Getting US citizenship just got easier when you know all the ins and outs of the process. Learn all about naturalization in the US in 2025: citizenship requirements, new civics test, step-by-step application process, tips for legal immigration and obtaining a residence permit

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Naturalization is the process by which a foreign national acquires U.S. citizenship. While citizenship and naturalization are closely related, they are not the same: citizenship is a status recognized by a country, while naturalization is the legal process of acquiring that status for someone born outside the United States. Naturalization provides access to many of the benefits of citizenship, but it also imposes new responsibilities.

Read everything you need to know about naturalization in the United States in 2025 in this article.

Planning to get a green card, permanent resident permit, or U.S. citizenship? Or are you preparing for naturalization and want to avoid unnecessary mistakes? Our immigration lawyers can help you navigate the entire process quickly and without unnecessary stress.

USCIS Updates (August–October 2025)

In August 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced two important changes to the naturalization process:

- Good Moral Character: Previously, the “good moral character” assessment only considered serious violations of the law. USCIS now considers the applicant’s positive contributions to community service and tax compliance, as well as minor violations or questionable behavior, to make a more objective assessment.

- Neighborhood Checks: For the first time in 34 years, USCIS has reinstated in-person “neighborhood checks.” Staff can contact an applicant’s coworkers, neighbors, or employer to confirm their eligibility for naturalization. Submitting letters of recommendation with your application helps avoid delays.

- New 2025 Civics Test: USCIS has also introduced a new 2025 Civics Test that will be administered to naturalization applications (Form N-400) beginning October 20, 2025. Key differences in the test include:

1. Test format: Oral, 20 questions from a 128-question bank.

2. Passing score: 12 correct answers out of 20. An applicant who answers 9 questions incorrectly is considered to have failed the test.

3. For applicants age 65+ with at least 20 years of residency, a 10-question test from a specially selected bank; 6 questions must be answered correctly.

For those who applied before October 20, 2025, the 2008 test is used.

Who is eligible for naturalization in the United States?

Eligibility for application depends on the type of applicant, length of residence, and military service. The most common groups:

- Green card holder without special circumstances: must reside in the US for 5 years (30 months of physical presence), after which you can apply.

- Green card holder married to a US citizen: reside for 3 years (18 months of physical presence), after which you can apply.

- Widow/widower of a US citizen who died during honorable service: can apply at any time.

- US military service (any wartime service): can apply at any time.

- Green card holder with 1+ years of peacetime service: reside for 5 years (30 months of physical presence), after which you can apply.

These terms also take into account periods of military service.

Requirements for naturalization in the US

To obtain citizenship by naturalization, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

- Age - at least 18 years at the time of application.

- Have good moral character (no serious crimes, honesty in providing information).

- Be a green card holder for at least 5 years (3 years for those married to a US citizen).

- Live in the state where you plan to apply for at least 3 months.

- Be willing to serve in the military or do civilian service if called upon.

- Register with the Selective Service System (men 18–25 years old).

- Pass a two-step naturalization test: English + civics (US history and government).

Step-by-step naturalization process in the United States

The process of applying for citizenship by naturalization consists of four main steps:

Step 1: Filing Form N-400

- File the application online or by mail.

- Pay the fee of 760 USD (military or other individuals may be exempted).

Important! You can apply 90 days before the expiration of your stay.

Step 2: Biometric examination

Fingerprinting for background check. Usually takes place one month after filing the application.

Step 3: Interview and exam

- The interview is conducted at a local USCIS office or U.S. consulate.

- English language test: reading, writing, speaking skills.

- Civics test: history and government (2008 or 2025).

The applicant has two attempts for each part of the test. Additional documents must also be provided if requested by USCIS.

Step 4: Oath of Allegiance

After the application is approved, the Oath of Allegiance ceremony takes place. You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the oath. After that, you receive a Certificate of Naturalization.

How to prepare for the citizenship test?

Depending on the date of application and age, you take different tests:

- 2025 test: 20 questions orally, 12 correct answers to pass.

- 2008 test: for those who applied earlier.

- Individuals 65+ with 20 years of residency: 10 questions, 6 correct answers required.

You can prepare using USCIS resources: Citizenship Resource Center with study materials, practice tests, and audio.

Benefits of naturalization in the United States

1. The right to vote in federal elections.

2. The ability to run for public office.

3. More employment opportunities in the U.S. government.

4. Access to federal assistance programs and health insurance.

5. Protection from deportation.

6. Sponsorship of relatives for immigration.

7. Automatic citizenship for children born abroad.

8. U.S. passport with visa-free access to over 180 countries.

Special considerations and obligations for naturalized U.S. citizens

1. Possibility of dual citizenship, depending on the country.

2. Potential military service if recalled.

3. Jury duty in trials.

4. Filing U.S. tax returns even when living abroad.

5. A thorough criminal history check to avoid deportation.

Obtaining U.S. citizenship through naturalization is a long but entirely doable process. It requires preparation, knowledge of English, civics, and compliance with all legal requirements. However, upon completion, you receive all the rights of a citizen, access to government programs, and the freedom to travel the world with a US passport.

Immigration Guide from Visit World: An Easy Path to Citizenship and Residence Permit

Planning to immigrate or obtain citizenship of another country? The “Immigration Guide” from Visit World will be your reliable assistant at every stage of the process. What you will find inside:

- Step-by-step instructions for applying for temporary and permanent residence, as well as citizenship on various grounds.

- Contacts and information about the responsible authorities of the country (names, addresses, photos) so that you know where to turn.

- A complete list of documents required to obtain a residence permit or citizenship.

- Cost and deadlines for processing applications to plan your budget and time.

- Requirements and criteria that will help you assess your chances of success before submitting an application.

- Tips for correctly filling out the questionnaires to avoid mistakes and delays.

- Life hacks for visiting a country that make adaptation easier and more comfortable.

- The benefits of obtaining citizenship, including rights, opportunities and security.

With the guide from Visit World, you can avoid unnecessary mistakes, save time and make the process of naturalization or obtaining a residence permit as clear and transparent as possible.

Reminder! Want to work in the US? Read here about the most popular work visas in 2025, requirements, application procedure and how to legally move to America.

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