How Do I Apply for Citizenship Through Naturalization?
Becoming a United States citizen is one of the most meaningful steps an immigrant can take. Citizenship brings the right to vote, a U.S. passport, protection from deportation, and the ability to sponsor family members. The path for most green card holders is naturalization, a multi-step process handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). At Nunez Law Firm, our Manhattan immigration attorney guides clients through every stage, from eligibility review to the oath ceremony.
Step 1: Confirm You Are Eligible
Before filing anything, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and have held a green card for at least five years, or three years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen. You must also show continuous residence in the United States during that period, physical presence for at least half of it, and at least three months of residence in the state or USCIS district where you file.
Finally, you must demonstrate good moral character, which USCIS evaluates by reviewing your criminal history, tax compliance, and honesty on immigration filings. Long trips abroad, unpaid taxes, or past arrests do not always disqualify you, but they should be reviewed with an attorney before you apply.
Step 2: File Form N-400
The application for naturalization is Form N-400. You can file online for $710 or by paper for $760, and fee waivers are available for applicants who qualify. Accuracy matters here. Inconsistencies between your N-400 and prior immigration filings are a common reason for delays and denials, so every answer should be complete and truthful.
Step 3: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment
After filing, USCIS may schedule you for fingerprinting and a photograph, which are used to run background checks. In many cases, USCIS reuses biometrics already on file.
Step 4: Complete Your Interview and Tests
A USCIS officer will review your application with you under oath and administer two tests. The English test measures your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The civics test is oral and measures your knowledge of US history and government. Applicants who filed on or after October 20, 2025, take the updated civics test, which draws 20 questions from a list of 128, and you must answer 12 correctly to pass. Some applicants qualify for exemptions based on age and years of residence. If you fail a portion, you get a second chance within 60 to 90 days.
Step 5: Take the Oath of Allegiance
If your application is approved, the final step is a ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance. You are not a citizen until the oath is complete. Afterward, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization and can apply for a U.S. passport.
Speak with Our Manhattan Immigration Attorney Today
Naturalization rewards preparation. A carefully prepared application avoids the delays and denials that catch many applicants off guard. At Nunez Law Firm, our New York immigration lawyers will assess your eligibility, prepare your N-400, and stand with you at your interview. To get started, contact our office online or by calling (917) 708-1072.