General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the INA, an applicant must:

Be 18 or older.

Be a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Have been living in marital union with the U.S. citizen spouse, who has been a U.S. citizen during all of such period, during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application and up until examination on the application.

Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application.

Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application.

Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization until the time of naturalization.

Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application.

Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (also known as civics).

Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law.

For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

For information relating to spouses of military members, see our members of the military and their families page.

For information about becoming an LPR or petitioning for family members, please visit our Green Card or Family web pages.