6 Requirements for Naturalization
Becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization is an important step for many immigrants.
To qualify, you must meet specific eligibility rules set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
If you’re looking for the list of 6 requirements for naturalization here it is:
- Continuous residence
- Physical presence
- Good moral character
- English language skills
- U.S. history and civics knowledge
- Attachment to the Constitution
These six requirements are at the heart of the naturalization process.
Before we explain them, it’s important to note a few baseline rules that most applicants must also meet.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONBaseline Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the six main requirements, applicants generally must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
- Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed
Tip: Many applicants can file up to 90 days early before they reach the full 3‑year or 5‑year residence mark (you still must qualify on the day of your interview and oath).
1) What Is the Continuous Residence Requirement?
You need to show that you’ve lived in the U.S. for a set number of years without long absences as a lawful permanent resident.
- Most applicants must show 5 years of continuous residence.
- Spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify after 3 years, if they meet the marriage‑based eligibility and are living in marital union.
- Travel and breaks:
- An absence of 6 months to under 1 year may disrupt continuous residence unless you can prove you did not break your U.S. residence (e.g., kept your job/home, filed U.S. taxes, family ties).
- An absence of 1 year or more generally breaks continuous residence for naturalization purposes, unless you qualify to preserve residence with Form N‑470 for certain types of employment abroad. A reentry permit, by itself, does not preserve continuous residence for naturalization.
2) How Much Time Must I Physically Spend in the U.S.?
Along with residence, you must prove that you were physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required period:
- 5‑year route: at least 30 months (913 days) in the last 5 years.
- 3‑year marriage route: at least 18 months (548 days) in the last 3 years.
Keep a simple travel log so you can account for all trips.
3) What Does Good Moral Character Mean?
“Good moral character” (GMC) covers the statutory period (usually the last 5 years, or 3 years for the marriage route) up to the oath , and USCIS can consider earlier conduct.
Examples that can affect GMC include certain criminal convictions, fraud or false testimony, failure to file/pay taxes, or unpaid court‑ordered child support.
If you have concerns, get legal advice before filing.
4) Do I Need to Speak English?
Most applicants must be able to read, write, and speak basic English during the interview.
Exceptions: Applicants who qualify under the “50/20” (age 50+ with 20 years as an LPR) or “55/15” (age 55+ with 15 years as an LPR) rules are exempt from the English test.
They still take the civics test and may use an interpreter. Applicants 65+ with 20 years as an LPR receive special considerationon the civics test.
5) What Is the Civics Test?
Applicants take a civics test to demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- 2025 update (effective for N‑400s filed on or after Oct. 20, 2025):
The test is 20 questions drawn from a bank of 128. You pass with 12 correct answers; the test ends if you reach 9 incorrect answers. See USCIS’s official page on the revised civics test for details and study materials.
6) What Does “Attachment to the Constitution” Mean?
You must show loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance, which formalizes your citizenship.
How Quijano Law Can Help
Understanding the 6 requirements for naturalization is one thing— navigating them in your personal situation is another.
An immigration attorney can help review eligibility, prepare documentation, and address challenges along the way.
At Quijano Law in Atlanta, Georgia, we work with individuals and families as they take steps toward U.S. citizenship.
Conclusion
Meeting the six requirements—residence, presence, good moral character, English, civics, and attachment to the Constitution—plus the basic age, residency, and lawful status rules is essential for citizenship.
If you’re considering applying, professional guidance can make the process clearer and more manageable.
Quijano Law’s citizenship and naturalization lawyers are here to help you.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONFAQs
What are the 6 basic requirements for naturalization?
Continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English language skills, civics knowledge, and attachment to the Constitution.
How long do I have to live in the U.S. before applying for naturalization?
Most applicants must show 5 years of continuous residence (or 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen and meeting that eligibility). You also need 3 months of residence in your state or USCIS district.
Can I apply for naturalization if I travel outside the U.S. a lot?
Yes—but keep in mind that trips of 6 months or more can disrupt continuous residence. Trips of 1 year or more typically break it unless you qualify to preserve residence (e.g., certain employment abroad with Form N‑470). Track your travel days to ensure you still meet physical presence.
What happens if I fail the civics test?
USCIS gives you two chances. If you don’t pass at the first interview, you’ll be retested only on the part you failed (English or civics), typically within 60–90 days.
Is good moral character only about criminal history?
No. It also includes being honest in applications, filing and paying taxes, meeting child‑support obligations, and avoiding fraud or false statements.
