US Citizenship 2026: Requirements, Test and N-400 Fee
A green card holder becomes a US citizen through naturalization, and the application is one form: the N-400. The standard wait is five years as a lawful permanent resident, or three for people married to a US citizen. Along the way there are residence and physical presence tests, an English test and a civics test that changed for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. This guide sets out each requirement and the current fee from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
You must be at least 18, have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, and have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months of those five years. Spouses of US citizens can apply after three years, with 18 months of physical presence. The N-400 costs $760 on paper or $710 online. The civics test asks 20 questions from a list of 128, and you need 12 correct answers. You may file 90 calendar days before you complete the residence requirement.
Two routes compared
| Five-year route | Married to a US citizen | |
|---|---|---|
| Time as a lawful permanent resident | At least five years | At least three years |
| Continuous residence in the United States | At least five years immediately before filing | At least three years immediately before filing |
| Physical presence | At least 30 months out of the five years | At least 18 months out of the three years |
| Time in your state or USCIS district | At least three months | At least three months |
| Marriage | — | Living in marital union with your US citizen spouse during the three years, and while the application is decided |
| Minimum age | 18 when you submit the N-400 | 18 when you submit the N-400 |
Requirements on both routes
- Good moral character for the whole qualifying period.
- Attachment to the principles and ideals of the US Constitution.
- English: the ability to read, write and speak basic English.
- Civics: knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and of the principles and form of government, of the United States.
- The Oath of Allegiance. You are not a US citizen until you take it.
Certain applicants, because of their age and time as a permanent resident, do not have to take the English test and may take the civics test in the language of their choice.
The 2025 civics test
USCIS administers the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test to people who file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025.
| Feature | Rule |
|---|---|
| Format | An oral test |
| Questions asked | 20, drawn from a list of 128 civics test questions |
| To pass | 12 correct answers |
| To fail | 9 incorrect answers |
| When it stops | The officer stops asking once you have 12 correct or 9 incorrect answers |
USCIS publishes the full list of 128 questions as a study resource.
Fees
| N-400 filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper filing | $760 |
| Online filing | $710 |
| Reduced fee, if your documented annual household income is not more than 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines | $380, paper filing |
| Applicants who meet the military service provisions | $0 |
These amounts are from the USCIS fee schedule, Form G-1055, edition 10/07/26. Certain applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver. You cannot file online if you are asking for a fee waiver or a reduced fee.
When to file
You may file Form N-400 90 calendar days before you complete your continuous residence requirement, on either the five-year or the three-year route. The current edition of the form is dated 01/20/25.
The process, step by step
- Check that you are not already a citizen by birth or through a parent.
- Check your eligibility with the USCIS naturalization eligibility tool.
- Prepare the N-400 and collect the documents on the checklist.
- Submit the form and pay the fee. USCIS sends a receipt notice, and you can check your case status online.
- Attend the biometrics appointment, if one is required.
- Complete the interview at the USCIS office, on the date and time in your appointment notice.
- Receive the decision: granted, continued or denied. An application is continued if you need to provide more evidence, or if you fail the English or civics test the first time.
- Receive a notice for the oath ceremony. It may take place on the same day as your interview.
- Take the Oath of Allegiance.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need a green card before applying for US citizenship?
At least five years, or at least three years if you are married to a US citizen and have been living in marital union with them.
How much does the N-400 cost in 2026?
$760 for a paper filing and $710 online, under the USCIS fee schedule edition 10/07/26. A reduced fee of $380 applies at lower household incomes.
How many questions are on the US citizenship test?
For N-400s filed on or after October 20, 2025, the officer asks 20 questions from a list of 128, and you must answer 12 correctly.
How much time must I spend in the United States?
At least 30 months out of the five years before you file, or 18 months out of three years on the spouse route.
Can I apply before my five years are up?
Yes. You may file 90 calendar days before you complete the continuous residence requirement.
Do I have to take an English test?
Yes, you must be able to read, write and speak basic English. Certain applicants are exempt because of their age and time as a permanent resident.
What happens if I fail the civics test?
USCIS may continue your application if you fail the English or civics test the first time.
Official sources
- USCIS — I am a lawful permanent resident of 5 years
- USCIS — I am married to a U.S. citizen
- USCIS — Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- USCIS — Fee schedule, Form G-1055 (edition 10/07/26)
- USCIS — 2025 Civics Test
- USCIS — 10 steps to naturalization
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. Fees and test rules are set by USCIS and can change, so check the form page before you file. Information, not legal advice.