How to become a US citizen in 2026: every step from the green card to the oath
A permanent resident becomes a US citizen by naturalization: you check that you are eligible, file Form N-400, give biometrics, pass the interview with its English and civics tests, and take the Oath of Allegiance. The figures here come from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), read on 22 October 2026. Check them on uscis.gov before you file; fees and forms change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Step 1: check that you are eligible
For a lawful permanent resident of five years, USCIS lists these requirements:
| Requirement | What USCIS asks |
|---|---|
| Age | At least 18 when you file Form N-400 |
| Permanent residence | A green card holder for at least 5 years (3 years if married to and living with a US citizen) |
| Continuous residence | 5 years of continuous residence immediately before filing |
| Physical presence | At least 30 months in the US out of those 5 years |
| Where you live | At least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply |
| Character | Good moral character for the 5 years before filing |
| English | Able to read, write and speak basic English |
| Civics | Knowledge of US history and government |
| Constitution | Attachment to the principles of the US Constitution, and willing to take the Oath of Allegiance |
You may file up to 90 days early: USCIS lets you file 90 calendar days before you meet the continuous residence requirement.
Step 2: file Form N-400 and pay
You can file online through a USCIS account or on paper. The fee is $710 online or $760 on paper. A reduced fee of $380 is available to those who qualify, and a fee waiver can be requested with Form I-912; both must be filed on paper.
Step 3: biometrics
USCIS generally takes your fingerprints, photo and signature at an appointment after you file, unless it waives the requirement.
Step 4: the interview and the tests
At your interview a USCIS officer goes through your N-400 answers with you and gives the two parts of the naturalization test:
- English: speaking is judged during the interview; you read aloud 1 of 3 sentences correctly and write 1 of 3 sentences correctly.
- Civics: if you filed on or after 20 October 2025 you take the 2025 civics test: up to 20 questions asked aloud from a list of 128, and you pass with 12 right. The officer stops once you reach 12 right or 9 wrong. If you filed earlier, you take the 2008 test: 10 questions from 100, with 6 to pass.
Applicants aged 65 or over who have been permanent residents for 20 years or more take 10 questions from a special set of 20, need 6 right, and may take the civics test in their own language.
Prepare here: our US citizenship practice asks the official questions aloud in a practice interview, checks your answers in your own words, and gives the answers that depend on your state, such as your senators and governor. It now shows how many questions you know and your chance of passing the civics test. The interview guide has more on the day.
Step 5: the Oath of Allegiance
If your application is approved, you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You become a citizen when you take the oath, and you receive your Certificate of Naturalization there.