Thinking About Applying for Naturalization?

Use This List to Help You Get Ready!

Are you eligible to apply for naturalization?

Different requirements may apply to you

based on your situation. Generally, an

applicant for naturalization must:

• Be 18 years old or older when they le Form N-400,

Application for Naturalization;

• Be a lawful permanent resident (have a “Green Card”);

• Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS

district where you claim residence.

If you have a parent that was a U.S. citizen, either by

birth or naturalization, before you turned 18 years old,

you may already have a claim to citizenship. The form to

le a claim to U.S. citizenship is Form N-600, Application

for Certicate of Citizenship. These are general

guidelines that do not apply to every applicant. For more

information, please visit uscis.gov/citizenship.

Can you speak, read, and write basic English and

answer questions in English. To nd English or

citizenship classes, contact your local community college

or adult education program. You should be prepared for

the English portion of your naturalization test when you

apply. At your naturalization interview, you will also be

tested on your knowledge of U.S. history and government

(civics). Information and study materials are available at

uscis.gov/citizenship.

Do you support the principles and ideals of the

U.S. Constitution and are you willing to swear an

oath to the United States?

had your name legally changed?

If yes, bring a copy of your marriage

certicate, your divorce or annulment

decree, or the death certicate of your

former spouse to your interview. If you

changed your name through a court, bring a copy of that

court decree. Also, if your current spouse was married

before, bring evidence of the termination of their prior

marriage(s). Failing to provide this evidence may delay

your case.

detentions, including expunged records and plea bargains.

If you were put on probation, bring evidence that you

completed it. Failing to provide this evidence could delay

your case. Uncertied photocopies are not acceptable.

Have you traveled outside the United States since

becoming a permanent resident?

If yes, you need to show all foreign travel

during the last ve years. Even if you have

not traveled outside the United States as a

permanent resident, you should bring all

Are you a man between the ages of 18 and 26?

If you are a man between the ages of 18 and

26, you must register for the Selective

Service and provide proof you did. If you are

26 or older but under 31, you must provide

proof that you registered when you were required to do

so. If you were required to register and did not, you must

bring both a written statement explaining why you did

not and a letter from the Selective Service System

indicating your status to your interview. For more

the day of your interview, bring certied tax returns for

the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S.

citizen). Certied tax transcripts may be ordered by using

Internal Revenue Service Form 4506-T available at www.

irs.gov or calling 800-829-1040.

Did you submit photocopies of your Permanent

Resident Card with your Form N-400, Application

for Naturalization?

If you are a lawful permanent resident, you

must submit photocopies (front and back) of

have led the Form I-90, Application to Replace

Permanent Resident Card.

Are you eligible for a disability waiver or age-based

exemption?

You may not need to take the English and

civics portions of the naturalization test if

you have a medical disability that prevents

you from demonstrating knowledge of

English or civics. To apply for this exemption, your doctor

must complete Form N-648, Medical Certication for

Disability Exceptions. You should submit this with your

States as a permanent resident. Check if you qualify at

This fact sheet attempts to simplify the naturalization

gov/n-400. If you have a question about your case,

you can consult with a licensed attorney or accredited