Find out if your are Eligible

You may apply for naturalization when you meet all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen.

If you are applying based on five years as a Lawful Permanent Resident or based on three years as a Lawful Permanent Resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization up to 90 days before you meet the ''continuous residence'' requirement. You must meet all other requirements at the time that you file your application with us.

Certain applicants have different English and civics testing requirements based on their age and length of lawful permanent residence at the time of filing. If you are over 50 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, or if you are over 55 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, you do not have to take the English test, but you have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.

If you are over 65 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test, but you have to take a simpler version of the civics test in the language of your choice.

Who May File Form N-400?

To use this form you must be ONE of the following:

1. A Lawful Permanent Resident for at least five years and at least 18 years old;

2. A Lawful Permanent Resident for at least three years and at least 18 years old,

AND

You have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for the last three years,

AND

Your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last three years.

3. A member of one of several other groups eligible to apply for naturalization (for example, persons who are nationals but not citizens of the United States) and at least 18 years old. For more information about these groups, please see the Guide.

4. A person who has served honorably in the U.S. Armed Forces,

AND

If you are at least 18 years old, a Lawful Permanent Resident with at least one year of U.S. Armed Forces service, and you are filing your application for naturalization while still in the service or within six months after the termination of such service.

OR

You served honorably as a member of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve or in active-duty status during a designated period of hostilities. You then may apply for naturalization without having been physically present in the United States for any specified period.