What to know about becoming a citizen in the United States:
- An immigrant can obtain citizenship through naturalizations after five years of being a green card holder or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR).
- Those married to U.S. citizens can naturalize three years after obtaining their green card.
- A LPR must file N-400, Application for Naturalization and pass U.S. history and government for the new civics test.
- There are free educational resources to help immigrants prepare for the naturalization test.
Thousands of people become citizens of the United States through naturalization, the procedure by which lawful permanent residents obtain U.S. citizenship.
Also Read: How to Get a Green Card as an Undocumented Immigrant in the United States
These are the requirements to naturalize in the United States, and the resources available for those who qualify.
This article, along with the quotes mentioned, are solely for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. For legal assistance please see our list of Pro-bono Lawyers in New York. This article was last updated March 4, 2025.
Who is eligible for naturalization
Naturalization is available to lawful permanent residents (LPR), or green card holders, who want to become U.S. citizens. It is processed through USCIS by filing the form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
The form will ask for your name, address, immigration status and other personal information. It will also ask you questions about your criminal history, if any, and your time spent in the U.S.
Answer all questions truthfully and completely while filling out the form. You must include the necessary supporting documents, such as a copy of your green card, passport-style photographs and any other documentation USCIS requests.
To qualify for naturalization, a LPR must be:
- At least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400
- A green card holder for at least five years (three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
- Continuously residing in the U.S. for at least five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Living for the last three months in the district or state in which you are applying for citizenship
- A person of good moral character
- Able to read, write, and speak basic English
- Knowledgeable of the fundamentals of U.S. history and the form and principles of the U.S. government
- Able to a U.S. government and history test
- Able to demonstrate a commitment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution
- Without a previous exemption or discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces because of being an alien
- Someone who never deserted the U.S. Armed Forces
Attend a biometrics appointment and civics test
Once you file the form N-400, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment where they will take your fingerprints, photograph, and ask to sign your name during the appointment. This information is used to conduct a background check.
After USCIS receives and reviews your application and background check there will be an interview to measure your knowledge about your application, the U.S. government and history. You will take an English test, including reading comprehension, writing and speaking components.
You need to study 128 questions about U.S. history and government for the new civics test. You will answer 20 questions in the test and need to get 60 percent (12 answers) correct.
If you fail, you have two opportunities to retake the tests between 60 and 90 days after the date of your initial interview. When you retake the test, you will be tested only on the portion you failed during the first test. If denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. You can appeal the decision or reapply in the future.
Visit UsCitizenshipSupport.com to see common questions and answers on the test.
Receive a decision on your application
After your application is approved, you will receive a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, including the date, time, and location of your oath ceremony. You will take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen at the ceremony.
Citizenship preparation resources
New York Public Library
The New York City Public Library lends books and learning materials on naturalization and also has online resources. Library resources are listed here.
USCIS
The USCIS website provides access to citizenship preparation and naturalization legal advice services. You can visit this page and enter the ZIP code of your area to see the organizations providing the services.
Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) New Americans Initiative citizenship preparation classes
This program provides students with the opportunity to learn about the U.S. naturalization process. The course teaches reading, writing, listening and speaking skills needed to complete the naturalization form and pass the interview. Students enrolled in the class will learn about the rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizens, U.S. history, U.S. government and civics. For more information or to register for a class, email newamericans@ymcanyc.org or check out this page.
Brooklyn Chinese-American Association free ESOL classes
The Association primarily serves immigrants living in Sunset Park, Borough Park and other neighborhoods by providing a variety of free adult education classes and services. Classes provided include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), citizenship ESOL and citizenship interview preparation classes. Check out this website for more information.
Address: 5000 8th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11220 | Phone: 718-438-0008 | Email: esol@bca.net |
Chinese Progressive Association
This nonprofit provides immigrants with naturalization counseling, citizenship preparation classes, green card renewals, and helping with naturalization fee waivers for eligible immigrants. Please visit this page for more information.
Address: 230 Grand St., Ste. 504, New York, NY 10013 | Phone: 212-274-1891 | Email: cpanyc@cpanyc.org
The New Americans Campaign
The website has a Chinese landing page to help immigrants find no- or low-cost immigration and citizenship resources near them. You can also check the website’s “Citizenship Events” page for upcoming online citizenship classes.
Asian Americans for Equality
Thisnon-profit provides immigration services such as naturalization applications, application fee waivers, and more. More information can be found on this page.
Contact:
Manhattan: 212-979-8988 | Queens Flushing: 718-961-0888 | Queens Jackson Heights: 718-316-9993
Chinese-American Planning Council
CAPC provides citizenship workshops and social support to all students, in addition to English classes to participants 18 and older. More information can be found on this page.
Program contact: Jeff Lau | Address: 165 Eldridge St. 2nd Fl., New York, NY 10002 | Phone: 212-941-0041 | Email: ecsinfo@cpc-nyc.org
