To file an application for naturalization (citizenship), you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal permanent resident for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) Note: you may submit your application 3 months prior to fulfilling the residency requirement).
- Have maintained continuous residence in the United States
- Have maintained at least 30 months of physical presence in the United States (or 18 if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Have lived in the state in which you are applying for at least 3 months immediately prior to the filing of the application
- Have good moral character
- Speak, read and write basic English*
- Have basic knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Be loyal to the Constitution
Exemptions to the English Requirement
The test may be in the applicants native language if:
- Applicant is at least 50 years old and has been a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years; or
- Applicant is at least 55 years old and has been a legal permanent resident for at least 15 years; or
- Applicant is at least 65 years old and has been a legal permanent resident for at least 20 years. In these cases the applicant will be given the shortened version of the test in his or her native language.
