Applying for naturalization is the process by which a Green Card holder becomes a U.S. citizen. This requires submitting Form N-400 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and completing several steps, including:

Biometrics (fingerprinting)

An interview with USCIS

English language and civics tests

Once approved, applicants attend a naturalization ceremony, where they take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become U.S. citizens.

To qualify for naturalization, applicants must generally meet the following requirements:

Age: At least 18 years old

Green Card Holder: Have permanent resident status for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)

Continuous Residence: Lived in the U.S. continuously for at least 5 years (or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen)

Physical Presence: Spent at least 30 months physically in the U.S. within the last 5 years (or 18 months within 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen). Within any single year, at least 6 months must be spent inside the U.S.

Good Moral Character: No serious criminal history or disqualifying offenses

English & Civics Knowledge: Must pass English language and civics exams (with certain exceptions available)

Marriage to a U.S. citizen allows some individuals to apply for naturalization sooner under slightly more flexible requirements.

Marriage Duration: Must have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for the entire 3 years before filing the application

Spouse’s Status: The spouse must have been a U.S. citizen during that 3-year period

These are in addition to the general requirements like age, residence, and good moral character.