence and long trips abroad
- A single trip of more than 6 months but less than 1 year is presumed to break continuous residence, but you can rebut that with evidence, such as keeping your U.S. job, home and tax filings;
- A single trip of 1 year or more generally breaks continuous residence (unless a specific form was approved in advance);
- Even if each trip is short, your total days in the U.S. must still meet the physical presence requirement.
If you travel often, we recommend listing every departure and return date for the past five years before deciding whether you can file.
Good moral character
The officer reviews your character during the statutory period, including criminal records, tax compliance, truthful disclosures and whether you have met child support obligations. If you have ever been arrested, convicted or had other legal problems, talk to an attorney before filing — once an N-400 is filed, the officer will also take a fresh look at whether you obtained your green card lawfully.
The naturalization test and interview
- English: Speaking is evaluated during the interview, with separate reading and writing tests.
- Civics: Questions on U.S. history and government, drawn from the question bank USCIS publishes. The question bank and test format are updated from time to time, so use the current USCIS version.
- Applicants who have reached a certain age and held a green card for a certain number of years may take the civics test in their native language; those who cannot take the test because of a physical or mental impairment may apply for a waiver.
The application process
- File the N-400 online or on paper and pay the fee;
- Attend a biometrics (fingerprint) appointment at the designated location;
- Attend the interview and test;
- Once approved, attend the oath ceremony — you become a U.S. citizen when you take the oath, and receive your certificate of naturalization;
- You can then apply for a U.S. passport, and green card holder children under 18 automatically acquire citizenship if they meet the requirements.
Common questions
Will I lose my current citizenship?
The United States permits dual citizenship, but some countries do not. China, for example, does not recognize dual nationality, and a Chinese national who voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality automatically loses Chinese nationality. Check your home country's law before naturalizing, and understand how it may affect your household registration, property and travel there.
Can I apply for naturalization if my green card is about to expire?
Yes. If your green card expires before your N-400 is approved, the N-400 receipt notice can serve as proof of status, but if you need to travel abroad, take care of renewing your green card first.
What if my N-400 is denied?
You can request a hearing on the denial within the set deadline, or refile once the issue is resolved. If the reason for denial involves whether you obtained your green card lawfully, talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
Getting ready to naturalize? Book a consultation, and we'll help you check your days in the U.S. and any potential issues in the moral character review.
This article is general information and is not legal advice. Rules and test content change; rely on the latest USCIS information and on an attorney's advice for your specific situation.