When can I apply?
Under the general rule in INA section 316, you need 5 years as a permanent resident, at least 30 months (913 days) physically in the United States during those 5 years, and 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you file. Under INA section 319, a spouse of a citizen needs 3 years, marriage and living together for those 3 years with a spouse who was a citizen throughout, and 18 months (548 days) of presence. You must stay married until the oath. Exception: if you got your green card through an abusive citizen spouse, by a VAWA petition, special rule cancellation or an I-751 abuse waiver, you need not still be married or have lived together. You may file up to 90 days before the 5-year mark, counted from the day before your card's anniversary. Count days from passport stamps and I-94 history, and list every trip.
Could a long trip break my eligibility?
Yes. A trip of more than 6 months but less than 1 year is presumed to break continuous residence. You can overcome that with evidence, such as keeping your U.S. job, having immediate family stay here and keeping your U.S. home. A trip of 1 year or more breaks it automatically, before or after you file, and USCIS must deny the application unless you hold an approved N-470. After such a break under the 5-year rule, you must generally wait at least 4 years and 1 day after returning, and 4 years and 6 months avoids the presumption entirely. The 3-year spouse rule has shorter periods: 2 years and 1 day, or 2 years and 6 months. Do not guess. Bring tax returns, a lease and employment records showing you kept your life here. If a trip is close to 6 months, return early, or get advice before you leave.
How do I file, and what are the fees?
The fee is $760 on paper or $710 online. The schedule also lists $380 if documented household income is not more than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and $0 for military applicants under INA sections 328 or 329. Others may request a fee waiver with Form I-912 or a written request. A reduced fee or waiver request must be filed on paper. On paper, pay with Form G-1450 (U.S.-issued card) or Form G-1650 (U.S. bank account); checks and money orders are accepted only with an exemption under Form G-1651. Use the 01/20/25 edition, and mail to the Direct Filing Addresses page. Carry your receipt with your card: USCIS says it extends the card for 2 years from the Card Expires date. If the card is lost, you generally still need Form I-90. Answer a sworn question only if you understand it; otherwise ask a lawyer or accredited representative.
What does good moral character mean now?
USCIS looks at your conduct through the required period, up to the oath, and earlier conduct can still matter. An August 2025 memorandum tells officers to weigh the whole picture, including positive contributions, not just the absence of crimes. It lists community involvement, family caregiving, education, stable lawful work, length of residence and tax compliance as favorable. Against you it lists, among other things, drug violations, two or more DUI convictions, false claims to citizenship, unlawful voter registration or voting, and even conduct that is lawful but out of line with community norms, such as habitual traffic violations. Before filing, pay any tax debts and gather proof of work and community ties. Never register to vote or vote before you are a citizen. If you ever did, or if you have any arrest, see a lawyer before you file. The form asks about arrests anywhere in the world.
What is on the test?
If you filed on or after October 20, 2025, you take the 2025 civics test: an officer asks up to 20 questions from a bank of 128, and you pass with 12 correct. The test stops once you reach 12 right or 9 wrong. People who filed before that date take the 2008 test. You also need basic English reading, writing and speaking, unless an exception applies. Those aged 50 with 20 years as a resident, or aged 55 with 15 years, are exempt from English but still take civics, and may use an interpreter. At 65 with 20 years, you get 10 specially chosen questions from a bank of 20 and need 6 correct. A disability may qualify for Form N-648. If you fail a part, USCIS retests you between 60 and 90 days later, and you have two opportunities. Study the current list, since some answers change.
Can this application put me in removal proceedings?
Yes, so check before filing. USCIS's February 2025 policy says it will issue a Notice to Appear on an N-400 in at least these situations: you are deportable under INA section 237, such as for a deportable offense after becoming a resident, or you were inadmissible when admitted or adjusted. That can include a green card obtained through error or misrepresentation. The policy also reaches removable applicants who were arrested, charged or convicted, and substantiated fraud, even after a withdrawal, so withdrawing is not a safe exit. The officer reviews your whole file, not just the last 5 years. If a notice arrives, read our guide to the master calendar hearing, attend every date and get a lawyer. For nationals of countries in the 2025 proclamations, USCIS holds were vacated in June 2026 and enjoined in August 2026, but confirm the current position before filing.
What if I am denied or the case stalls?
After a denial, you have 30 days from receiving the notice to request a hearing with a different officer on Form N-336, which costs $830 on paper or $780 online, or $0 for certain military cases. USCIS must schedule it within 180 days. Do not skip it: a court generally cannot review the denial without it. If that hearing goes against you, you have no more than 120 days from that final decision to petition the federal district court where you live, and the court decides the case fresh. A separate 120-day rule covers delay: if USCIS has not decided within 120 days after your interview, you can ask the same court for a hearing. Calendar each date and see a lawyer early. If you might already be a citizen through a parent, read our Form N-600 page first. Ace Immigration handles these cases; see our citizenship page.