US naturalization (N-400): the process, the test, and the oath
How a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) becomes a US citizen: eligibility (5 or 3 years), the N-400 application and fee, the English and civics tests (a new 128-question version from 20 October 2025), the Oath of Allegiance, and the dual-citizenship question. A reference based on USCIS — not legal advice.
Naturalization is the legal process by which a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) meets set requirements and becomes a US citizen. Below the process is set out with facts, based on the official rules of USCIS (the US Citizenship and Immigration Services). This is a general reference, not legal advice; for an individual case, consult a qualified immigration attorney or uscis.gov.
Who can apply
Core requirements: the applicant must be at least 18 years old and a lawful permanent resident. The time period comes in two forms: on the general path, 5 years after obtaining the green card; for a person married to and living with a US citizen, 3 years. There are also “continuous residence” and “physical presence” requirements: on the 5-year path, being physically present in the US for at least 30 months (about 913 days) of the last five years; on the 3-year path, 18 months. Living in the same state or district for the 3 months before filing is also required.
Another requirement is “good moral character,” assessed over the 5-year (or 3-year) period and covering matters such as criminal convictions, arrests, unpaid taxes, and child support. Continuous residence can be broken by an absence abroad longer than 6 months, and an absence of more than 1 year generally breaks it entirely. The application may be filed 90 days before the qualifying 5 (or 3) years are complete.
The N-400 application and fee
The application is filed on Form N-400 (“Application for Naturalization”) — online or on paper. As of 2026 the fee is $640 on paper and $590 online (a $50 online discount). A reduced fee of $380 applies to those with incomes between 150–400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines; those below 150% may qualify for a fee waiver ($0, via Form I-912). Biometrics are included in the fee. Fee amounts change periodically — verify the exact figure at uscis.gov.
The English and civics tests
Two tests are taken at the interview. The English test has three parts: reading (read one of three sentences correctly), writing (write one of three correctly), and speaking/understanding. The civics test was updated on 20 October 2025: for applications filed on or after that date, the new 2025 version applies — a pool of 128 questions, of which 20 are asked, and 12 correct answers are needed to pass. For applications filed before 20 October, the older 2008 version applies: a 100-question pool, 10 questions asked, and 6 correct to pass.
There are exemptions based on age and length of residence. Under the “50/20” rule (over 50 and a permanent resident for 20+ years) and the “55/15” rule (55+ and 15+ years), the English test is waived and the civics test may be taken in one's native language with an interpreter. Under the “65/20” rule (65+ and 20+ years) the civics test is shortened. Those with a disability may request an exception via Form N-648.
The Oath of Allegiance
Once the N-400 is approved, USCIS schedules a naturalization ceremony. A person becomes a US citizen only after taking the Oath of Allegiance at that ceremony. The oath includes supporting and defending the US Constitution and pledging allegiance to its laws. At the ceremony the Certificate of Naturalization is issued; after that, a US passport and the right to vote become available.
The dual-citizenship question
The US does not prohibit dual citizenship after naturalization: despite the “renounce” language in the oath, US law does not require a new citizen to formally cancel a prior citizenship. However, the other country's law is decisive. Uzbek law does not recognize dual citizenship — so for an Uzbek national, acquiring US citizenship may affect their Uzbek citizenship (see our article on Uzbek citizenship and dual citizenship for details).
An important note
Rules, fees, and test versions change (for example, the civics test was updated in October 2025). Before applying, verify the latest information at the official uscis.gov site or with a qualified immigration attorney. This article is to explain the facts; it is not a substitute for legal advice on an individual case.
