Requirements
To be eligible for citizenship, you must
- be at least 18 years old
- have been a legal permanent resident (have a Green Card) for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are currently married to and living with a U.S. citizen for 3 years; your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for 3 years)
- show that you have lived in the U.S. for at least 5 years (may be 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
- have been physically present in the U.S. for 30 months (may be 18 months if you are married to a U.S. citizen)
- show that you have lived in your state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing
- support the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- be a person of good moral character
- be able to read, write, and speak basic English
- have a basic understanding of U.S. history/civics
More details are available here. Please note that it is no longer necessary to provide two passport sized photos.
Screening for eligibility
Find out if you are eligible right away by using Citizenshipworks, an online tool that can help you navigate the citizenship application process.
Get help
You should consult an immigration attorney or qualified non-profit agency if you answer yes to any of these questions or need help with your application.
Exceptions
Find out if you are eligible for an exception to the English language or civics test requirements.
Resources
Still have questions? Check out these helpful resources below.
Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet (USCIS)
Naturalization Requirements Information (USCIS)
Common Questions About Naturalization (Washington Law Help)