FAQs about the Application for Naturalization (U.S. Citizenship)

After the application is filed, the USCIS will issue a receipt notice. Next, you are sent a notice to appear at the USCIS District Office (local) in order for biometrics (fingerprints) to be captured. Finally, an interview is scheduled. Currently, the naturalization interview is scheduled (on average) within 4-5 months of filing.

Yes. If you present evidence of a legal name change (i.e. court order, marriage certificate) your ‘new’ name will appear on your certificate of naturalization. If you take the oath of allegiance in Court, you may request that the Court change your name.

If you apply for naturalization 6 months or more before the expiration of your permanent residence card you are not required to renew the card. If you apply for naturalization 6 months or less before the expiration of your permanent residence card you are required to renew the card.

You are sent a notice to appear at the USCIS District Office (local) in order for biometrics (fingerprints) to be captured.

No. You must have resided in the state where the application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship) is filed for at least 3 months prior to filing.

At present, the filing fee for an application for naturalization is $680. We have provided a complete list of fees applicable to the naturalization (U.S. citizenship) process on our naturalization (U.S. citizenship) fees page.

You must be a person of good moral character for 5 years prior to filing the application until being granted U.S. citizenship (3 years for the spouse of a U.S. citizen or 1 year for a person in the military).

You must be 18 years of age or older.

You must be a continuous resident for 5 years subsequent to obtaining lawful resident status. If you are married to a U.S. citizen the residency requirement is 3 years: if your spouse is a U.S. citizen for 3 years and you have been ‘living in marital union’ for 3 years.

No. You must be a conditional or permanent resident of the United States.