U.S. Citizenship Eligibility 2025: Naturalization Rules

Taking the First Step Toward U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone and a dream for many green card holders. Naturalization offers benefits such as the right to vote, travel freely, and access more opportunities. To qualify, you must meet eligibility requirements, including age, length of permanent residency, good moral character, English language skills, and knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Understanding these criteria will help you prepare your Form N-400 application with confidence. We guide you through each step, making the process easier and helping you successfully become a U.S. citizen.

U.S. Citizenship Eligibility Requirements

To become a U.S. citizen, all naturalization applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Most applicants qualify under these standard rules, but some—such as military service members or those with special exemptions—may have different paths. Learn more about these special cases in our Naturalization Guide.

1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Maintain continuous and physical residence in the U.S. for the required number of years as a green card holder.
3. Establish residency in the state or USCIS district where you plan to apply.
4. Demonstrate good moral character.
5. Be proficient in English (speaking, reading, and writing) and show knowledge of U.S. history and government.
6. Register for Selective Service if you are a male within the required age range and be willing to perform civil service if needed.
7. Swear allegiance to the United States.

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Ready to take the next step? If you meet these requirements, we can guide you through completing Form N-400 and the entire naturalization process with confidence and ease.

Minimum Age

To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old when you file Form N-400. This ensures applicants are legally adults and can take the Oath of Allegiance responsibly. If you are applying based on wartime military service, there is no minimum age requirement. Make sure you meet the age eligibility requirements before starting your application.

Continuous and Physical Presence Requirements

To qualify for U.S. citizenship, you must meet both continuous residence and physical presence requirements. These are critical eligibility criteria — failing to meet them can delay or prevent your application.

Demonstrating Continuous Residence

Continuous residence means you have not spent six months or more outside the United States during the required period — usually five years as a permanent resident, or three years if you are married to a U.S. citizen.

Factors that affect continuous residence:

• Length of your trip abroad
• Reason for not returning sooner
• USCIS officer discretion — officers may still deny your application for other reasons, such as frequent international travel

If you served in the U.S. military, you may not need to meet the continuous residence requirement. See our naturalization guide for military eligibility rules.

Proving Continuous Residence After Long Trips Abroad

Trips Lasting 181 to 364 Days

If you were outside the U.S. for more than six months but less than one year, USCIS may think you abandoned your permanent residence. To avoid denial, you must show that you intended to keep your U.S. home.

Examples of strong evidence:

• You kept your U.S. job and did not work overseas
• Your close family members stayed in the U.S.
• You maintained a home or lease in the U.S.
• Your children stayed enrolled in U.S. schools

Trips of 365 Days or More

If you were outside the U.S. for one year or longer, USCIS will automatically assume you gave up your residence. Your application will be denied. You will have to wait before applying again:

• 5-year rule: wait 4 years + 1 day after returning
• 3-year rule (spouse of U.S. citizen): wait 2 years + 1 day after returning

How to Avoid Breaking Continuous Residence

If you need to stay abroad for a long time, take steps before leaving:

1. Apply for a Re-entry Permit (Form I-131)

• File while in the U.S. and complete biometrics before departure.
• You can pick up the permit from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
• Valid for 2 years, not extendable. Return before it expires.

Important Note: Form I-131 is also used for Advance Parole. A re-entry permit is for green card holders; Advance Parole is for green card applicants.

2. Apply for Preservation of Residence (Form N-470)

• Available if your overseas job qualifies under U.S. government rules.
• You must also apply for a re-entry permit.

3. Apply for a Returning Resident Visa (SB-1)

• If you had to stay abroad unexpectedly for 1+ years without a re-entry permit.
• File Form DS-117, attend an interview, and show proof that your long absence was beyond your control (such as a medical emergency).

Demonstrating “Physical Presence”

Besides continuous residence, you must also meet the physical presence requirement.

• 5-year rule: At least 913 days (about 2.5 years) in the U.S.
• 3-year spouse rule: At least 548 days (about 1.5 years) in the U.S.

USCIS counts both the day you leave and the day you return as days in the U.S. Example: If you leave on March 10 and return on August 10, both days count as physical presence.

Meeting the Residency Requirement

The residency requirement is different from continuous residence and physical presence.

In simple terms, residency is the place where you live and have made your home. To qualify, you must live in the state or USCIS district where you plan to apply for citizenship for at least 3 months immediately before filing Form N-400.

“State” includes:

• The District of Columbia
• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• The U.S. Virgin Islands
• The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

USCIS district: This is the area served by your local USCIS field office, based on your ZIP code. USCIS usually considers your residency to be the “current physical address” listed on your Form N-400, even if you apply up to 90 days early.

Proof of residency:
The address you provide should be the place where you have built your life, such as where you:

• Registered to vote
• Pay taxes
• Hold a state ID or driver’s license

Special case for students:
If you are a student and still financially dependent on your parents, you can apply for naturalization from either your school’s location or your family’s home address.

For more exceptions, see the USCIS Policy Manual.

Good Moral Character (GMC)

When USCIS talks about “good moral character” (GMC), they mean that your behavior is consistent with what most people in your community would consider honest, responsible, and law-abiding. It doesn’t mean being perfect — but it does mean showing you can be trusted to follow the law and respect others.

USCIS makes this decision case by case. In most situations, they review your conduct during the 3 or 5 years before you apply for naturalization (depending on your eligibility category) up until you take the Oath of Allegiance. However, they may also look further back in your past if they believe it’s relevant.

What Can Harm Your Good Moral Character

To meet this requirement, you should avoid:

• Serious crimes like murder, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, prostitution, or immigration fraud.
• Dishonesty with USCIS, such as lying during your naturalization interview.
• Multiple DUI convictions within the review period (though in some cases you may show evidence of rehabilitation).
• Failing to support dependents, such as not paying required child or spousal support.
• Willfully avoiding Selective Service registration (if you were required to register).
• Habitual drunkenness or repeated drug-related offenses.
• Smuggling or assisting others to enter the U.S. illegally.

Positive Factors Matter (New USCIS Policy in 2025)

In August 2025, USCIS updated its policy to take a more balanced approach when reviewing GMC. This means that in addition to negative actions, officers also consider your positive contributions, such as:

• Steady employment and paying taxes.
• Supporting your family and community.
• Volunteering, military service, or other civic contributions.
• Showing rehabilitation or personal growth after past mistakes.

This holistic review ensures that applicants are judged fairly, based on their overall character, not just isolated events.

Military Service Exceptions

If you’re applying for naturalization through U.S. military service, some of the standard GMC requirements may not apply, and USCIS uses different rules to evaluate your case.

Major Updates in the Policy

USCIS has returned to a “totality of circumstances” method for determining GMC. Instead of relying only on a checklist of disqualifying behaviors, officers now evaluate an applicant’s overall conduct, community involvement, and evidence of responsible citizenship.

Comprehensive Assessment Criteria

Officers now consider both challenges and strengths in an applicant’s life, including:

1. Community contributions, such as volunteering or civic engagement
2. Family and caregiving responsibilities
3. Educational accomplishments
4. Stable lawful employment history
5. Length of legal residence in the United States
6. Tax compliance and financial responsibility

This well-rounded evaluation allows applicants who demonstrate real efforts at reform and positive behavior to balance out past mistakes.

Evaluation of Negative Factors

Some offenses remain permanent bars to citizenship, such as murder, violent felonies, or serious human rights violations. Others are conditional bars, including multiple DUI convictions, drug-related crimes, false claims to U.S. citizenship, and unlawful voting.

In addition, USCIS officers may also weigh non-criminal behavior that shows poor judgment—such as repeated reckless driving, harassment, or similar conduct that goes against community standards.

Emphasis on Rehabilitation and Positive Change

USCIS now explicitly values proof of reform, including:

• Paying overdue child support or taxes
• Completing probation or court-ordered programs
• Letters of support from community members
• Mentoring others or volunteering
• Repaying any government benefit overpayments

Applicants should present a full and honest account of their lives, showing how they meet the moral and ethical expectations of their community.

Individualized Review Process

Applicants must prove, with sufficient evidence, that they meet the GMC requirement. USCIS officers review each case individually and may look beyond the standard three- or five-year period if necessary.

English Proficiency and Civics Knowledge Requirements

As part of becoming a U.S. citizen, you must pass a two-part naturalization test:

1. English Language Test – Measures your ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
   • During your citizenship interview, the USCIS officer will ask you questions about your N-400 application to assess your speaking skills.
   • You will also be asked to read and write simple sentences in English.
2. Civics Test – Measures your knowledge of U.S. history and government.
   • The test is based on a list of 100 possible questions.
   • Most applicants will be asked 10 questions and must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
   • Depending on your age and how long you’ve held your green card, you may only need to answer 20 specific questions.

Some applicants may qualify for exemptions from one or both tests. For complete details, including who qualifies, what to expect, and how to prepare, see our U.S. Citizenship Exam Guide with study resources and tips.

Military and Civil Service Registration

As part of the naturalization process, you must show your willingness to serve the United States if needed—either by joining the military or performing civil service. For most male green card holders between the ages of 18 and 26, this commitment is demonstrated by registering with the Selective Service System, which maintains a list of potential national emergency service members.

Note: Female applicants are not required to register with Selective Service.

Remember: When you applied for your green card, USCIS may have sent your information to the Selective Service automatically. However, if you’re unsure whether you’re registered or required to register, you can request a status information letter from the Selective Service confirming your registration status or exemption. To request a status information letter, you can visit the Selective Service website or contact their office by mail. This letter provides official proof of your registration status or exemption.

Who Must Register with the Selective Service for U.S. Citizenship?

You must register with the Selective Service System if all of the following are true:

• You are a male green card holder who lived in the United States at any time between the ages of 18 and 26.
• You must register within 30 days of turning 18, or within 30 days of becoming a green card holder if you are already between 18 and 26.

Who Does Not Need to Register with the Selective Service?

You generally do not have to register with the Selective Service System if you are male and any of the following apply to you:

• You are over 26 years old.
• You did not live in the United States at any time between the ages of 18 and 26.
• You lived in the U.S. during that age range but were here on a visa or another legal status (not as a green card holder).
• You were born between March 29, 1957, and December 31, 1959, when the Selective Service System was not active.

If you are unsure whether you need to register, it’s best to check directly with the Selective Service System to avoid delays in your citizenship process.

How and When to Register with the Selective Service?

If you are under 26 and haven’t registered with the Selective Service yet, do it before applying for U.S. citizenship to avoid delays or denial.

Ways to register with Selective Service:

• Online at the Selective Service System website
• At your local post office
• By mail using a registration card sent to you

You can check your registration online or by calling (847) 688-6888. Once registered, you will receive a Registration Acknowledgement Card—be sure to keep this card safe as important proof for your USCIS naturalization application, since USCIS may request it during the process.

What Will Happen If You Miss the Selective Service Registration Deadline?

If you are over 26 and haven’t registered with the Selective Service, you can no longer do so. Your next steps will depend on your age when you apply for naturalization. USCIS can deny your naturalization application if you refused or knowingly and willfully failed to register during the required period.

Citizenship Eligibility for Applicants Under 26 Years Old

If you are under 26 years old, failure to register generally makes you ineligible for naturalization. This is because you are still within the age range where registration is required, and not registering during this period is considered a serious issue.

Naturalization Considerations for Applicants Between 26 and 31 Years Old

If you are between 26 and 31 years old and failed to register, USCIS may find you ineligible. However, USCIS will give you an opportunity to explain or provide evidence that:

1. Your failure to register was not knowing or willful.
2. You were not required to register.
3. You were exempt from registering.
4. You did register, but USCIS or the Selective Service System (SSS) did not complete the registration process on your behalf.

USCIS will review the evidence you provide before making a final decision about your eligibility.

Important: As explained earlier, you can request a status information letter from the Selective Service to confirm your registration status or exemption. Be sure to send a copy to USCIS.

If you were unaware that you needed to register, you must provide USCIS with the following documents along with your status information letter:

• A notarized affidavit from yourself, where you clearly explain the reasons you did not know about the registration requirement.
• Notarized affidavits from other people who personally know you and can confirm your explanation.

Willful Failure to Register and Its Consequences

If you intentionally failed to register when required—whether by refusing or ignoring the obligation—USCIS may deny your citizenship application. However, your age at the time you apply will also be taken into account:

• If you are between 26 and 31 years old, USCIS will likely give you an opportunity to prove that you were not required to register or that you were exempt before making a final decision.
• If you are 31 or older (or 29 or older if married to a U.S. citizen), the failure to register may no longer disqualify you. Still, your refusal or neglect to fulfill this responsibility could be viewed as a lack of “good moral character”.

Citizenship Eligibility Rules for Applicants Over 31 Years Old

On the other hand, applicants who are over 31 years old are generally eligible for naturalization even if they knowingly and willfully failed to register. This is because the statutory period for registration has passed by that age, and the failure to register is no longer considered a disqualifying factor.

Allegiance to the United States

To become a U.S. citizen, you need to show that you believe in and support the U.S. Constitution. This means you agree to follow U.S. laws and are ready to help protect the country if needed.

After your application is approved and you pass your interview and tests, the last step is to attend a special ceremony called the naturalization ceremony. At this ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance, which officially makes you a U.S. citizen.

Before you take the oath, you will be asked some questions to make sure you understand what you are promising. You will confirm that:

• You are taking the oath by your own choice.
• You promise to be loyal only to the United States and give up loyalty to any other countries you belong to.
• You understand the duties of being a U.S. citizen, including the possibility of serving in the military or doing other public service if needed, and you plan to do these duties.

Taking the Oath of Allegiance is the final step to becoming a U.S. citizen.

FAQs on U.S. Citizenship Eligibility

Ready to Begin Your Journey Toward U.S. Citizenship?

Meeting the eligibility requirements is just the start of your path to U.S. citizenship. With careful preparation and expert support from ImmigrationDirect, including access to trusted lawyer consultations, you can confidently navigate the naturalization process. Don’t wait—connect with us today to get personalized guidance and take the first step toward becoming a proud U.S. citizen. Your American dream is within reach, and we are here to help you make it happen!