Specific Naturalization Requirements

Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization

The following outlines the core eligibility criteria for applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization:

Age Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the naturalization application.

Residence and Physical Presence

To be eligible for naturalization, applicants must meet the following conditions immediately prior to filing:

  • Have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence;
  • Have resided continuously in the United States as an LPR for at least five years prior to filing, with total absences of no more than one year;
  • Exception: If permanent residence was obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen, the required period of continuous residence is three years;
  • Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last five years;
  • Note: Absences of more than six months but less than one year may disrupt continuous residence unless the applicant can prove they did not abandon their U.S. residence;
  • Have resided for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed.

Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Certain lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens may apply for naturalization after three years of continuous residence in the U.S., if:

  • The applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;
  • The U.S. citizen spouse has held citizenship during the entire period and meets physical presence/residence requirements;
  • The applicant meets all other naturalization criteria.

Special Consideration: LPRs married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad may be exempt from physical presence or residence requirements if the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by:

  • The U.S. Government (including the Armed Forces);
  • A recognized U.S. religious organization;
  • A U.S. research institution or American research institute recognized by the Attorney General;
  • A U.S. firm involved in foreign trade and commerce;
  • A qualifying public international organization.

Good Moral Character

Applicants must generally demonstrate good moral character (GMC) during the applicable statutory period:

  • 5 years for most applicants;
  • 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen;
  • 1 year for expedited military-based applications.

Permanent Bars to Naturalization:

  • Conviction of murder;
  • Conviction of an aggravated felony (as defined under INA § 101(a)(43)) on or after November 29, 1990.

Other GMC Issues (if occurring within the statutory period):

  • Convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude;
  • Two or more offenses with a combined sentence of 5 years or more;
  • Controlled substance violations (except a single offense for simple possession of ≤30 grams of marijuana);
  • Confinement in a penal institution for an aggregate of 180 days or more due to convictions;
  • Two or more gambling-related convictions or deriving principal income from illegal gambling;
  • Involvement in prostitution, commercialized vice, or alien smuggling;
  • Being a habitual drunkard;
  • Practicing polygamy;
  • Willful failure to support dependents;
  • Providing false testimony under oath for immigration benefits.

Applicants must fully disclose all facts, including their complete criminal history, even if the offenses do not result in automatic disqualification.

Attachment to the Constitution

Applicants must affirm their attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and demonstrate allegiance to the United States.

English Language Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English, unless exempt due to age and duration of residency or a qualifying medical condition.

Exemptions:

  • Age 55+ with 15 years of permanent residence;
  • Age 50+ with 20 years of permanent residence;
  • Medical disability that impairs the ability to learn English (must be medically determinable and documented).

U.S. Government and History Knowledge (Civics Test)

Applicants must pass a test on U.S. history and government.

Exemptions & Accommodations:

  • Applicants with a qualifying medical condition may be exempt;
  • Those age 65 or older with 20+ years of permanent residence may receive special consideration.

Oath of Allegiance

To complete the naturalization process, the applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance, which includes a commitment to:

  • Support the U.S. Constitution and obey U.S. laws;
  • Renounce any foreign allegiance or titles;
  • Serve in the U.S. Armed Forces or perform civil service when required.

Applicants with religious objections to military service may take a modified oath, if they can demonstrate sincere belief based on religious teaching or conviction.


Special Conditions and allowances apply for current members of the U.S. Armed Services and/ or Veterans.

Last Revision: March 2025.