Thinking About Applying for Naturalization?

Use This List to Help You Get Ready!

Are you eligible to apply for naturalization? Do you support the principles and ideals of the U.S.
Constitution and are you willing to swear an oath to the
Before you apply for naturalization,
United States?
you must meet a few requirements.
Depending on your situation, there are You must be willing to support and defend
different requirements that may apply to the United States and its Constitution. You
you. However, generally, an applicant for declare your “attachment” or loyalty to the
naturalization must: United States and the Constitution when
you take the Oath of Allegiance at your
• Be 18 years old or older at the time of filing Form N-400,
naturalization ceremony. You become a U.S.
Application for Naturalization.
citizen after you take the Oath of Allegiance.
• Be a lawful permanent resident (have a “Green Card”).
Have you ever been married, divorced, widowed, or had your
• Demonstrate continuous permanent residence in the United name legally changed?
States for at least 5 years. (In some cases, this may be 3 years
if you are married to a U.S. citizen.) If yes, bring a copy of your marriage
certificate, your divorce or annulment
• Show that you have been physically present in the United decree, or the death certificate of your
States for 30 months. (In some cases, this may be 18 former spouse to your naturalization
months if you are married to a U.S. citizen.) interview. If you changed your name
• Show that you have lived for at least 3 months in the state through a court, bring a copy of the court
or USCIS district where you claim residence. decree that legally changed your name. Also, if your current
Before applying for naturalization, please keep in mind that spouse was married before, bring evidence of the termination
if you have a parent that was a U.S. citizen, either by birth or of your spouse’s prior marriage(s). Failing to show proof of
naturalization, before you turned 18 years old, you may have a your current marital status or legal name may delay your case.
claim to citizenship. The form to file a claim to U.S. citizenship Have you EVER been arrested, detained, or cited by the police
is Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. or any other law enforcement officer?
These are general guidelines that do not apply to every If yes, bring documents that show the court
applicant. For more information on these requirements, please disposition of the case to your interview.
visit uscis.gov/citizenship. These documents show the final outcome of
the case and are required for all arrests and
Can you speak, read, and write basic English and do you have
detentions, including expunged records and
an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics)?
plea bargains. If you were put on probation,
During your interview, a USCIS officer will bring evidence that you completed your probation. Failing
test your ability to read, write, and speak to provide original or certified copies of court disposition
English and your knowledge of civics. documents could delay your case. Please note that uncertified
Many times the reason applicants fail the photocopies are not acceptable.
naturalization test is that they cannot answer
the interview questions in English. To find Have you traveled outside the United States since becoming a
English and/or citizenship classes where you permanent resident?
live, contact your local community college or adult education If yes, you need to show all foreign travel
program. You should be prepared for the English portion of during the last five years as a permanent
your naturalization test when you submit your application. resident. Even if you have not traveled
At your naturalization interview, you will also be tested on outside the United States since becoming
your knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics). a permanent resident, you should bring
Information on the test and study materials are available at all of your valid and expired passports and
uscis.gov/citizenship. any travel documents issued by USCIS to your naturalization
interview. If you do not bring your passport(s) and other
documents to your interview, your case could be delayed.
G-1151 (04/19)
Are you a man between the ages of 18 and 26? Application for Naturalization. If you do not submit your Form
If you are a man between the ages of N-648 with your Form N-400, you are allowed to submit it
18 and 26, you must register for the to the USCIS officer at your interview, but this may delay your
Selective Service and provide proof of your case. For information on how to fill out Form N-648, your
registration to USCIS. If you are 26 or older doctor should visit uscis.gov/forms.
but under the age of 31, you must provide Some people who apply for naturalization may not have
proof that you registered with the Selective to meet the English requirement because of their age and
Service when you were required to do so. If you were required the length of time they have lived in the United States as
to register and did not, you must bring to your interview both a permanent resident. Find out if you qualify for an age
a written statement explaining why you did not register and a exemption from the English language requirement at
letter from the Selective Service System indicating your status. uscis.gov/citizenship.
For more information about Selective Service registration or
how to get proof that you registered, visit www.sss.gov or call Did you sign the application and pay the correct fee?
1-888-655-1825. Visit uscis.gov/n-400 to file your
Application for Naturalization online.
Have you reported your income on your income tax forms?
You should review your Form N-400,
Your tax returns are very important proof Application for Naturalization, before
that you are eligible for naturalization. On submitting it to USCIS. If you live outside
the day of your interview, bring certified tax the United States you must provide 2
returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you passport-style photos with your N-400. Make sure to sign the
are married to a U.S. citizen). Certified tax application and pay the correct fee. Also, we suggest that you
transcripts may be ordered by using Internal keep a copy of your application for your records.
Revenue Service (IRS) Form 4506-T available at www.irs.gov
or calling 1-800-829-1040.
This fact sheet attempts to simplify the naturalization
Did you submit photocopies of your Permanent Resident Card eligibility requirements and list of documents that can
with your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization? be asked for during the naturalization interview. This fact
If you are a lawful permanent resident, you sheet references the most commonly used documents,
must submit photocopies (front and back) but is not an all-inclusive list. A USCIS officer may ask
of your Form I-551, Permanent Resident for additional information and documents that are not
Card. You will also need to bring your included in this fact sheet. For additional information on
Permanent Resident Card and a state-issued identification such applying for naturalization, please refer to Form N-400,
as a driver’s license to your interview with USCIS. If you have available at uscis.gov/n-400. If you have a specific
lost your Permanent Resident Card, attach a copy of any other question about your case, you may wish to consult with a
entry document or a photocopy of a receipt showing that you licensed attorney or accredited community organization.
have filed the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent
Resident Card.

Are you eligible for a disability waiver or age-based

uscis.gov