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N-400, N-600

Citizenship

Naturalization is the process by which a green card holder becomes a U.S. citizen. It requires a period of permanent residence, physical presence in the country, good moral character, and passing English and civics tests. We review eligibility first, because issues such as long trips abroad, tax filings or old arrests deserve attention before filing.

Lead attorney

Temitayo M. Tijani

Last reviewed September 2026

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Citizenship gives the right to vote, to hold a U.S. passport and to sponsor more relatives. Once naturalized, a person no longer needs to renew a green card.

See the glossary

Who this is for

  • Green card holders with five years of permanent residence
  • Green card holders married to, and living with, a U.S. citizen for three years
  • Applicants with long trips abroad, past arrests or tax questions who want a review first
  • Parents who want proof that a child already became a citizen automatically

How we help

Eligibility check
We count residence and physical presence days, review travel history and flag anything that needs an explanation.
Clean, consistent application
We prepare Form N-400 so that every answer matches earlier immigration records.
Test and interview preparation
We help you prepare for the English and civics tests and practise the interview questions.
Children's citizenship
We file Form N-600 to document citizenship for children who acquired or derived it through a parent.

Forms involved

  • N-400Application for Naturalization
  • N-600Application for Certificate of Citizenship
  • N-648Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

Government filing fees are listed on our filing fees page.

Timeline

Many naturalization cases take roughly 6 to 12 months from filing to the oath ceremony, based on recent processing patterns. Times vary by USCIS field office, and current figures appear on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing-times page.

Document checklist

A starting list. We send a checklist for your case after the consultation.

  • Green card (front and back)
  • List of every trip outside the United States during the eligibility period
  • Marriage certificate and spouse's proof of citizenship, if filing on the three-year basis
  • Federal tax return transcripts
  • Certified court records for any arrest, citation or charge, even if dismissed
  • Proof of child support payments, if applicable
“I put off citizenship for years because of an old travel history question. One consultation answered it. Six months later I took the oath with my children watching.”
Daniel M., Baltimore, MDNaturalization

These reviews are illustrative examples while client reviews are being collected.

Questions clients ask

When can I apply?
Most applicants can file after five years as a permanent resident, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen during that time. USCIS accepts applications up to 90 days before the anniversary.
Do trips abroad affect eligibility?
They can. A single trip of six months or more raises questions about continuous residence, and a trip of one year or more generally breaks it. Applicants also need physical presence in the United States for at least half of the eligibility period.
What are the tests?
The interview includes an English test (reading, writing and speaking) and a civics test on U.S. history and government. Some older long-term residents and applicants with qualifying disabilities may receive exceptions.
Does an old arrest prevent citizenship?
Not necessarily. The answer depends on the offence, its outcome and when it happened. Every arrest must be disclosed, even when a charge was dismissed, so we obtain the court records and assess them before filing.
Can my children become citizens with me?
Children under 18 who hold green cards and live in the legal and physical custody of a parent who naturalizes generally become citizens automatically. Form N-600 provides a certificate that proves it.
Will I have to give up my other citizenship?
U.S. law does not require it, but your other country's law might. Check with that country's authorities before the oath.
What is the filing fee?
The fee schedule in effect as of 1 October 2026 lists $760 for paper filing and $710 for online filing. Reduced fees and waivers exist for some income levels. See our filing fees page for the source.
What happens after approval?
You attend an oath ceremony and receive a Certificate of Naturalization. You can then apply for a U.S. passport.

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