Understanding Naturalization: Becoming a U.S. Citizen
This guide explains the naturalization process for individuals who were not born in the United States but wish to become U.S. citizens. If you were born in the U.S., you’re automatically a citizen, with one rare exception: children born to foreign diplomats are not granted automatic citizenship.
What about kids born outside the U.S.? Well, if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen who lived in the U.S. for a certain amount of time after turning 14, that child might already be a U.S. citizen at birth through something called “derivation.” The rules have changed over time, so it can get a bit tricky.
If you or your child was born abroad but has a U.S. citizen parent, it’s smart to check with an immigration lawyer. Sometimes people go through visa and green card processes for years, not realizing they may have already been U.S. citizens. That’s a big deal—because if you are already a citizen, you don’t need a visa at all.
There’s also the idea of “acquisition” of citizenship, where a child might become a citizen because their parent naturalized while the child was still under 18. For kids under 18, there’s often a faster, simpler path to naturalization. Even adopted children of U.S. citizens can qualify.
Important: If you believe you may have acquired or derived citizenship already, do not file Form N-400 before confirming your status with an immigration attorney. Filing unnecessarily can lead to delays or denials.
The Naturalization Process: What You Need to Know
Most people who’ve been permanent residents (green card holders) for at least 5 years can apply for naturalization.
If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, that time shrinks to 3 years—but you must show you’re still married to that U.S. citizen spouse. There are also special, often easier, rules for children and for people who have served in the U.S. military.
Important note: Some children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens when their parents naturalize, depending on how the parent’s naturalization process works.
Here’s an overview of the basic steps:
File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Attend your biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment
Complete your naturalization interview and tests
Take the oath of allegiance
Key Eligibility Factors
Travel Outside the U.S.:
You can’t have been outside the U.S. for more than 30 months total in the last 5 years if you want to naturalize. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen and applying under the 3-year rule, you need to have been physically present here for at least 18 months in those 3 years.
Also, you can’t have any single trip longer than 6 months during your permanent residency, or it could cause problems.
English Language:
You’ll need to speak, read, and write English comfortably. But there are exceptions if you’re older:
If you’re 50 or older and have been a green card holder for 20+ years, or
If you’re 55 or older and have been a green card holder for 15+ years,
you might qualify for an English waiver.
Age and Good Moral Character:
You need to be at least 18 years old and show “good moral character.” That means paying your taxes, registering for the draft if you’re a male between 18–26, and having a clean criminal record.
If any of these factors seem tricky in your case, it’s really important to speak with an attorney before applying. Sometimes issues like these can cause USCIS to look deeper into your permanent residency status, which might complicate things.
FAQs About Naturalization
What documents do I need to gather before applying?
At a minimum, you’ll need your green card, proof of residence (like utility bills or tax returns), your passport(s), and any documents supporting your eligibility—such as a marriage certificate if applying under the 3-year rule, proof of military service if applicable, and any documents related to time spent abroad. We can help you get organized so nothing is missed.
How long does the naturalization process usually take?
From filing Form N-400 to taking the oath of citizenship, it usually takes between 8 to 14 months, depending on the USCIS office and case specifics. Some folks get scheduled faster; others might wait a bit longer.
What happens during the naturalization interview?
At your interview, a USCIS officer will review your application, ask about your background, test your English skills, and give you a civics test about U.S. history and government. Don’t worry, we’ll prepare you thoroughly so you feel confident.
Can my travel history affect my application?
Yes. Long or frequent trips outside the U.S. can hurt your eligibility, especially if you spent more than 6 months at a time outside or were gone more than 30 months total in the last 5 years. We can review your travel dates to make sure you qualify.
What if I don’t pass the English or civics test?
You get two tries. If you fail, USCIS will schedule a second interview. For certain older applicants, there are exemptions or accommodations available.
Can I apply for naturalization with a pending I-751 (Removal of Conditions)?
Yes, but USCIS may hold your N-400 until the I-751 is approved. It’s a good idea to consult an attorney before applying to ensure proper timing.
Will USCIS check my tax history?
Yes. USCIS reviews your tax compliance as part of the good moral character requirement. Make sure to file any missing returns or resolve outstanding tax issues before applying.
How Do You Prove U.S. Citizenship?
If you need to prove your citizenship, here are the common documents:
U.S. birth certificate
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for babies born outside the U.S.)
U.S. passport
Naturalization Certificate (if you became a citizen through naturalization)
Certificate of Citizenship (if you derived or acquired citizenship but weren’t born here)
A quick tip: Before filing Form N-600 to get a Certificate of Citizenship (which can take a year or more), check if you’re eligible to apply directly for a U.S. passport. Passports usually come back much faster, often in just a few months.
Also, if you already have a Naturalization Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship, it’s a good idea to apply for a U.S. passport as well. The passport is easier to replace if lost, and having both makes proving your citizenship much simpler.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re thinking about naturalization or just want to check if you or your family qualify, let’s talk. Naturalization can seem complicated, but with the right guidance, it’s a smooth path to becoming a U.S. citizen. Need help confirming eligibility or preparing your application?