Thinking About Applying for Naturalization?

Use This List to Help You Get Ready!

Are you eligible to apply for naturalization? 

Different requirements may apply to you 

based on your situation. Generally, an 

applicant for naturalization must: 

• Be 18 years old or older when they file Form N-400, 

Application for Naturalization;

• Be a lawful permanent resident (have a “Green Card”); 

• Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the 

United States for at least 5 years. (In some cases, this 

may be 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.); 

• Have been physically present in the United States for 

30 months. (In some cases, this may be 18 months if 

you are married to a U.S. citizen.); and

• Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS 

district where you claim residence. 

If you have a parent that was a U.S. citizen, either by 

birth or naturalization, before you turned 18 years old, 

you may already have a claim to citizenship. The form to 

file a claim to U.S. citizenship is Form N-600, Application 

for Certificate of Citizenship. These are general 

guidelines that do not apply to every applicant. For more 

information, please visit uscis.gov/citizenship. 

Can you speak, read, and write basic English and 

do you have an understanding of U.S. history and 

government (civics)? 

A USCIS officer will test your ability to read, 

write, and speak English and your 

knowledge of civics. Applicants often fail 

the naturalization test because they cannot 

answer questions in English. To find English or 

citizenship classes, contact your local community college 

or adult education program. You should be prepared for 

the English portion of your naturalization test when you 

apply. At your naturalization interview, you will also be 

tested on your knowledge of U.S. history and government 

(civics). Information and study materials are available at 

uscis.gov/citizenship.

Do you support the principles and ideals of the 

U.S. Constitution and are you willing to swear an 

oath to the United States? 

You must be willing to support and defend 

the United States and its Constitution. You 

declare your “attachment” or loyalty to the 

United States and the Constitution when you 

take the Oath of Allegiance. 

Have you ever been married, divorced, widowed, or 

had your name legally changed? 

If yes, bring a copy of your marriage 

certificate, your divorce or annulment 

decree, or the death certificate of your 

former spouse to your interview. If you 

changed your name through a court, bring a copy of that 

court decree. Also, if your current spouse was married 

before, bring evidence of the termination of their prior 

marriage(s). Failing to provide this evidence may delay 

your case. 

Have you EVER been arrested, detained, or cited 

by the police or any other law enforcement officer?

If yes, bring documents that show the court 

disposition of the case to your interview. 

Documents that show the final outcome of 

the case are required for all arrests and 

detentions, including expunged records and plea bargains. 

If you were put on probation, bring evidence that you 

completed it. Failing to provide this evidence could delay 

your case. Uncertified photocopies are not acceptable. 

Have you traveled outside the United States since 

becoming a permanent resident? 

If yes, you need to show all foreign travel 

during the last five years. Even if you have 

not traveled outside the United States as a 

permanent resident, you should bring all 

your valid and expired passports and any travel 

documents issued by USCIS to your naturalization 

interview. If you do not bring these documents, your case 

could be delayed.

G-1151 (02/2024)
Are you a man between the ages of 18 and 26? 

If you are a man between the ages of 18 and 

26, you must register for the Selective 

Service and provide proof you did. If you are 

26 or older but under 31, you must provide 

proof that you registered when you were required to do 

so. If you were required to register and did not, you must 

bring both a written statement explaining why you did 

not and a letter from the Selective Service System 

indicating your status to your interview. For more 

information about Selective Service or to get proof of 

registration, visit www.sss.gov or call 888-655-1825. 

Have you reported your income on your income 

tax forms?

Your tax returns are very important proof 

that you are eligible for naturalization. On 

the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for 

the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. 

citizen). Certified tax transcripts may be ordered by using 

Internal Revenue Service Form 4506-T available at www.

irs.gov or calling 800-829-1040. 

Did you submit photocopies of your Permanent 

Resident Card with your Form N-400, Application 

for Naturalization? 

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you 

must submit photocopies (front and back) of 

your Form I-551, Permanent Resident Card. 

You must bring your Permanent Resident 

Card and a state-issued identification such as a driver’s 

license to your interview. If you have lost your 

Permanent Resident Card, attach a copy of another entry 

document or a photocopy of a receipt showing that you 

have filed the Form I-90, Application to Replace 

Permanent Resident Card. 

Are you eligible for a disability waiver or age-based 

exemption? 

You may not need to take the English and 

civics portions of the naturalization test if 

you have a medical disability that prevents 

you from demonstrating knowledge of 

English or civics. To apply for this exemption, your doctor 

must complete Form N-648, Medical Certification for 

Disability Exceptions. You should submit this with your 

Form N-400. If you do not, you can submit it at your 

interview, but this may delay your case. For information 

on Form N-648, your doctor should visit uscis.gov/forms. 

Some people who apply for naturalization may not have 

to meet the English requirement because of their age 

and the length of time they have lived in the United 

States as a permanent resident. Check if you qualify at 

uscis.gov/citizenship.

Did you sign the application and pay the correct fee?

Visit uscis.gov/n-400 to file online. You 

should review your Form N-400 before 

submitting it. If you live outside the U.S., you 

must provide 2 passport-style photos with 

your N-400. Make sure to sign the application and pay the 

correct fee. You should keep a copy of your application.

This fact sheet attempts to simplify the naturalization 

eligibility requirements and list of documents that 

can be asked for during the naturalization interview. 

This fact sheet references the most commonly used 

documents, but is not all-inclusive. A USCIS officer 

may ask for other information and documents. For 

additional information, see Form N-400 at uscis.

gov/n-400. If you have a question about your case, 

you can consult with a licensed attorney or accredited 

community organization.

uscis.gov