What is Naturalization?

Naturalization is commonly referred to as the manner in which a person not born in the United States voluntarily becomes a U.S. citizen. People not born in the United States who want to become citizens of the United States must go through a legal process to become naturalized citizens.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

How is Naturalization Different From Citizenship?

Naturalization is the legal process a non-U.S. citizen undergoes to become a citizen of the United States. A person can become a citizen of the United States through one of the following ways:

• Through the naturalization process
• By deriving citizenship from his or her parent when the parent naturalizes
• By being born in the United States
• By being born to U.S. citizen parents abroad

What are the General Requirements for Naturalization in the United States?

The person must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
• Be a permanent resident (have a “green card”) for at least 5 years.
• Have lived within the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over their place of residence for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing Form N-400..
• Have continuous residence in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400.
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English unless exempt based on age and time as a permanent resident or a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. See Exceptions and Accommodations.
• Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics).
• Be a person of good moral character.
• Demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.