Naturalization (Form N-400) — Apply for U.S. Citizenship

Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen after meeting eligibility requirements as a lawful permanent resident and completing the N-400 interview, test, and oath ceremony.

Form N-400 is the USCIS application used to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

Many applicants qualify under the 5-year rule based on five years as a green card holder. Some qualify under the 3-year rule based on marriage to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse and meeting additional requirements.

Continuous residence is a requirement that you maintain your residence in the United States for the statutory period, and certain long trips can disrupt it.

Physical presence is the minimum amount of time you must be physically inside the United States during the statutory period.

Extended trips can raise continuous residence and physical presence issues and may lead to extra questions or evidence requests.

The impact depends on trip length, frequency, and documentation. A travel timeline review is usually the first step.

Good moral character is a legal standard USCIS reviews during the statutory period and sometimes beyond, depending on the issue.

A DUI can trigger additional review and may affect good moral character depending on the facts, history, and timing.

Yes. USCIS often reviews arrests and charges and may require certified court dispositions even when charges were dropped.

For many criminal or court-related issues, USCIS expects certified dispositions and records showing the final outcome.

Tax issues can raise good moral character concerns. Filing compliance and any payment plans should be documented carefully.

A payment plan can be manageable if you are compliant and can document the agreement and payments.

It can, depending on age, timing, and facts. USCIS may ask for documentation and an explanation.

The correct approach depends on age and circumstances. Many cases require a documented explanation and supporting evidence.

Yes. Prior status violations, misrepresentation concerns, or issues in earlier filings can lead to additional review.

Yes. Removal history is a major issue and requires careful analysis of the record before filing.

Yes. USCIS can review the underlying permanent residence history and prior filings for consistency.

Misrepresentation history can be serious and should be analyzed carefully before filing, with a strategy tailored to the record.

USCIS expects a good-faith, accurate travel history. You can often reconstruct travel using passports, CBP/I-94 history, and other records.

It depends on whether you are applying under the 3-year marriage-based rule or the 5-year rule and the timing of the divorce.

Separation can affect eligibility under the 3-year rule. The facts and timing matter.

USCIS reviews the N-400, verifies identity and eligibility, and administers the English and civics tests unless an exemption applies.

Some applicants qualify for age/time-as-LPR exemptions or medical disability exemptions. Documentation requirements are strict.

N-648 is a medical certification used to request an exemption from the English and/or civics requirements based on a qualifying medical condition.

Often, yes. Name change handling depends on the court/field office process and may affect ceremony timing.

USCIS may issue an RFE if key documents are missing. A complete, organized filing helps avoid delays.

An RFE requests specific evidence by a deadline. Responding with complete, well-organized documentation is critical.

A denial may have options depending on the reason, including administrative review in some cases. The strategy depends on the notice.

Processing times vary by field office and case complexity. Addressing red flags early can reduce delays.

The oath ceremony is the final step where the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance and becomes a U.S. citizen.