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Most applicants must be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen), have continuous residence, physical presence requirements, good moral character, and English/civics ability unless exempt. Use an eligibility checklist (Form N-400 criteria) to confirm specifics like military service, prior removals, or criminal history before filing.

You file Form N-400 online through your USCIS account or by mail with required documents: copy of green card (front/back), passport pages showing travel, marriage/divorce certificates if applying based on marriage, and any court records. Include two passport-style photos only if required and proof of selective service registration if applicable.

The standard filing fee for Form N-400 (including biometrics) is typically $725, though USCIS fee schedules can change; low-income applicants may request a fee waiver using Form I-912 if they meet strict financial guidelines. Fee waivers are discretionary and require documentation of income, public benefits, or inability to pay.

National average processing for N-400 ranges from about 8 to 14 months depending on your local USCIS field office; busy or rural offices can be faster or slower. Your timeline includes receipt notice, biometrics (usually within 4–8 weeks), interview and civics test (several months), and final oath ceremony after approval.

At the interview an officer reviews your N-400, verifies documents, asks eligibility questions, and administers the English test (reading, writing, speaking) and the civics test (up to 20 questions for most applicants). If you fail a portion, USCIS typically grants one retest within 60–90 days.

Yes — applicants with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments can apply for an exemption or accommodations using Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exception) or request reasonable testing accommodations; documentation from a licensed medical professional is required. Submit these requests well before your interview to allow time for USCIS review.

Short trips abroad usually won’t affect an N-400 if you maintain continuous residence and physical presence requirements, but trips longer than six months can disrupt continuity and trigger requests for evidence. Long absences or repeated long trips are high-risk and you should consult guidance or an attorney before extended travel.

If denied, USCIS will provide a written decision explaining the reason; you may be able to file a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider or appeal to the USCIS Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), or reapply after remedying the issue. For denials based on criminal or moral character issues, consult an immigration attorney immediately to evaluate relief and appeal options.

The US permits dual nationality, so naturalization does not automatically revoke your prior citizenship in most cases; whether you retain your original citizenship depends on the laws of your home country. Check your country’s rules and consult an attorney if dual nationality raises legal or tax complexities.

Spouses of US citizens can usually apply after 3 years as a permanent resident if still married to and living with the US citizen spouse, and they must meet all other eligibility requirements. Evidence of a bona fide marriage (joint finances, lease, photos, affidavits) is critical during the interview.

Yes — qualifying active-duty service members and certain veterans may naturalize without meeting the typical residence requirement and often have expedited or special naturalization pathways under INA sections 328 and 329. Military applicants still must meet good moral character standards and provide military service documentation.

At the oath ceremony bring your appointment notice, Permanent Resident Card (if requested), and any documents USCIS listed; you become a US citizen at the ceremony and can apply immediately for a US passport using the DS-11 form. Start passport and Social Security updates right after the ceremony to access travel and benefits.