U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. Most applicants qualify after five years as a permanent resident, or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen. The application is made on Form N-400 and involves a biometrics appointment, an interview covering your application and background, English and civics testing, and finally the oath of allegiance.
Get Started TodayEligibility Requirements
✓Requirements
- •Lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen
- •Continuous residence in the United States throughout that period
- •Physical presence in the United States for at least half of the qualifying period
- •Residence for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you file
- •Good moral character during the statutory period, and in some respects beyond it
- •Ability to read, write, and speak basic English and to pass the civics test, unless exempt
★Benefits
- ✓The right to vote in federal elections and to hold most public offices
- ✓A U.S. passport and the right to consular protection when travelling
- ✓Protection from removal — citizenship cannot be lost through time spent abroad
- ✓The ability to sponsor a wider range of relatives, including parents and siblings
- ✓Children under 18 who are permanent residents may acquire citizenship automatically
- ✓Eligibility for federal jobs and benefits limited to U.S. citizens
The Process
Case preparation
4–6 weeksOnce you engage us, we build your case: we tell you exactly which documents we need, review each one, and assemble the filing package. This stage moves at the pace documents reach us — the sooner we receive what we ask for, the sooner we can file.
Eligibility and history review
2–3 weeksWe confirm your qualifying period, count your absences from the United States against the continuous residence and physical presence rules, and review any criminal, tax, or selective service history that bears on good moral character. This review is the point of the exercise — problems found now can be addressed, whereas problems found at interview rarely can.
File Form N-400
1–2 weeks to fileWe prepare and file the application with USCIS together with the supporting evidence, and file a fee waiver or reduced-fee request where you qualify for one.
Biometrics appointment
1–2 months after filingUSCIS takes your fingerprints and photograph for the background check. In some cases USCIS reuses previously captured biometrics and waives the appointment.
Interview and testing
6–12 months after filingA USCIS officer reviews your application under oath and administers the English and civics tests. We prepare you for both the testing and the questions about your application and travel history.
Oath of allegiance
2 weeks to 3 months after approvalOnce approved you attend a ceremony and take the oath of allegiance. You become a U.S. citizen at that moment and receive your certificate of naturalization.
Processing Details
Timeline
Most N-400 cases take 8–14 months from filing to oath, though this varies considerably by field office. Cases involving extended absences, criminal history, or complex good moral character questions take longer.
Government Fees
The N-400 filing fee includes biometrics where required. Fee waivers and reduced fees are available to applicants below defined income thresholds. Filing fees are set by USCIS and change periodically — we confirm the current figure before filing. Attorney fees additional. Fees as of 2025.
Key Documents Required
- •Permanent resident card, front and back
- •Complete record of every trip outside the United States during the qualifying period
- •Marriage certificate and evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship, for 3-year applicants
- •Tax returns or transcripts for the statutory period
- •Certified court and police records for any arrest or citation, even if the case was dismissed
- •Selective service registration information, where applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common immigration questions.
Still have questions? Speak directly with an immigration attorney.
Contact UsSchedule a Consultation
Speak With an Immigration Attorney
Naturalization
Call us directly during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm PT). Leave a message and we'll return your call the same day.
(206) 292-5237Or email us at
info@watsonimmigrationlaw.com
Founder & Immigration Attorney
- •Washington State Bar Association
- •New York State Bar Association
Business Immigration Specialist
- •Licensed Attorney (São Paulo, Brazil)
- •LL.M., Global Business Law
