A detailed 2025 explainer on how foreign nationals can obtain U.S. citizenship through naturalization, marriage, military service, or citizenship by parents. Learn eligibility rules, step-by-step filing guidance, fees, timelines, exemptions, and key USCIS updates for a smooth naturalization process.
TheInterviewTimes.com | 15 November 2025: Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone for many foreign nationals, offering rights like voting, a U.S. passport, and protection from deportation.
The primary way to achieve this is through naturalization, a legal process administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Other pathways exist for those born abroad to U.S. citizens or through special circumstances like military service. This article breaks down the key routes, requirements, and steps based on official USCIS guidance as of November 2025.
While U.S. citizenship by birth (jus soli) is automatic for those born on U.S. soil, foreign nationals typically start as immigrants obtaining lawful permanent residence (a green card) before pursuing citizenship. Below, we’ll focus on the most common paths.
The Naturalization Process: The Main Path for Foreign Nationals To Obtain U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization allows eligible green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship. It’s not automatic—applicants must prove they meet strict criteria and pass tests on U.S. history and English proficiency.
Who Is Eligible For U.S. Citizenship?
To qualify for naturalization (via Form N-400), foreign nationals generally need to meet these requirements:
- Age: At least 18 years old when filing.
- Residency: Hold a green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen).
- Continuous Residence: Lived in the U.S. continuously during the required period, with limited absences (generally no more than 6 months at a time, or 1 year total).
- Physical Presence: Been physically present in the U.S. for at least half the required time (e.g., 30 months out of 5 years).
- State/District Residence: Lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
- Good Moral Character: No serious criminal history or issues like unpaid taxes, false claims to citizenship, or certain unlawful acts.
- English and Civics Knowledge: Ability to read, write, and speak basic English, plus pass a civics test on U.S. history and government.
- Oath of Allegiance: Willingness to swear loyalty to the U.S. Constitution.
Exemptions and Accommodations:
- Language Test: Waived if you’re 50+ with 20 years as a green card holder (50/20), 55+ with 15 years (55/15), or 65+ with 20 years (and take a simplified civics test in your native language).
- Civics Test: Same age/residency exemptions apply; medical disabilities qualify for full waivers via Form N-648.
- Special rules for those with disabilities or limited education.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm Eligibility: Use USCIS’s online tool at uscis.gov to check if you qualify.
- Gather Documents: Prepare your green card, passport, tax returns, marriage certificates (if applicable), and evidence of good moral character.
- File Form N-400: Submit online or by mail. Include Form N-648 if seeking a waiver.
- Pay Fees and Biometrics: Filing fee is $760 (includes $85 biometrics; reduced to $680 if filing online). Fee waivers or reductions available for low-income applicants.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: USCIS schedules fingerprinting and photo for background checks (usually 1-2 months after filing).
- Complete Interview and Tests: At your local USCIS office (3-8 months after filing), you’ll take the English and civics tests. The civics test draws from 100 possible questions (study the official list); you must answer 6 out of 10 correctly.
- Receive Decision: Most applicants (about 90%) pass. If approved, you’re scheduled for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
- Take the Oath: At a ceremony, you renounce foreign allegiances and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Apply for a U.S. passport immediately after.
Processing Time: Averages 8-12 months nationwide, but varies by location (check USCIS processing times tool). Delays can occur due to backlogs or requests for evidence.
Tips for Success:
- Study early: Use USCIS’s free resources like the Citizenship Resource Center, including videos, flashcards, and apps.
- Avoid travel abroad during processing if possible, as it may delay your case.
- Consult an immigration attorney for complex cases, like prior deportations or criminal records.
Alternative Pathways to U.S. Citizenship
Naturalization isn’t the only route. Here are key options for foreign nationals to obtain U.S. citizenship:
1. Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage
- First, obtain a green card via marriage (file Form I-130 for petition and I-485 for adjustment of status).
- After 3 years as a green card holder (while married and living together), apply for naturalization—shortening the wait by 2 years.
- Prove the marriage is bona fide (genuine) with joint financials, photos, and affidavits.
2. U.S. Citizenship by Acquisition (Birth Abroad to U.S. Citizen Parent(s))
- If born outside the U.S. to at least one U.S. citizen parent, you may automatically acquire citizenship at birth.
- Requirements depend on the parent’s U.S. residency history (e.g., the parent must have lived in the U.S. for 5 years, 2 after age 14, before your birth).
- File Form N-600 for a Certificate of Citizenship to document it (fee: $1,170).
- Multiple U.S. citizen parents simplify transmission rules.
3. Derivation for Children Under 18
- If a foreign national child (under 18) has at least one U.S. citizen parent and is a green card holder living in the parent’s custody, they automatically derive citizenship when the parent naturalizes.
- Optional: File Form N-600 for proof.
4. Obtain U.S. Citizenship Through Military Service
- Active-duty or veteran foreign nationals can naturalize faster or without standard residency requirements.
- Programs like MAVNI (for linguists) or general military naturalization allow immediate eligibility.
- No filing fees for current service members; overseas naturalizations possible during deployments.
5. Other Special Cases
- Refugees/Asylees: After 1 year as a green card holder, apply for naturalization.
- Abused Spouses/Children: Expedited paths under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act).
- Investors: EB-5 green card leads to naturalization after 5 years, but no direct citizenship track.
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Common Challenges and Recent Updates (as of November 2025)
- Backlogs: USCIS has reduced wait times since 2023, but high-volume offices (e.g., New York, Los Angeles) still face 12+ month delays.
- Policy Changes: The 2020 civics test remains in use; a proposed 2024 update was paused. Digital filing is encouraged for faster processing.
- Costs: Fees increased in 2024; always check uscis.gov/feecalculator.
- Denials: Common for incomplete applications or failing tests (you get one retest). Appeals via Form N-336 cost $700.
Resources for Preparation
- Study Materials: USCIS offers free pocket guides, large-print tests, and the “Citizenship Works” app.
- Educational Programs: Partner with libraries or nonprofits for classes.
- Track Your Case: Use the USCIS online account.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining U.S. citizenship requires patience and preparation, but it’s achievable for most eligible foreign nationals. Start by securing permanent residency if you haven’t already—without it, naturalization isn’t possible. For personalized advice, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center or consult a qualified immigration professional. Remember, U.S. Citizenship isn’t just a status; it’s a commitment to American values.
This explainer is based on official USCIS information. For the latest details, visit USCIS.gov/citizenship.