---
title: "Becoming a U.S. citizen (naturalization)"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization/i-am-a-lawful-permanent-resident-of-5-years
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: USCIS, \"I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years (updated 2026-03-16)\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: government-legal
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "I am a Lawful Permanent Resident of 5 Years (updated 2026-03-16)"
    publisher: USCIS
    url: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization/i-am-a-lawful-permanent-resident-of-5-years
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "Citizenship and Naturalization"
    publisher: USCIS
    url: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S3
    title: "U.S. citizenship"
    publisher: USA.gov
    url: https://www.usa.gov/become-us-citizen
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Becoming a U.S. citizen (naturalization)

## Summary
Most people naturalize after 5 years as a green-card holder by filing Form N-400. Core requirements: age 18+, continuous residence, 30 months physical presence, good moral character, English and civics tests, and the Oath of Allegiance.

> **General information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the agency or an attorney.**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: Naturalization is the voluntary process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S2, S3]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F2
  claim: The most common path is 5 years as a lawful permanent resident; other paths exist for spouses of citizens, military members and children of citizens.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F3
  claim: The application is Form N-400; applicants must be at least 18 when filing.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F4
  claim: Applicants need 5 years' continuous residence and at least 30 months physically present in the U.S. in the 5 years before filing, plus 3 months in the filing state/district.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F5
  claim: Applicants must show good moral character, basic English, civics knowledge, attachment to the Constitution, and take the Oath of Allegiance.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F6
  claim: Some older long-term residents are exempt from the English test and may take civics in their language.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14

## Pointers
- answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary
  where: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization/i-am-a-lawful-permanent-resident-of-5-years; https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization; https://www.usa.gov/become-us-citizen
  access: open, no account