Is naturalization the next step in your journey?

(Last update: December 2025)

Do you already have 3 to 5 years as a Legal Permanent Resident (Green Card holder)?

Now may be a good time to review the requirements for naturalization.  If you meet all the requisites, you could go ahead and start with the application, and if you have a couple of them pending, you can begin preparing for it!

Requirements for naturalization

To apply for U.S. citizenship, most lawful permanent residents must meet these basic requirements:

• Age & Residency: Be 18 or older and have 5 years as a Green Card holder (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)

• Physical Presence: Lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (or 18 months if married to a citizen)

• Application: File Form N-400, with supporting documents proving your status

• Filing Fee: $760 (some applicants may qualify for a reduced or waived fee)

• Civics Test: Pass a test with 20 questions about U.S. history and government  (If you filed Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025)

• English Requirement: Be able to speak, read, and understand basic English (unless exempt).

*Fees applicable from April 1, 2024.*

 

If you are ready to go, here are the main steps of the process:

 

Steps in the Naturalization Process

Becoming a U.S. citizen involves several key steps. Here’s a simplified overview:

1. Review Eligibility
   Make sure you meet the basic requirements for naturalization.
2. Get Legal Guidance
   Consult an immigration lawyer to ensure your documents are complete and your application is accurate.
3. Submit Your Application
   File Form N-400 with all required documents and the filing fee.
4. Attend Biometrics Appointment
   USCIS will schedule you for fingerprinting and background checks.
5. Complete Interview & Tests
   You’ll attend an interview and take the English and civics exams.
6. Receive a Decision
   USCIS will send you a written notice of approval (or a request for more information).
7. Take the Oath of Allegiance
   Attend the naturalization ceremony and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

🎉 Congratulations—you’re a U.S. citizen!
We’d be honored to help you through every step of the process.

 

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If you want professional help, call us at (469) 844-0020 and schedule a consultation. We will be happy to help you get there!

Not ready to naturalize?

Why do eligible people hesitate to naturalize? Here are some common reasons we heard.

We invite you to take a look at these and ask yourself if they are good reasons, considering the benefits naturalization may give you.

 

1. I don´t speak enough English.

If you can read and understand this article, you probably do. Taking some lessons may be a great idea to help improve your English skills. Not only to apply for naturalization but also to open other doors. There are free and low-cost English courses available! Click (here) for some options. There are also some exceptions to this requirement (Check with your lawyer if you may qualify for one.)

2. I am okay with being a resident! There is no need to become a citizen.

Although a Legal Permanent Resident may have a comfortable status, residency does not provide the benefits of citizenship. Without citizenship, there is always a risk of losing your status. The best way to guarantee your right to stay in the U.S. is to be a citizen.

3. Naturalizing is too expensive for me.

Remember your LPR status is also subject to renewal fees and other charges. Once you become a citizen, you will get rid of those. In the long run, you will be saving time and money! Think of it as an investment, not only an economic one but also an investment in security and peace of mind.

4. I had a problem in the past.

You don’t need to be perfect to naturalize. Consult with an immigration lawyer to see if your past may impact your case.

5. It takes too long.

Yes, immigration processes take time, but the sooner you start, the sooner you become a citizen! Starting now will be beneficial in the long run!

6. I don´t know how to start.

Easy fix! An immigration attorney will be able to address your concerns and guide you through the process. Feel free to call us at (469) 844-0020 to schedule a consultation.

Do you want to know how you may be missing out? Now we will give you…

9 reasons to naturalize

Here are 9 good reasons to apply for naturalization!

1. Never pay USCIS fees again!

• Forget about the fees, the timelines, and the filing processes for immigration purposes, once and for all.

2. Qualify for Federal scholarships and grants

• You can gain access to government benefits or programs available only to U.S. citizens.

3. Be protected from deportation

• A U.S. citizen may not be deported. Citizenship is the only guaranteed protection against deportation.

4. Take longer trips abroad

• Stay abroad for as long as you want or need to, without risking your status.

5. Apply for government jobs

• If you want to work for a better country from the “inside,” you may apply for government jobs or run for office as a citizen.

6. Petition more family

• Citizens may also petition their parents, married children and their families, and their sisters or brothers so they can come to the United States if the request is approved and there is an available visa.

7. Vote in elections

• Have a voice in electing the people who run the country and decide on matters that affect your life and your opportunities. This one is a right but also a responsibility.

8. Get a U.S. passport

• Make traveling easier! Many countries will not require a visa for short travels and you can seek assistance at any  U.S. embassy if you need to.

9. Become a U.S. citizen

Make the United States your country, with all rights and responsibilities.

A U.S. passport is one of the benefits

Your new country becomes your new home when you naturalize. For many, it is the end of a long immigration journey.

 

Important Update: The naturalization process has evolved in recent years. While this article explains the core steps and benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen, there are new factors and updates that can affect how applications are reviewed, how the civics test is administered, and what preparatory steps matter most before applying.

To help you understand these changes and how they may affect your timeline or strategy, we’ve published a new article about naturalization with recent changes and practical advice.

Read the new article here: Naturalization in the U.S. After Recent Changes: What Applicants Need to Know

Whenever you feel ready to apply for naturalization, or if you want to talk your case through with an immigration expert, we are here to help you.

Call us at (469) 844-0020 and schedule a consultation! Our office is located in Dallas, Texas, but we also offer telephone and virtual consults. We would be honored to serve you!