Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Updated October 27, 2026.
Becoming a US citizen is the final step for most green card holders. The process is standard, but small mistakes, such as miscounting trips abroad or missing an old arrest record, cause delays, requests for evidence and denials. This guide explains who qualifies, what it costs, how long it takes, and how BauHaus Legal handles your application from start to finish for a fixed fee.
Who can apply
You can generally apply for naturalization if you meet all of the following:
- Age: you are at least 18 years old.
- Green card time: you have been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years, or 3 years if you have been married to and living with a US citizen spouse during that time.
- Continuous residence: you have lived in the US continuously for that period. Trips abroad of more than six months can break continuous residence, and trips of a year or more usually do.
- Physical presence: you have been physically in the US for at least half of the period (30 months for the 5-year rule, 18 months for the 3-year rule).
- Local residence: you have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.
- Good moral character: generally assessed over the qualifying period, including criminal history, taxes, and truthfulness on prior immigration forms.
- English and civics: you can read, write and speak basic English and pass the civics test, unless an age or disability exception applies.
- Attachment to the Constitution: you are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
Special rules apply to members and veterans of the US armed forces, and to some spouses of US citizens working abroad.
When you can file
You can file up to 90 days before you reach the 3- or 5-year mark. Filing too early is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected, so we calculate your earliest eligible date precisely from your green card and travel history.
What it costs
- USCIS filing fee: currently $760 for paper filing or $710 for online filing. A reduced fee of $380, or a full fee waiver, is available for some applicants based on household income. In June 2026 the government proposed raising the fee to $1,330 on paper and $1,280 online and ending the reduced fee. The proposal is not final, so filing sooner may save money. Fees change periodically; always confirm the current amount at uscis.gov/fees.
- BauHaus Legal fee: a fixed fee of $995, plus the USCIS fee, covering eligibility review, preparation and filing, responses to routine USCIS requests, and interview preparation. No hourly billing.
How long it takes
Processing times vary by USCIS field office. Nationally, most applications are decided within roughly 6 to 12 months from filing, and some offices are faster. You can check current processing times for your office on the USCIS website.
The process, step by step
- Eligibility review. We confirm your filing date, check your travel history for continuous residence and physical presence problems, and screen for issues that need careful handling, such as arrests, tax problems or prior immigration violations.
- Document collection. You upload your documents through a secure portal. We tell you exactly what is needed for your situation, nothing more.
- Preparation and filing. We prepare Form N-400, check every answer against your records, and file with USCIS.
- Biometrics. USCIS schedules an appointment to take your fingerprints and photo.
- Interview and tests. A USCIS officer reviews your application with you and gives the English and civics tests. We prepare you with practice questions and a review of your own application.
- Decision. Most applicants receive a decision at or shortly after the interview.
- Oath ceremony. You take the Oath of Allegiance and become a US citizen, usually within a few weeks of approval.
Documents you will usually need
- Your green card (front and back)
- A government-issued photo ID
- Dates of every trip outside the US during the qualifying period
- Your addresses and employers for the past 5 years
- If applying through marriage: your spouse's proof of citizenship, your marriage certificate, and proof of any prior divorces
- Any arrest records or court documents, even if the case was dismissed or expunged
- Tax transcripts, if you have had any tax issues
The English and civics tests
The English test covers reading, writing and speaking. The civics test covers US history and government; under the 2025 version of the test, which applies to applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, the officer asks up to 20 of 128 published questions and you must answer at least 12 correctly. Applicants aged 50 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident, or 55 or older with 15 years, may take the civics test in their own language. Applicants aged 65 or older with 20 years as a permanent resident take a simplified civics test of 10 questions.
Common reasons applications are delayed or denied
- Filing before the eligible date
- Long trips abroad that break continuous residence
- Undisclosed arrests, citations or court cases
- Unpaid taxes or failure to file returns
- Failure to register for the Selective Service (for men who lived in the US between ages 18 and 26)
- Inconsistencies with earlier immigration filings
Some of these issues can also put your green card at risk, which is why we review your full history before filing anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I travel while my application is pending? Yes, but keep trips short and make sure you are back for your biometrics and interview appointments. Long trips can affect your eligibility.
Do I need a lawyer to apply? Not always. Many applicants with simple histories file on their own. A lawyer is most valuable if you have long trips abroad, any criminal history, tax issues, a marriage-based case, or anything unusual in your immigration record.
Can I keep my other citizenship? The US permits dual citizenship, but your other country may not. Check with that country's consulate.
Do my children become citizens too? Children under 18 who hold green cards and live in your legal and physical custody generally become citizens automatically when you naturalize. We can help them obtain proof of citizenship afterwards.
What if I fail the test? You get a second chance, usually within 60 to 90 days, to retake the part you failed.
Why BauHaus Legal
- Fixed fee, no surprises.
- Fast preparation using AI-assisted document review, checked by a licensed attorney.
- Direct access to the attorney handling your case.
- Nationwide service. Immigration law is federal, so we represent clients anywhere in the United States from our New York office.
Book a free 30-minute call to check your eligibility.
BauHaus Legal PLLC, 447 Broadway, 2nd Floor #1675, New York, NY 10013. Attorney responsible: Kevin Touati. This guide is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
