Citizenship
Learn about the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen, get help applying for citizenship and preparing for the interview and exam, and get other helpful information for citizenship applicants and educators.
Citizenship Preparation Classes
Citizenship Preparation Classes
Are you interested in applying for citizenship? Do you need help preparing for the U.S. citizenship test and interview?
Join our classes and study to become a U.S. citizen! Learn U.S. history and civics. Improve your English reading, writing, and speaking to prepare for your citizenship interview. You can take classes on your smart phone, tablet, or computer!
Find Citizenship Preparation ClassesBenefits of Citizenship
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Protection from deportation As a lawful permanent resident, certain criminal convictions can put you at risk of deportation. Becoming a U.S. citizen protects you from deportation. -
Citizenship for your childrenYour children under the age of 18 who are lawful permanent residents may automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize. -
Family reunification U.S. citizens can petition for spouses, children, parents, and siblings. -
Eligibility for government jobs Some jobs are only open to U.S. citizens. Additionally, naturalized citizens earn between 50% to 70% more than noncitizens. -
Freedom to travel U.S. citizens have the freedom to travel without restrictions. Lawful permanent residents, on the other hand, have certain restrictions when it comes to long periods of time outside the U.S. -
Ability to vote Only U.S. citizens have the opportunity to vote in U.S elections.
Do You Need Help Applying for Citizenship?
There are free or low-cost legal organizations which can help you fill out your citizenship application, let you know if you're eligible for a fee waiver or reduced fee, and review your application before you file.
Get HelpCitizenship Resources
USCIS Citizenship Resource Center
Provides information for people who are interested in applying for citizenship, students preparing for their citizenship interview, and educators, including:- Information about the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
- Study materials and resources, including practice tests, multilingual study materials, and test updates.
- Resources for education programs, including information on teaching techniques and how to start a citizenship program.
- Provides information in many languages on how to apply for citizenship and prepare for the citizenship interview.
- Provides free online citizenship preparation class and practice tests in multiple languages, accessible by phone or computer.
- Provides free online citizenship course, in addition to online English courses. Instructional videos can be viewed on computers, phones, and tablets.
- Project of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and USCIS which contains interactive study guides and allows users to test themselves.
- Provides information on citizenship requirements, how to find help applying, and more.
Citizenship Requirements
To become a U.S. citizen, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen).
- Have continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen) and be physically present for at least half that time.
- Be able to read, speak, and write basic English*.
- Pass an exam regarding U.S. history and civics*.
- Be a person of "good moral character" (ie, not have certain types of criminal convictions).
- Take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
* These requirements may not apply to some applicants, depending on their age, how long they have had their permanent residency, or if they have a disability. For more information, click here.
Acquired and Derived Citizenship
In some instances, children can automatically become citizens based on their parents' citizenship status. For information on how a child born outside of the United States may get U.S. citizenship automatically through their parents, click here.
Information on Citizenship Fees
See below for information on where to find the most recent application fees, and helpful tips on paying the fees.