Becoming a US citizen can open new doors in your personal and professional life. Whether you’re just getting started or are already gathering your documents, knowing how long it takes to get your US citizenship can help to take some stress out of the situation.
With that in mind, we’ve created this blog to help you understand the procedures and timelines for becoming a US citizen—and hopefully make it as easy as sending money with Remitly.
How do you become a US citizen?
There’s more than one way to become a US citizen, but most people follow the process known as naturalization. In this section, we’ll walk you through how naturalization works, how long it typically takes, and some exceptions that might speed things up.
US citizenship application timeline
Understanding how long it takes to become a US citizen can help you plan ahead. Although timelines can vary, most people can apply to be naturalized after holding a Green Card (i.e., being a lawful permanent resident in the US) for five years. Here’s how the process that you’ll go through with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally looks:
| Action | Purpose | Average time taken |
| Get a Green Card | The Green Card gives you permission to live in the US on a permanent basis and is the foundation for US citizenship | 10 months to 10+ years |
| Live in the US as a permanent resident | You must live in the US for at least five years (unless one of the exceptions applies to you) and be physically present in the country for at least 30 months during that time. | Up to 5 years |
| Submit your paperwork and biometrics for processing | The N-400 form is the official application for naturalization. It’s typically filed online or via mail, along with your fingerprints and other biometric data. | 1 to 3 months |
| Attend your citizenship interview and take the civics test | Once your application has been processed and the authorities have given it preliminary approval, you’ll have to attend an in-person review of your application and take a test. | Review can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months |
| Receive the decision and take the Oath of Allegiance | If your citizenship is approved, you’ll get a notification shortly after your interview inviting you to take the Oath of Allegiance. | 1 to 3 months |
Keep in mind that these timelines are just a general guide. They can shift depending on your location, how many applications the USCIS has received, or issues like incomplete paperwork or background checks.
The three-year rule
Green Card holders who are married to a US citizen may qualify for naturalization after three years of residency instead of having to meet the usual five-year threshold.
To be eligible, you’ll need to have lived with your spouse for the three years before applying, your spouse will need to have been a US citizen for the entire three years, and you must meet all of the other naturalization requirements.
Citizenship requirements and exceptions in the US
The timeline for getting US citizenship is just one part of the naturalization process. In this section, we’ll cover the key requirements you’ll need to meet to become a US citizen, from your moral character to language skills to the exceptions that might apply based on your situation.
Getting a Green Card
The first step to becoming a US citizen is getting a Green Card. Having a Green Card makes you a permanent resident of the US and opens up the door for you to apply to become a US citizen later down the line.
There are a few routes to obtaining a Green Card, and the one you follow will depend on your particular circumstances. These include via employment-based sponsorship or family sponsorship, if you’re an asylee or refugee, or if you win the Diversity Visa Lottery.
Depending on the route you take, you could get a Green Card in one to six years. After that, you need to wait three to five years and meet certain requirements before applying for citizenship.
General requirements for Green Card holders to become US citizens
Once you’ve held a Green Card for the necessary period, you can apply to become a US citizen through naturalization. That said, there are some requirements that you’ll need to meet for your application to be successful.
First, you must have continuous residence. This means you must have lived in the US for at least five years (or three years—if you’re married to a US citizen) without any long absences. The general rule of thumb is that you should not be out of the country for longer than six months at a time.
You’ll also need to meet the physical presence requirement. Here, you’ll need to have been on US soil for at least 30 months during your five years of continuous residence. The threshold is 18 months for applicants who only need to meet the three-year threshold.
Another important factor is showing your good moral character. This generally means following the law, paying taxes, and staying out of any kind of legal trouble. Lying on your application can affect your chances of approval—and potentially result in deportation—so honesty and a clean record matter.
Steps to naturalization for Green Card holders
When you’re confident that you meet the residency and character requirements, you can apply to become a US citizen. Here’s an outline of what you can expect the naturalization process to look like:
- Prepare and submit your paperwork: Fill in the N-400 form and file it online or by mail along with your $640 USD application fee and $85 USD biometrics fee up to 90 days before you meet the continuous residence threshold.
- Attend your biometrics appointment: Have your fingerprints and photograph taken so that the USCIS can complete a background check.
- Go to your citizenship interview: A USCIS officer will review your application and test your English as well as your knowledge of US history and the government.
- Receive a decision: You’ll be notified by mail regarding whether your application has been given the status of “granted,” “continued” (if you need to provide additional documents or retake the English or civics test), or “denied.”
- Take the Oath of Allegiance: Attend your confirmation ceremony, take the oath and become a US citizen.
Keep in mind that each step in this process moves you closer to US citizenship, but progressing from one to another doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be naturalized. Staying on top of deadlines and submitting your completed documentation early can help to make the process a lot smoother.
Preparing your citizenship application
Filling out the N-400 form is a big step. It’s helpful to gather all the documents and details you need before you sit down to complete it, as missing something can delay your naturalization application.
First, you’ll need your permanent residence card (i.e., your Green Card) as well as your Social Security number and card, and your driver’s license, if you have one. You’ll also need to have details of any trips you’ve taken outside of the US over the past five years, including the dates you left and returned and the countries you visited.
Next, you’ll be asked to list your addresses over the past five years, your employment history, and your marital history (including any prior marriages of yours or your spouse’s). If you have children, you’ll need to provide their names, birthdates, and current addresses.
You’ll also need to disclose any criminal charges, arrests, or citations, regardless of how long ago they occurred or whether they resulted in a conviction. Failing to include this information—even by accident—can raise red flags with the immigration authorities and jeopardize your application.
Common mistakes to avoid
Some of the most common mistakes that applicants make are forgetting to include short trips abroad (especially if they traveled by car), mixing up dates, entering addresses in the wrong format, and skipping questions that don’t “feel” relevant. Other common issues are using outdated versions of the application form or forgetting to sign the document at the end.
Be sure to review everything carefully before you submit your application. Immigration services officers are looking for consistency and honesty, so be sure to explain gaps or include written statements if something is complicated.
The citizenship interview is a key part of the naturalization process. Knowing this can make it feel more than a little daunting if you don’t know what to expect. In this section, we’ll look at how to prepare, what happens on the day, and what types of questions to expect.
What to expect from the interview and test process
After your N-400 is submitted and processed, you’ll be scheduled for a citizenship interview with a USCIS officer. This is where your application is reviewed in person, and it’s your chance to confirm all of the details you’ve provided.
During the interview, you’ll also take two tests: an English test and a civics test. The English text checks your ability to read, write, and speak basic English. The civics test covers US history and government, and you’ll be asked up to 10 questions from a list of 100 possible ones. You need to get six right to pass.
These tests help the USCIS confirm that you understand the responsibilities of US citizenship. The process is usually straightforward if you’re well prepared and honest in your responses.
There are a few exceptions and accommodations to the naturalization requirements available in special cases, like if you’re older or have certain medical conditions.
How to prepare for the US citizenship interview and tests
The first step in preparing for your interview and tests is reviewing your N-400 application. The USCIS officer will go over your answers and ask you questions about them, so it’s important to ensure you know what you submitted and that you can explain everything clearly and confidently.
For the English test, you’ll be asked to read and write simple sentences and answer questions. Reading aloud from sample sentences and writing short answers can help you get comfortable with this.
The civics test consists of 10 questions taken from a list of 100 on a pre-selected list about US history, government, and civics provided in the USCIS’s free study guide. There are also plenty of flashcards, audio lessons, and apps available to help you practice.
Resources and legal support
Navigating the citizenship application process can be complicated, and having the right support can make a big difference.
Fortunately, there is a wealth of free and low-cost help available through the USCIS itself, community support networks, and immigration nonprofits such as Catholic Charities USA and the Immigrant Legal Resources Centre (ILRC).
For legal guidance, it’s best to use accredited immigration attorneys or representatives recognized by the Department of Justice.
Moving forward with confidence
Becoming a US citizen takes time, patience, and plenty of paperwork, but it’s well worth it: as a citizen, you’ll have greater stability, new opportunities, and a stronger sense of belonging in the country you’ve chosen to call home.
FAQs
Can you expedite the Green Card to citizenship process?
There are rare cases where you can expedite certain citizenship applications—like emergencies or urgent humanitarian reasons—but naturalization applications (made via form N-400) generally aren’t eligible for expedited processing.
How easy is it to get US citizenship?
If you fulfill all of the criteria (aged 18 or older and have held a Green Card for the required period, shown good moral character, and passed your English and civics tests), it’s relatively easy to get US citizenship.
Are there any options for me to become a US citizen?
There are several pathways for becoming a US citizen: naturalization after holding a Green Card, marriage to a US citizen, military service, or family members who are US citizens. The route you choose will determine what eligibility criteria you need to fulfill.
How long does it take to get US citizenship via naturalization?
After meeting the five-year residency requirement (or three, if you’re married to a US citizen), naturalization usually takes around 6 to 12 months. Processing times do vary based on where you apply and the number of applications being managed by the USCIS.