Citizenship
Citizenship is one of the defining elements of the American spirit. The U.S. Constitution, the supreme law of the land, bestows American citizens with rights, duties and privileges that make up the moral and legal foundation of America’s system of representative democracy, which for more than 200 years has aspired to protect individual freedom without regard to background, culture, or religion. Citizenship means the right to vote, the opportunity to take an active role in civic culture, the right to a fair trial, the duty to pay taxes, the right join the military in defense of America, and apply for federal employment, among many other things.
Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways: 1) birth within the United States or its territories, or 2) naturalization
What are the Requirements for Naturalization?
Becoming a United States citizen is called “naturalization.”
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is the federal department in charge of naturalization. See the "Guide to Naturalization " (form M-476) to find out if you are eligible to become a citizen.
If you are currently serving in the military or have served in the military at any time, find out more about the naturalization process for military personnel.
You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for U.S. citizenship:
1) Be 18 years of age or older;
2) Prove "continuous residence" for 5 or more years in the United States (or at least 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen). Continuous residence is the total time you spend in the U.S. as a Permanent Resident. If you spend long periods of time outside the country (usually 6 months or more), you may break your continuous residence and be forced to start over.
- Your 5-year period begins on the date marked on your Permanent Resident Card
- For those granted asylum in the United States, your 5-year period begins one year after arriving to America
3) Prove "physical presence" in the United States for at least 30 months out of the past 5 years (or 18 months out of the past 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen). “Physical presence” is the amount of time you reside within the United States, subtracted by the amount of time you spend outside the country.
- If you leave the U.S. for an extended period of time (usually 6 months or more), you may “break” your continuous residency and have to begin again from day one.
4) Prove residence in the same USCIS district for at least 3 months prior to filing.
5) Pass an interview and test about basic knowledge of English and information about U.S. history and government.
- You must be able to show that you can read, write, and speak basic English
- You will also be required to pass a “civics” test that includes various questions about U.S. history and government. See this link for additional sample test questions.
You might qualify for an exemption from some or all of the testing process if you:
- have been residing in the United States as permanent resident for 15 years or more and are over 55 years of age;
- have been residing in the United States as a permanent resident for 20 years or more and are over 50 years of age; or
- have been determined to be physically or mentally ill
6) Have an understanding and acceptance of the principles of the U.S. constitution. This includes taking an “Oath of Allegiance,” in which you, as the applicant, pledge to:
- Support the Constitution and obey the laws of the U.S.;
- Renounce any foreign allegiance and/or foreign title; and
- Bear arms for the Armed Forces of the U.S. or perform services for the government of the U.S. if required.
7) A positive legal record is important to maintain if you are applying to be a U.S. citizen.
An applicant is permanently barred from naturalization if he or she has ever been convicted of murder. Additionally, any applicant who has been convicted of an aggravated felony before or during the statutory residency period is not eligible to become a U.S. citizen.
8) A good moral character is also important. Naturalization may be barred if an applicant:
- has committed and been convicted of one or more crimes involving moral turpitude
- has committed and been convicted of 2 or more offenses for which the total sentence imposed was 5 years or more
- has committed and been convicted of any illegal drug law, except for a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana
- has been confined to a penal institution during the statutory period, as a result of a conviction, for an combined period of 180 days or more
- has been convicted of two or more gambling offenses
- is or has earned his or her principal income from illegal gambling
- is or has been involved in prostitution
- is or has been involved in smuggling illegal aliens into the United States
- is or has been a habitual drunkard
- is practicing or has practiced polygamy
- has willfully failed or refused to support dependents
How Do I Apply for Citizenship?
The standard application for naturalization is labeled N-400. Download the N-400 application form online. Make sure to read the application instructions carefully.
Some application exceptions apply. For the most up to date information on application forms and exception details, call the USCIS toll-free line at (800) 870-3676.
You can also apply in person at any USCIS office—visit the official site of the USCIS to find the office nearest you.
What are the Filing Fees?
The application-filing fee for naturalization is $330. A $70 fee for biometrics (fingerprinting) may be required. Reduced or waived fees apply for some military service people.
Fees are accepted in the form of money order, personal check or cashiers check only. Checks should be made payable to Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases
Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for exceptions to the standard requirements of the naturalization process. See below to find out if you are eligible:
Can spouses and family members become naturalized citizens?
Yes. Lawful permanent residents who are family members or spouses of U.S. citizens may apply for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application.
The applicant must have been married to and is living in a legal marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years.
Veterans of U.S. armed forces
Yes. Certain applicants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to file for naturalization based on current or prior U.S. military service. Such applicants should file the N-400 Military Naturalization Packet.
What if I have served in the military?
If you have served for three years in the U.S. military and are a lawful permanent resident, then you are excused from the residence requirement if you file for naturalization while you are still serving—or within six months of an honorable discharge.
To be eligible for these military exemptions, an you must:
- Have served honorably or left the military under honorable conditions;
- Have completed three years or more of military service;
- Be a legal permanent resident at the time the application is processed; and
- Demonstrate good moral character if service was discontinuous or not honorable.
Spouses or family members stationed abroad
There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following institutions overseas:
- the U.S. Government (including the U.S. Armed Forces);
- American research institutes recognized by the Attorney General;
- Recognized U.S. religious organizations;
- U.S. research institutions;
- American firms engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States; or
- Certain public international organizations involving the United States.
Citizenship information regarding children
Children born of U.S. citizen parents automatically earn U.S. citizenship. To obtain evidence of your child’s citizenship, file a Certificate of Citizenship form (N-600) .
Complete N-600 form according to the instructions provided and include 2 photographs of your child, copies of any documents that verify eligibility, and the required filing fee.
Naturalization for adopted children
Adopted children of U.S. citizen parents also earn automatic citizenship. For adopted children, file an N-643 instead of an N-600. However, adopted children over 18 must file an N-400, the standard naturalization form.
For answers to more specific questions regarding naturalization of children, please contact your local Immigration and Naturalization (INS) office.
Non-legal residents who have served honorably in armed conflict
This is the only exception that allows persons who have not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S. to become eligible for naturalization.
Any person who has served honorably during a specified time of hostile conflict, whether or not he or she has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence may file an application at any time in his or her life if, at the time of enlistment, extension of enlistment, re-enlistment or induction, the person was in the United States, American Samoa , the Canal Zone, or Swains Island, or on board a vessel operated by the U.S. for non-commercial service.
An applicant who has served honorably during any of the following periods of conflict may apply for naturalization based on military service—no period of residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States required:
- World War I - 4/16/17 to 11/11/18;
- World War II - 9/1/39 to 12/31/46;
- Korean Conflict - 6/25/50 to 7/1/55;
- Vietnam Conflict - 2/28/61 to 10/15/78;
- Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm - 8/29/90 to 4/11/91
- Operation Enduring Freedom – 9/11/01 to (present); or
- Any other period that the President, by Executive Order, has designated as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with hostile foreign forces.
Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens
One of the primary requirements of in the last stages of the naturalization process is the oath of allegiance. The following is the entire text of the oath, which applicants recite before gaining citizenship:
 "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."
In some cases, USCIS allows the oath to be taken without the clauses:
"…that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by law…"
Sample Sentences for the English Test and Interview
To be eligible for naturalization, you must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. You will be tested in a personal interview with a USCIS officer. The sentences on this page are examples of the types of sentences an USCIS officer may ask you to read aloud or write during your interview. The USCIS officer may ask you to read or write other sentences.
Sample civics questions
Beginning October 1, 2008, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin implementation of a redesigned naturalization test. All applicants who file for naturalization on or after October 1, 2008 will be required to take the redesigned test. For those applicants who file prior to October 1, 2008 but are not interviewed until after October 1, 2008 (but before October 1, 2009), there will be an option of taking the redesigned test or the current one. Civics (history and government) items from the redesigned naturalization test are found here. See also Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the new naturalization test.
Common use of English language
- He came to live with his cousin.
- He has a very fast dog.
- He knows how to ride a motorcycle.
- He likes his job.
- He didn’t like his boss.
- He went to the library.
- His wife is at work today.
- I am very busy.
- Today I bought a car.
- I came to _______ (city) today for my interview.
- I count the cars as they pass by the office.
- I drive a red car to work.
- I go to work everyday.
- I have two children.
- I know how to speak English.
- I live in the State of ____________.
- I want to be a United States citizen.
- It is a good job to start with.
- My car does not work.
- She can speak English very well.
- She cooks for her family.
- She is my daughter, and he is my son.
- She needs to buy some new shoes.
- She wanted to live near her brother.
- She rode a bike to work.
What are Rights and Responsibilities of American Citizens?
Active citizenship is fundamental to preserving the fiber of American democracy. The following is a list of some of the most important rights responsibilities attached to American citizenship:
Freedom to express yourself
Freedom of expression includes several individual rights. It includes freedom of speech, freedom to peaceably assemble, and the freedom to petition the government for a redress of grievances. In a representative democracy, individual beliefs and opinions are important to our national dialogue and necessary to maintain a responsible citizenry. Americans can speak and act as they wish as long as it does not endanger others or obstruct another’s freedom of expression in the process.
Right to vote
By voting in federal, state, and local elections, citizens choose their government leaders. The right to vote is one of the most important liberties granted to American citizens. It is the foundation of a free society.
Freedom to worship
In the United States, the freedom to hold any religious belief, or none at all, is considered a basic, or unalienable right. The government cannot violate this right.
Right to a prompt, fair trial by jury
People accused of a crime have the right to a speedy and fair trial by a jury of peers. In the U.S., those accused of a crime are assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Right to keep and bear arms
The U.S. Constitution protects the rights of individuals to possess firearms. This right is subject to some minor limitations, including background checks before purchasing guns and restriction of certain types of weapons.
Right to apply for federal employment
Public service is a rewarding endeavor for many Americans—and it has been since the birth of the country. As a U.S. citizen, you can apply for federal employment.
Right to run for elected office
U.S. citizenship is required for many elected offices in this country. Naturalized U.S. citizens can run for any elected office they choose with the exception of President and Vice President of the United States, which require candidates to be native-born citizens.
Freedom to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”
As a society based on individual freedom, it is the inherent right of all Americans to pursue “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The United States is a land of opportunity. People are able to choose their own path in life based on personal goals and objectives. Americans can make their own decisions and pursue their own interests as long as it does not interfere with the rights of others. Responsibilities of a Citizen.
Pay income and other taxes
Taxes pay for government services for the people of the United States. Some of theses services include educating children and adults, keeping our country safe and secure, and providing medical services to the elderly and less fortunate. Paying taxes on time and in full ensures that these services continue for all Americans.
Support and defend the U.S. constitution
The Constitution establishes the U.S. system of representative democracy and outlines the inherent principles of freedom, liberty, and opportunity to which all citizens are entitled. The continuity of this Nation’s unique freedoms depends on the support of its citizens. When the Constitution and its ideals are challenged, citizens must defend these principles against all adversaries.
Defend the country if needed
The Armed Forces of the United States, the military, is currently an all-volunteer force. However, should the need arise in time of war, it is important that all citizens join together and assist the Nation where they are able. This support could include defending the Nation through military, noncombatant, or civilian service.
Stay informed of issues affecting your community
Before casting your vote in an election, be sure to gain information about the issues and candidates running for office. Staying informed allows citizens the opportunity to keep the candidates and laws responsive to the needs of the local community.
Participate in the democratic process
Voting in federal, state, and local elections is the most important responsibility of any citizen. Voting ensures that our system of governments maintained and individual voices are clearly heard by elected officials.
Serve on a jury when called.
Serving on a jury is a very important service to your community. In the United States, the Constitution guarantees that all persons accused of a crime have the right to a “speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.” Jury service gives you the opportunity to participate in the vital task of achieving just, fair results in matters that come before the court.
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