US Citizenship Requirements: Eligibility Checklist and Key Rules Explained

Many people search for help because the path to becoming a U.S. citizen feels confusing at first glance. We understand the process and want to make it easier for anyone trying to figure out where they stand.

US citizenship requirements include age, green card status, continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics testing, and completing the Oath of Allegiance.

These are the core rules USCIS uses to decide who qualifies, and we explain each of them in clear, practical terms. Our team brings years of immigration experience and has helped thousands of applicants understand their eligibility and avoid common filing mistakes. By the end of this guide, you’ll know what documents you need, what timelines matter most, and when it’s smart to get legal support.

Now let’s walk through the eligibility checklist so you can move forward with confidence.

Key Points: US Citizenship Requirements

• You must meet specific time-in-the-U.S. rules. This includes having a green card, maintaining continuous residence, and meeting the physical presence totals required by USCIS.
• Your record and application history matter. Good moral character, tax compliance, Selective Service registration, and accurate paperwork all affect approval.
• The English and civics test is required for most applicants. Some people qualify for exemptions, but everyone must complete the Oath of Allegiance to finalize naturalization.

What Are the Basic Requirements for US Citizenship?

USCIS uses a clear checklist to determine who qualifies for naturalization. A simple scan of these items helps you understand your starting point before you prepare documents or calculate travel days.

To meet US citizenship requirements, most applicants must have:

• Age 18 or older at the time of filing
• Lawful permanent resident status (a valid green card)
• Continuous residence for the required number of years
• Physical presence inside the United States for the required number of days
• Good moral character during the statutory period
• English and civics test results that meet USCIS standards
• Oath of Allegiance completed at the end of the process

These are the core eligibility pillars used in every naturalization case. Once you confirm you meet each category, you can move on to reviewing timelines, travel history, and any special circumstances that may affect your application.

Age, Green Card Status, and Time-Based Eligibility Rules

The naturalization process begins with three simple checks. You must be 18 or older, you must be a permanent resident, and you must meet the required number of years as a green card holder. From there, USCIS looks at which rule applies to your situation.

Most applicants fall under one of these two paths:

• Five-year rule. You have lived in the United States as a permanent resident for at least five years.
• Three-year rule. You have lived with and been married to a U.S. citizen for three years while holding a green card.

You can file up to 90 days early, as long as you meet all other requirements at the time of filing. USCIS also expects you to live in the same state or USCIS district for at least three months before submitting your N-400. This helps ensure your case is assigned to the correct field office.

If you meet these age, residency, and time-based rules, you are ready to move on to evaluating your travel history and physical presence totals.

Continuous Residence, Physical Presence, and Travel Limits

USCIS reviews both your long-term residence pattern and your actual days inside the United States. These two requirements work together, and you must meet both to qualify for naturalization.

Continuous residence means the United States has been your primary home for the required number of years. Long trips can disrupt that pattern, especially when they stretch past six months. Physical presence is the total number of days you were inside the country during the required period.

Here is the basic breakdown:

• Continuous residence. Five years as a permanent resident or three years if applying through a U.S. citizen spouse.
• Physical presence. At least 30 months of actual days in the United States under the five-year rule and 18 months under the three-year rule.
• Six-month trips. Any trip of six months or more may trigger questions about whether you broke residence.
• One-year trips. Any trip of one year or more almost always breaks residence unless you qualified for and filed Form N-470 before leaving.

If you have several trips, long absences, or work abroad, review your travel dates carefully. These are some of the most common issues that cause delays or denials, and fixing them early helps you avoid problems later.

Good Moral Character, Taxes, Criminal History, and Selective Service

USCIS looks closely at your background during the statutory period. This helps the officer decide whether you meet the good moral character standard required for naturalization. The review includes your conduct, financial responsibilities, and any legal issues.

Here are the main items USCIS pays attention to:

• Criminal history. Arrests, convictions, and certain serious offenses can affect eligibility.
• Financial duties. Unfiled tax returns, unpaid taxes, or failure to support dependents can raise red flags.
• Honesty and accuracy. False statements on immigration forms or past applications may result in denial.
• Selective Service. Male applicants who lived in the United States between ages 18 and 26 must show they registered or provide documentation explaining why they did not.

Most concerns can be resolved with proper documentation or legal guidance. If you have any history that might raise questions, it is best to address it before filing your N-400 so you can move forward with confidence.

English, Civics, and Special Exceptions for Naturalization

Most applicants must show basic English language skills during the interview. USCIS also checks your knowledge of U.S. history and government through the civics test. These steps help confirm that you can participate fully in civic life once you become a citizen.

You can prepare with USCIS study materials, which follow a simple question-and-answer format. Some people qualify for age-based exemptions, medical disability waivers, or military-related benefits that change how the testing requirements apply. These exceptions require specific documents, so it is important to review the rules before filing.

For many applicants, the interview is the most stressful part. Strong preparation and a clear plan make the testing stage easier and help you move one step closer to naturalization.

How to Know If You’re Eligible for US Citizenship

At this point, you should have a solid understanding of the core US citizenship requirements. You know how age, residency, travel history, testing rules, and background checks shape your eligibility. The next step is reviewing your own timeline and documents to see how these rules apply to you.

If anything feels uncertain, our team can help. We review your travel dates, tax record, background history, and past immigration filings to identify strengths and potential risks. Our attorneys bring years of experience guiding applicants across the country through naturalization.

You can learn more on our Citizenship and Naturalization page. For full support, explore our Immigration Services or contact us for a consultation. We help you move toward citizenship with clarity and confidence.