U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)
The Complete 2026 Guide to Form N-400
Naturalization is the process by which a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) becomes a U.S. Citizen. While the benefits—voting rights, U.S. passport, protection from deportation—are immense, the application process (Form N-400) is a rigorous audit of your entire immigration history.
1. Do You Qualify? (The 3 vs. 5 Year Rule)
| Requirement | Option A: 5-Year Rule
(Standard) | Option B: 3-Year Rule
(Married to U.S. Citizen) |
|---|
| Green Card Tenure | Must hold Green Card for 5 Years. | Must hold Green Card for 3 Years. |
Physical Presence
(Days actually inside US) | At least 30 months (2.5 years). | At least 18 months (1.5 years). |
| Marital Status | Not relevant. | Must be married to & living with the same US Citizen for all 3 years. |
| Early Filing | Apply 90 days before 5-year mark. | Apply 90 days before 3-year mark. |
⚠️ The “Absence” Trap
Many applicants confuse “Physical Presence” with “Continuous Residence.”
- Trips > 6 Months: Creates a presumption that you broke your residence. You must provide evidence (mortgage, tax returns) to prove you didn’t abandon the U.S.
- Trips > 1 Year: Automatically breaks continuity. You generally must wait 4 years and 1 day after returning to re-apply.
⚠️ Good Moral Character
USCIS looks back 5 years (or 3 years). You can be denied for:
- Failure to pay Child Support.
- Failure to file Tax Returns (IRS transcripts required).
- Voting illegally or claiming to be a US Citizen.
- DUI or multiple traffic offenses (case-by-case).
2. The Test: English & Civics (2026)
The Civics Test
New Standard: You must answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass.
Study Bank: 128 Questions (History & Government).
The English Test
Speaking: Tested during the interview.
Reading: Read 1 sentence aloud correctly.
Writing: Write 1 sentence correctly (out of 3).
Are you exempt from English? (Age Exceptions)
- 50/20 Rule: Age 50 + 20 years LPR
- 55/15 Rule: Age 55 + 15 years LPR
- 65/20 Rule: Simplified Civics Test (Only 20 questions to study)
3. Costs & Process (Step-by-Step)
Filing Fees (2026)
Fees are paid directly to USCIS.
N-400 (Online Filing)
$710
N-400 (Paper Filing)
$760
Biometrics
Included
*Fees subject to change by USCIS.
- Step 1: Application (N-400)
Wang Law PLLC reviews your A-File to ensure no contradictions with past visa applications.
- Step 2: Biometrics
Visit ASC for fingerprints. Background check (FBI) begins.
- Step 3: The Interview
The most critical step. You will be tested on Civics/English and questioned on your application.
- Step 4: Oath Ceremony
You hand in your Green Card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
Ready to Become a Citizen?
Don’t let a “Continuous Residence” error restart your 5-year clock. Let Wang Law PLLC guide you.