🇺🇸 United States · Citizenship
Naturalization and citizenship-by-investment: residence years, language and civics tests, dual-citizenship rules, and multi-passport planning.
Quick answer
U.S. citizenship by naturalization generally requires five years as a green-card holder (three if married to a U.S. citizen), continuous residence, good moral character, and passing English and civics tests. Those born in the U.S. are citizens by birth.
US citizenship by naturalisation is generally available to lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) after five years — three if married to and living with a US citizen — who meet continuous-residence and physical-presence rules, pass an English and civics test, show good moral character and take the Oath of Allegiance. The 2025 civics test (for Form N-400 filed on or after 20 Oct 2025) asks 20 questions from a list of 128, with 12 correct to pass. USCIS administers naturalisation.
- Eligibility: usually five years as an LPR (three years if married to a US citizen), meeting continuous-residence and physical-presence rules.
- You must pass an English test and a civics test (2025 version: 20 oral questions, 12 to pass) unless exempt by age/length of residence.
- Good moral character and the Oath of Allegiance are required; you apply on Form N-400.
- The US generally permits dual citizenship, but check whether your current country allows it.
Official authorities
- USCIS — Citizenship Resource Center
Official naturalisation requirements and study materials.
- USCIS — Apply for Naturalization
How to file Form N-400.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I hold a green card before naturalizing?
Usually five years, or three years if you have been a permanent resident married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
Is there a citizenship test?
Yes — an English language test and a civics test on U.S. history and government, with some age-based exemptions.
Does the U.S. allow dual citizenship?
Yes — the U.S. permits dual citizenship and does not require renouncing another nationality to naturalize.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- The White House — Official residence and office of the US President — executive orders, policy briefings, press releases
- U.S. Department of State — US passport and visa services, travel warnings, embassy information worldwide
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Federal tax filing, refund status, ITIN/EIN applications, and Free File program
- USCIS — Green card, H-1B and work visas, naturalization, immigration benefits, and case status