To qualify for citizenship, you must:
There are exceptions to the English and civics rules. There are other basic requirements, too.
Answer our Citizenshipworks Prescreening questions to find out if you qualify to apply.
Starting October 28, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adopted a new payment process that generally requires application fees to be submitted electronically for paper-based applications, petitions and requests.
Read MoreUSCIS (the government) charges a fee to apply for citizenship.
Read MoreWhen you mail an immigration application, petition, or request to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your package must meet certain minimum requirements before USCIS can officially accept it. If anything is missing, incorrect, or outdated, USCIS will reject the application package and return it to you with an explanation.
Read MoreMost people have to know some English to qualify for citizenship. The citizenship interview has a test to see if you can read, write, and speak basic English.
Read MoreGetting citizenship takes a while, depending on where you live. After USCIS receives your application, the process can take 6 months to 2 years, or longer.
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