What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

Asked by: Mr. Murphy Conn  |  Last update: September 8, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (6 votes)

What are the requirements to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization?
  • You must be a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. ...
  • You must be 18 years old. ...
  • You must have resided for three months in the state where you will apply for U.S. citizenship. ...
  • You must have continuous residency and physical presence in the U.S.

What are 4 ways to automatically become a citizen in the United States?

Most common paths to U.S. Citizenship:
  • I am the Child of a U.S. Citizen.
  • I am Married to a U.S. Citizen.
  • I am Serving in the U.S. Military.
  • I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years.

What qualifies you to be a U.S. citizen?

Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for naturalization?

The spouse must have continuously resided in the United States after becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the naturalization application and must have lived in marital union with his or her citizen spouse for at least those 3 years.

How does a green card holder become a U.S. citizen?

Naturalization is the way that a alien not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. The most common path to U.S. citizenship through naturalization is being a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least five years.

2025 US Citizenship Eligibility Requirements | How to become a US Citizen | US Naturalization

45 related questions found

How much does it cost for a green card holder to become a U.S. citizen?

If you file a paper application (form N-400) your cost will be $760. If you file an online application the fee is reduced by $50 and you will pay $710. If you qualify for a reduced fee, then you can expect to pay $380.

How many years after green card can you be a citizen?

You can apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years if you are a permanent resident (Green Card holder) and have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse during that time. Otherwise, most Green Card holders must wait 5 years before applying for naturalization.

How long after marrying a U.S. citizen can I apply for citizenship?

You can apply to become a U.S. citizen after you have had a green card and have been married to a U.S. citizen for three years.

What is the hardest part of naturalization?

While there are various steps to the naturalization process, the hardest part is the naturalization test and in-person interview. A lot of weight is put on this test, and it can be instrumental in whether someone is approved. It tests the applicant's ability to speak, write, and read English.

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

Submit $760 if filing by paper, or $710 if filing online.

What is the difference between a citizen and a naturalized citizen?

A naturalized citizen is an individual who gets U.S. citizenship after they have applied for and met the naturalization requirements, which is after they have had a green card for many years. On the other hand, a derived citizen is an individual who automatically becomes a U.S. citizen through their parents.

Which person is automatically a U.S. citizen by birth?

A. General Requirements for Acquisition of Citizenship at Birth. A person born in the United States who is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States is a U.S. citizen at birth, to include a child born to a member of an Indian, Eskimo, Aleutian, or other aboriginal tribe.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule?

You must spend at least four years and one day physically present in the United States before reapplying for naturalization.

What is the quickest way to become a U.S. citizen?

The quickest path to U.S. citizenship is marrying a U.S. citizen. If you're a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply for naturalization after just three years of permanent residency instead of the usual five.

Which state is easy to get U.S. citizenship?

The top four states with the largest population of lawful permanent residents eligible to become U.S. citizens are California, New York, Texas, and Florida. The Biden administration has made huge progress in streamlining the application process and making it more efficient.

What is the difference between a U.S. citizen and a U.S. national?

U.S. Citizen - One who was born either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents. U.S. National - One who owes permanent allegiance to the United States. Lawful Permanent Resident Alien - One who is legally accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States.

What is the 50 20 rule for citizenship?

Either the 50/20 waiver or the 55/15 waiver may apply to a foreign national. The 50/20 waiver covers applicants for citizenship who are 50 or older and who have held legal permanent resident status for 20 years. They can ask the USCIS officer to conduct the interview in their native language.

Which is the toughest citizenship to get?

Top 15 Hardest Countries to Get Citizenship
  • Qatar. Being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Qatar has set its extremely tough policies for citizenship. ...
  • Vatican City. ...
  • Liechtenstein. ...
  • Saudi Arabia. ...
  • Kuwait. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • China. ...
  • Japan.

Why would naturalization be denied?

Criminal History and Good Moral Character

USCIS requires applicants to demonstrate good moral character (GMC) during the statutory period—generally five years before filing (three years if married to a U.S. citizen). Certain criminal offenses can lead to a determination of poor moral character, resulting in denial.

Does marrying a U.S. citizen give you permanent residency?

After being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant and marrying the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days, the alien spouse can then apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (get a Green Card).

Can a deported person come back legally by marrying a citizen?

Can a deported person come back legally by marrying a citizen? Often yes (unless prior marriage fraud) after an immigrant petition approved and waiver(s) granted.

What is the fastest citizenship by marriage?

Argentina has the fastest track for citizenship by marriage. After marrying an Argentinian citizen, a foreigner can apply for a passport immediately without language or residency requirements. The process takes at least 8 months.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen through marriage?

U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage Summary

The USCIS filing fee for form N-400 is $760 as of January 2025.

What is the difference between citizenship and naturalization?

Basic Differences

A U.S. Certificate of Citizenship is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his or her birth to U.S. parents. A naturalization certificate, on the other hand, is granted to a person who becomes a citizen through the naturalization process.