US · Application requirements

US Citizenship (N-400) Requirements 2026

Q: How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship?

The N-400 application fee is $710 USD when filing online via myUSCIS, or $760 if filing on paper. Biometrics are INCLUDED in the fee — there is no separate $85 biometrics charge for N-400 since the April 2024 USCIS fee rule. A reduced fee of $380 is available for income between 150%–400% of the federal poverty guideline (requested directly in Part 10 of the current N-400). Below 150%, request a full waiver via Form I-912.

Q: How long does the N-400 process take?

Median processing is currently about 6 months nationally, with 80% of cases finishing in 6 to 10.5 months. Field-office variance is significant — some offices complete in under 3 months, others take 13+ months. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for your specific field office before you plan around the timeline.

Q: How long do I need to be a green card holder to apply for citizenship?

5 years of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident, with at least 30 months of physical presence in the US during that period. The waiting period shortens to 3 years if you are married to and living with a US citizen who has been a citizen for the full 3 years.

Q: Do I need to speak English to become a US citizen?

Yes — you must demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking ability at the interview, plus pass a civics test on US history and government. Exemptions exist for applicants 50+ with 20+ years of LPR status (50/20 rule) or 55+ with 15+ years (55/15 rule), who may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter.

Q: What is the US civics test for citizenship?

For applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS uses the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test: a 128-question study bank, the officer asks up to 20 questions, and you must answer 12 correctly to pass (or fail after 9 incorrect). Applications filed before October 20, 2025 use the older 2008 test (10 questions from 100, pass with 6). Study materials at uscis.gov/citizenship.

Q: Can I keep my original citizenship after becoming a US citizen?

The US permits dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your other nationality. However, your country of origin may have its own rules — some countries automatically revoke citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere. Check your home country's rules before the oath ceremony.

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who have held LPR status for at least 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen) and meet residency, physical presence, English-language, civics, and good-moral-character requirements.

Issued by U.S. Department of State · Last verified May 28, 2026 · Official source ↗

At a glance

Application fee

Online filing: $710
Paper filing: $760
Reduced (income 150–400%): $380
Below 150% (Form I-912): Waived

as of May 28, 2026 · details

Processing time

Median nationally: ~6 months
80% of cases finish in: 6–10.5 months
Field-office range: <3 to 13+ months

details

Issuing authority

U.S. Department of State

Who needs a US Citizenship (N-400)?

Where to apply

USCIS — file Form N-400 online via myUSCIS, or mail it to the USCIS lockbox for your address. Online filing is the recommended channel and saves $50.

Fees

Online filing: $710
Paper filing: $760
Reduced (income 150–400%): $380
Below 150% (Form I-912): Waived

$710 USD when filing online via myUSCIS, $760 paper. Biometrics are included in the fee — there is no separate biometrics charge for N-400. A reduced fee of $380 is available for applicants with income above 150% but not more than 400% of the federal poverty guideline (request via Part 10 of the current N-400 — standalone Form I-942 is no longer required). Full fee waiver via Form I-912 for those below 150%.

Fees as of May 28, 2026. Confirm current amounts on the official source before paying.

What to bring

Documents and items you'll need at the appointment or with your application.

Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
Copy of permanent resident card (both sides)
Application fee, reduced-fee request (built into Part 10), or fee-waiver Form I-912
Tax transcripts for the past 3–5 years
Marriage and divorce certificates (if filing under 3-year rule)
Selective Service registration proof (males 18–26 who lived in the US)
Two identical passport-style photos (only if filing from abroad)

Need the photo specs?

Exact size, head height, background, and what gets rejected.

Open photo requirements →

How long does it take?

Median nationally: ~6 months
80% of cases finish in: 6–10.5 months
Field-office range: <3 to 13+ months

Currently ~6 months median nationally, with 80% of cases completing in 6–10.5 months. Field-office variance is huge: from under 3 months at fast offices to 13+ months at slow ones.

Times vary by location, season, and individual case. Always check the official source for the current backlog before you book travel.

Official source

https://www.uscis.gov/n-400

Last verified May 28, 2026

Verify before applying. We compile this from official government sources and re-verify regularly. Fees, processing times, and rules change without notice — always confirm current information on the official site before you apply or pay any fee.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about applying for a us citizenship (n-400).

How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship? +

The N-400 application fee is $710 USD when filing online via myUSCIS, or $760 if filing on paper. Biometrics are INCLUDED in the fee — there is no separate $85 biometrics charge for N-400 since the April 2024 USCIS fee rule. A reduced fee of $380 is available for income between 150%–400% of the federal poverty guideline (requested directly in Part 10 of the current N-400). Below 150%, request a full waiver via Form I-912.

How long does the N-400 process take? +

Median processing is currently about 6 months nationally, with 80% of cases finishing in 6 to 10.5 months. Field-office variance is significant — some offices complete in under 3 months, others take 13+ months. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for your specific field office before you plan around the timeline.

How long do I need to be a green card holder to apply for citizenship? +

5 years of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident, with at least 30 months of physical presence in the US during that period. The waiting period shortens to 3 years if you are married to and living with a US citizen who has been a citizen for the full 3 years.

Do I need to speak English to become a US citizen? +

Yes — you must demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking ability at the interview, plus pass a civics test on US history and government. Exemptions exist for applicants 50+ with 20+ years of LPR status (50/20 rule) or 55+ with 15+ years (55/15 rule), who may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter.

What is the US civics test for citizenship? +

For applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS uses the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test: a 128-question study bank, the officer asks up to 20 questions, and you must answer 12 correctly to pass (or fail after 9 incorrect). Applications filed before October 20, 2025 use the older 2008 test (10 questions from 100, pass with 6). Study materials at uscis.gov/citizenship.

Can I keep my original citizenship after becoming a US citizen? +

The US permits dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your other nationality. However, your country of origin may have its own rules — some countries automatically revoke citizenship when you naturalize elsewhere. Check your home country's rules before the oath ceremony.

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