Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is a life-changing milestone. However, before you file Form N-400, you must ensure you meet all basic eligibility requirements set by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Missing even one requirement can lead to denial or years of delay. This article breaks down each requirement in clear, actionable terms.
1. Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)
You must have been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for a specific number of years.
There are no exceptions.
- General rule: 5 years as a Green Card holder.
- Married to a U.S. citizen: 3 years as a Green Card holder (provided you are still married to the same citizen).
- Military service: May qualify for expedited naturalization (sometimes immediately or after 1 year).
Important: Your Green Card must be valid. If it expired, renew it using Form I-90 before filing N-400. USCIS will not accept an expired card.
2. Continuous Residence in the U.S.
Continuous residence means you have maintained the U.S. as your primary home without long breaks.
USCIS looks back at the statutory period (3 or 5 years before filing).
- Any trip outside the U.S. lasting 6 months or more breaks continuity unless you prove otherwise (e.g., family ties, job, taxes).
- Any trip lasting 12 months or more automatically breaks continuity. The clock resets.
- You must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you apply for at least 3 months before filing.
3. Physical Presence
Physical presence is the actual time you spent inside the U.S. It is different from continuous residence.
- 5-year rule: At least 30 months (913 days) physically inside the U.S.
- 3-year rule (marriage): At least 18 months (548 days) physically inside the U.S.
Use a travel calculator. Each day outside the U.S. subtracts from your total.
Keep a spreadsheet of all departures and returns.
4. Good Moral Character (GMC)
This is one of the most subjective requirements. USCIS defines GMC as conduct that measures up to the 'average citizen' in the community.
The statutory period is typically 5 years (or 3 years for marriage cases), but USCIS can look further back if you have a criminal history.
Automatic bars to GMC (during the statutory period): murder, aggravated felony, gambling offenses, perjury, false testimony for immigration benefits, prostitution, smuggling, habitual drunkenness, drug offenses (except a single marijuana possession of 30g or less).
- Child support arrears can also block GMC.
- Lying to USCIS (even on a small matter) is a permanent bar.
5. English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to read, write, and speak basic English. Exceptions exist for age and long-term residence.
- Exception 1 (50/20 rule): Age 50+ and lived in U.S. as LPR for 20+ years → exempt from English.
- Exception 2 (55/15 rule): Age 55+ and lived in U.S. as LPR for 15+ years → exempt from English.
- Medical disability (Form N-648) also waives English.
The English test includes reading one sentence aloud and writing one sentence from dictation.
The vocabulary is simple (e.g., 'I want to be a citizen').
6. U.S. History and Government (Civics)
Unless exempted from English, you must pass a civics test. USCIS provides 100 official questions.
You are asked up to 10 questions and need 6 correct to pass.
- Example questions: 'Name one branch of government.' (Answer: Congress, President, or Courts). 'Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?' (Thomas Jefferson).
- If you fail the first test, you get a second attempt within 60–90 days. Fail again → denial.
7. Attachment to the U.S. Constitution
You must be willing to support the U.S. Constitution and form of government.
This includes taking the Oath of Allegiance, renouncing foreign titles, and bearing arms for the U.S. (or performing civilian service).
Some applicants are disqualified: members of totalitarian parties (e.g., Communist Party within the last 10 years), Nazi persecutors, or those who have renounced prior U.S. citizenship.
8. Residency After Filing (Oath Ceremony)
From the time you file Form N-400 until the Oath Ceremony, you must continue to meet all requirements.
Do not take a trip longer than 6 months. Do not commit any crime (even a traffic offense can be flagged).
Do not move outside the U.S. permanently.
In summary, review your travel history, gather police clearances if you had arrests, and assess your English level honestly.
A free pre-screening tool on USCIS.gov can help, but consulting an immigration attorney is wise if you have any prior violations.