What is the minimum age to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization?
An applicant must generally be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
What immigration status is a prerequisite for applying for naturalization?
You must be a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), also known as a "Green Card" holder, for a specific period before you can apply.
What is the standard continuous residency requirement for most Lawful Permanent Residents?
You must have continuously resided in the United States for at least 5 years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400.
What is the continuous residency requirement for an LPR who is married to and living with a U.S. citizen?
The requirement is reduced to 3 years of continuous residence, provided the spouse has been a U.S. citizen for that entire period.
Define 'Continuous Residency' for naturalization purposes.
This means you have maintained your primary residence in the U.S. for the required statutory period (3 or 5 years). Long trips abroad can potentially 'break' this continuity.
Define 'Physical Presence' for naturalization purposes.
This refers to the cumulative number of days you were physically inside the United States during the required statutory period.
How many months of 'physical presence' are required under the standard 5-year residency rule?
You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months during the 5-year period.
How many months of 'physical presence' are required under the 3-year marriage-based rule?
You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months during the 3-year period.
For how long must an applicant live in the USCIS district or state where they plan to file their application?
You must have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district that has jurisdiction over your place of residence before filing Form N-400.
What does it mean to be a person of 'good moral character' for naturalization?
It means having a character that measures up to the standards of average citizens in the community. USCIS reviews your actions and conduct during the statutory period to make this determination.
For what period of time must an applicant demonstrate 'good moral character'?
You must show good moral character during the entire statutory period (3 or 5 years) before filing and up until the moment you take the Oath of Allegiance.
