Citizenship through Naturalization

Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national is granted U.S. citizenship after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Who qualifies for Naturalization?

• Legal Permanent Residents or Green card holders for at least 5 years and meet all other eligibility requirements. Find more information here.
• Legal Permanent Residents or Green card holders for at least 3 years, married to a U.S. Citizen and meet all eligibility requirements. Find out more about Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens.
• Military Personnel with qualifying service in the U.S. armed forces and meet all other eligibility requirements.
• Child of a U.S. citizen who was born outside the U.S., is currently residing outside the U.S., and all other eligibility requirements are met. Read more about Citizenship Through Parents.

Other paths to naturalization can be found at USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance and A Guide to Naturalization.

NB: You may already be a U.S. citizen and not need to apply for naturalization if your biological or adoptive parent(s) became a U.S. citizen before you reached the age of 18.

Applying for Naturalization

To apply for naturalization, file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Consult with an immigration attorney before applying for naturalization. Citizenship workshops provide opportunities for you to have a free one-on-one consultation with an immigration attorney. Call UAO at 312-949-9980 to find a workshop near you.

Applicants for naturalization must also pass the English, U.S. history and civics test at the Naturalization interview.

Naturalization fee waiver:

• You or your family receives public benefits (Link, Medicaid, SSI, TANF)
• Your household income is equal to or less than that listed in the table.

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