The U.S. Citizenship Process: What You Need to Know Before Applying for Naturalization

Written by: Meghan Phillips, Esq

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone—and while the process can seem complex, it’s entirely achievable with the right guidance. Whether you’re preparing to apply now or planning ahead, this guide walks you through the costs, application process, eligibility requirements, and what to expect at each stage of the naturalization process.

1. What Does the Citizenship Process Look Like?

💰 Cost

The filing fee depends on how you apply:

• $710 if you apply online
• $760 if you apply by paper/mail
• $380 if your household income is below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and you qualify for a reduced fee
• $0 for certain members of the U.S. military and applicants who qualify for a full fee waiver

Note: Legal fees are separate and vary depending on whether you hire an attorney to help with your application, interview preparation, or in-person representation.

📝 Application Process

You’ll file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), which is available for free on the USCIS website. It’s 14 pages long and asks for:

• Personal details and immigration history
• Your basis for eligibility
• Any previous names used
• Whether you’re requesting a medical exemption from the English/civics tests (Form N-648)

You can file online or by mail, but fee waiver or reduction requests must be submitted by mail.

⏳ Processing Timeline

Processing times vary, but here are the recent national medians:

• FY2020: 8.9 months
• FY2021: 11.5 months
• FY2022: 10.5 months
• FY2023: 6.0 months
• FY2024: 5.0 months
• FY2025 (partial): 5.6 months

📍 At the Washington Field Office, 80% of cases are completed within 7.5 months.

 🪪 Step-by-Step Overview

✅ Step 1: Check Eligibility

Make sure you meet all requirements before applying (see below for full list). You might also consider hiring an attorney to help you with this and/or taking an English or citizenship class to help you prepare for the English and civics tests.

📤 Step 2: Submit Your Application

Prepare and submit Form N-400 with required documents and fees.

🧬 Step 3: Biometrics Appointment

You may be asked to attend a biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photos), though USCIS sometimes reuses fingerprints and photos it has on file already. Keep your stamped notice for your records.

📚 Step 4: Study for the Interview

Prepare for the English and civics tests using the materials on USCIS’s website. Update your address with USCIS if you move.

🗓️ Step 5: Attend Your Interview

Bring your appointment notice, original documents, and a full copy of your application. If you requested a medical waiver and did not submit it earlier, bring it with you.

You’ll be asked questions about your application and must pass the English and civics tests unless exempt.

📝 Step 6: Receive Interview Results

USCIS may:

• Approve your application on the spot
• Continue your case (e.g., request more evidence or reschedule for a second test attempt)
• Deny your application (you may appeal within 30 days using Form N-336)

🎉 Step 7: Naturalization Oath

If approved, you’ll either:

• Take the Oath of Allegiance the same day, or
• Receive a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony (Form N-445) to schedule the ceremony either with USCIS or with a judge at a later date.

Before the ceremony, complete the questionnaire on Form N-445. You’ll turn in your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Double-check the certificate for errors and notify USCIS immediately if corrections are needed.

2. How Do I Know If I Qualify for Citizenship?

Visit USCIS’s “Check Naturalization Eligibility” tool on the N-400 page to get a quick eligibility assessment.

You may already be a U.S. citizen if:

• You had a U.S. citizen parent before turning 18 (use Form N-600 instead)
• You served in the U.S. military for over a year or during wartime

General Requirements:

• Be 18 or older
• Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• 5 years of continuous U.S. residence (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Physically present in the U.S. for 30 months (or 18 months if married to a U.S. citizen)
• Live in your state or USCIS district for at least 3 months
• Speak, read, and write basic English
• Understand U.S. history and government (civics)
• Show good moral character
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance
• Register for Selective Service if you’re a male aged 18–26
• Have filed all required income tax returns
• If applicable, have proof that you have paid any required child support.

3. What Level of English Is Required?

You need to demonstrate basic ability to:

• Read one of three sentences aloud
• Write one of three sentences correctly
• Speak and understand ordinary English, as judged by your USCIS officer

You can find vocabulary lists for both tests on the USCIS website.

Exemptions:

You are exempt from the English test (but not the civics test) if:

• You’re 50+ years old with 20 years of permanent residency (“50/20 rule”)
• You’re 55+ years old with 15 years of residency (“55/15 rule”)

You may take the civics test in your native language with a qualified interpreter.

Applicants 65+ years old and permanent residents for 20+ years receive simplified civics questions.

4. Can I File My Application Without an Attorney?

Yes—you have the right to represent yourself (pro se). However, immigration law is complex, and even small mistakes can lead to delays or denials.

You should consult an immigration attorney if:

• You’ve had criminal charges
• You’re requesting a medical exemption
• You’ve had prior immigration issues (e.g., misrepresentation or fraud)

In rare cases, individuals have even been detained during their interviews due to unresolved legal issues. A licensed attorney can help you avoid such risks and improve your chance of success.

Ready to Apply for Citizenship?

Our office has an attorney experienced in immigration and licensed before both state and immigration courts who can guide you through every step of the naturalization process—from eligibility assessments to interview preparation. If you’re thinking about becoming a U.S. citizen, schedule a consultation today to get started with confidence. Please give us a call at 703-369-4738, visit our website, https://www.vfnlaw.com/team/meghan-phillips/; or stop by our office at 9200 Church Street, Suite 400, in Manassas, Virginia to learn more or make an appointment for a consultation.

[1] Meghan M. Phillips, Esq., is an associate attorney with Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, PC who specializes in immigration and employment law. She is a member of the Virginia State Bar and admitted to practice before the U.S. immigration courts (EOIR), the Eastern District of Virginia Court, and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

This blog post is not intended to provide legal advice or substitute for the advice of legal counsel with respect to specific facts and situations. See disclaimer