Which government agency handles U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) manages the naturalization process and related immigration benefits. You file applications and receive decisions from USCIS.

Does USCIS issue visas for the United States?

No. The U.S. Department of State handles visa interviews and visa issuance through U.S. embassies and consulates. USCIS manages petitions and immigration benefits inside the United States.

Who decides if you can enter the United States?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) determines admission at the port of entry. A visa does not guarantee entry.

Become a U.S. Citizen — United States

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet the eligibility requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before you apply for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization).

Meeting the listed requirements does not guarantee approval.

USCIS reviews each application through a formal adjudication process.

An officer examines your record and determines whether you qualify under the law.

During adjudication, the officer may review the case with USCIS counsel.

If needed, the officer may also consult with the U.S. Department of State (DOS) before making a decision.

This review process means your case receives individualized analysis.

Approval depends on the officer’s findings after evaluating your full application and supporting record.

You should keep these points in mind:

Compliance with all listed requirements is mandatory.
Approval is not automatic, even if you believe you qualify.
USCIS has authority to review and verify your information.
Additional internal consultation may occur before a final decision.

Processing time is separate from eligibility but directly affects your case timeline.

USCIS processing times vary based on your eligibility category and the service center handling your application.

For example, processing times differ for:

Each form may move at a different pace depending on workload and category.

USCIS publishes current estimates through its official processing times tool, which you should review before filing and while your case is pending.

Processing time estimates are not guarantees.

They reflect reported averages based on the service center and eligibility category handling the case.

You remain responsible for ensuring that your application is complete and accurate when submitted.

USCIS will adjudicate your case based on the evidence in your file and any required internal review.

Step-By-Step Naturalization

You complete U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) through a structured process managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

You must prepare carefully and follow each step in order.

The Naturalization Process

Gather Required Documents

Collect all required supporting documents before you begin the application. USCIS expects complete submissions, and missing evidence can delay adjudication. Review the official form instructions to confirm what applies to your case.

File Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Submit Form N-400 to USCIS according to the current filing instructions. USCIS has jurisdiction to adjudicate your application only when you are physically present in the United States. As of January 2026, reported processing times for N-400 range from 5.5 to 15 months, depending on workload and other factors.

USCIS Adjudication of Your Application

USCIS reviews and adjudicates your application on its merits. Officers evaluate the evidence you provide and determine whether you meet the legal requirements for naturalization. You must remain eligible through the entire review period.

Special Naturalization Cases (Form N-600K)

If you apply for citizenship under section 322 using Form N-600K, USCIS processes the case based on the relevant eligibility category and service center. Processing times vary. In some cases, USCIS may wait for a response from the U.S. Department of State before completing adjudication and issuing a certificate.

Replacement Certificates (Form N-565)

If you are already a U.S. citizen and need to replace a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship, you file Form N-. As of January 2026, USCIS reports processing times of 6.5 to 8 months for these requests.

Practical Points to Watch

Submit complete and accurate information.
Keep copies of everything you file.
Monitor your case status through USCIS.
Check the USCIS processing times tool for updates.

USCIS controls the adjudication process from start to finish.

Your role is to provide accurate documentation, respond promptly to requests, and maintain eligibility until a final decision is issued.

Language and Civics Test

U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) requires you to pass a language and civics test administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The version of the civics test you take depends on when you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Your filing date controls which test rules apply.

USCIS does not choose the test version based on your interview date.

Which Civics Test Applies to You

USCIS currently uses two different civics test versions.

The correct version depends entirely on the date you submit Form N-400.

If you file Form N-400 before October 20, 2025, you must take the 2008 civics test.
If you file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you must take the 2025 civics test.

This rule applies regardless of when USCIS schedules your naturalization interview.

The filing date is the only factor that determines the test version.

If you are close to the October 20, 2025 deadline, confirm your submission date carefully.

Review your USCIS receipt notice to verify when your application was officially filed.

How to Prepare

You should confirm which test version applies to you before you begin studying.

Follow these steps:

Confirm your Form N-400 filing date.

Check your USCIS receipt notice or your USCIS online account to determine the official filing date.

Identify the correct test version.

Match your filing date to either the 2008 or 2025 civics test requirement.

Review official study materials.

Use resources published directly by USCIS to ensure you study the correct content.

Do not rely on outdated materials.

The two test versions are separate, and preparation materials may differ.

Where to Get Official Information

USCIS publishes official study resources and test guidance.

Always rely on USCIS materials rather than third-party summaries.

If you are unsure which version applies to you, review your filing confirmation or consult official USCIS guidance.

Filing at the wrong time can change the test you must take, so plan your application timeline carefully.

What Trips Applicants Up

Many applicants rely on outdated guidance when preparing for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization).

USCIS moved content from the former Adjudicator’s Field Manual into the USCIS Policy Manual on May 21, 2020.

If you base your application strategy on older references, you risk following standards that officers no longer use.

USCIS officers rely on the current Policy Manual when reviewing your case.

You should do the same.

Using unofficial summaries or legacy materials creates avoidable inconsistencies in how you present your eligibility.

Common problems include:

Citing outdated adjudication standards.
Quoting language from the former Adjudicator’s Field Manual instead of the current USCIS Policy Manual.
Assuming internal guidance has not changed.
Preparing evidence based on secondary sources rather than current USCIS policy.

You control this risk by checking the official USCIS Policy Manual before you submit anything.

Treat it as the controlling guidance for how officers interpret and apply the law during naturalization review.

Another issue arises when applicants misunderstand who makes decisions.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates naturalization applications.

If you rely on information that applies to a different agency or to a prior internal manual, you may frame your case incorrectly.

Policy updates matter.

When USCIS consolidated the Adjudicator’s Field Manual into the Policy Manual, it centralized and clarified adjudication guidance.

If you ignore that shift, you may prepare arguments that no longer reflect how officers evaluate eligibility.

You should:

Confirm that any policy reference comes from the current USCIS Policy Manual. Avoid relying on archived materials unless you verify that the language remains in force. Align your documentation and explanations with current USCIS guidance.

Naturalization decisions follow the standards USCIS publishes and applies today.

When you ground your application in current policy instead of outdated internal manuals, you reduce confusion and avoid preventable delays.

Taking the Pledge

The final step in U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) is the Oath of Allegiance.

You do not become a U.S. citizen until you take this pledge, unless USCIS formally waives it.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) completes adjudication of your application before you take the oath.

An officer reviews your case on its merits and confirms that you qualify.

USCIS Adjudication Before the Oath

USCIS must finish reviewing your naturalization application before scheduling or administering the Oath of Allegiance.

This review confirms that you meet all eligibility requirements at the time of decision.

In some cases, USCIS may address issues involving revocation or cancellation requests connected to your case.

The agency resolves those matters as part of the adjudication process before moving forward.

You cannot take the oath until USCIS completes this review.

The Oath of Allegiance Requirement

Most applicants must take the Oath of Allegiance in order to complete the naturalization process.

By taking the oath, you formally accept the responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship.

You take the oath after USCIS approves your application.

The approval alone does not make you a citizen.

USCIS administers the oath as part of the naturalization process.

Follow the instructions you receive from USCIS regarding when and where to appear.

When the Oath May Be Waived

USCIS may waive the Oath of Allegiance for a child who cannot understand its meaning due to:

Young age, or
Mental incapacity

In these cases, USCIS determines whether a waiver is appropriate based on the child’s ability to comprehend the oath.

If USCIS grants a waiver, the child may still complete the naturalization process without personally taking the pledge.

What You Should Do

Review all correspondence from USCIS carefully.
Confirm that your application has been fully approved.
Follow any instructions provided regarding the oath process.

What Happens to Your Old Passport

When you complete U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization), questions often arise about your current passport from your country of origin.

The handling of that passport depends on current United States requirements.

USCIS publishes current rules and procedural instructions, and requirements can change.

Do not rely on informal advice or outdated materials.

Always confirm details directly through USCIS before your naturalization ceremony.

In practical terms, you should:

Check USCIS guidance before your oath ceremony.
Bring only documents specifically requested in your USCIS notice.
Follow the written instructions provided with your naturalization appointment notice.

USCIS controls the naturalization process.

If any action regarding your existing passport is required, the agency will state that clearly in its official instructions.

Different countries have their own passport rules.

The United States process focuses on granting citizenship through naturalization.

Questions about whether you may keep, renew, or use a foreign passport after becoming a U.S. citizen depend on current U.S. requirements and, separately, the laws of the country that issued that passport.

Before your ceremony, take these steps in order:

Review your USCIS appointment notice and confirm what documents you must bring.
Visit the USCIS website to verify any updated instructions about naturalization procedures.
Prepare only the documents listed in your official notice to avoid delays.

Do not assume that prior applicants’ experiences apply to you.

USCIS updates procedures when necessary.

If you are unsure about how your foreign passport may be affected, consult official USCIS guidance first.

Clear instructions from the agency should guide your actions throughout the naturalization process.

What Citizenship Gives You

When USCIS approves your U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) application, you receive formal legal status as a U.S. citizen.

This status is not informal or symbolic.

It is a legal determination made through an official process.

Your citizenship stands as a recognized status under U.S. law.

USCIS serves as the immigration authority that reviews and decides naturalization applications.

Legal Recognition of Status

Citizenship gives you a status the government formally acknowledges. USCIS reviews your application and issues a decision based on law and the evidence in your record.

If questions about your citizenship come up, a competent court can review and decide the matter. Your status exists within a structured legal framework, not as a discretionary benefit.

You move from applicant to citizen through an official process. That change carries legal weight.

A Final Decision on Your Naturalization Application

U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) ends with a decision. USCIS either approves or denies your case based on eligibility and supporting documentation.

Once approved, your case reflects a completed adjudication. You are no longer in a pending immigration category tied to that application.

A completed naturalization process closes out your request for citizenship and replaces it with confirmed status.

Protection Through Legal Process

Your citizenship status is grounded in law. It is not granted casually or informally.

If your status is reviewed, the matter would be handled through proper legal channels, including adjudication by a competent court if needed. This structure provides procedural safeguards.

You benefit from a defined legal process administered by USCIS and, where necessary, reviewed by the judiciary.

Clear Authority and Oversight

USCIS manages the naturalization process from application through decision. The agency evaluates eligibility, reviews records, and issues formal determinations.

This centralized authority creates consistency. Your citizenship is the result of a documented government decision, not a temporary or conditional classification.

You hold a status that has been examined, decided, and recorded under U.S. immigration law.

Residency Requirements in Detail

Residency requirements affect how U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) cases move through USCIS. You must show you meet the residence standards at the time USCIS reviews your case.

USCIS will not approve your application unless your record supports that requirement. The agency evaluates your residence history based on the documents and information you submit.

If your file raises questions that require confirmation from another agency, USCIS may pause its review. This can directly affect how long your case remains pending.

One situation involves Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship. When your case requires information from the U.S. Department of State, USCIS may delay making a decision until it receives a response.

You will not receive a final determination while that interagency communication remains outstanding.

This means:

USCIS controls the adjudication process.
The U.S. Department of State provides certain records or confirmations when needed.
Your case may remain pending until the requested information arrives.

You cannot force USCIS to complete adjudication before the response is received. Expect possible delays if your case depends on records held by the Department of State.

USCIS will resume review once it receives the necessary information. At that point, the officer continues evaluating whether you meet all requirements for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization), including residency standards.

If you want to reduce delays:

Submit complete and accurate information.

Incomplete filings increase the chance that USCIS must seek outside confirmation.

Respond promptly to any USCIS request.

Delayed responses extend your processing time.

Monitor your case status through USCIS.

Use official USCIS tools to track updates.

You remain responsible for demonstrating eligibility. USCIS verifies the record before granting citizenship, and coordination with the Department of State can be part of that process.

For detailed residency rules that apply to your specific situation, review the official guidance on the USCIS website.

Application Fees and Hidden Costs

Official government fees for the main visa options associated with this goal are listed below. Fees may change — verify the current schedule through the linked visa pages.

Visa / Route	Fee	Amount
U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)	N-400 filing fee	US$760
U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization)	Biometric services fee	US$85

Building Your Citizenship File

You need a complete and organized file before you apply for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) or request proof of citizenship. USCIS reviews what you submit line by line.

Missing or inconsistent records slow your case and raise questions you could have avoided. Start by gathering every document that proves your identity and your claim to citizenship or eligibility.

Keep copies of everything you send to USCIS.

Create a working checklist:

Government‑issued identification
Prior immigration documents and notices
Any prior citizenship certificates
Court or name change records, if applicable
Copies of all forms you previously filed with USCIS

Organize these records in chronological order. Label each document clearly so you can reference it quickly if USCIS sends a notice or requests clarification.

If you plan to file Form N-600, know that USCIS carefully reviews how any prior citizenship document was issued. During adjudication, USCIS can determine that a certificate was issued illegally, fraudulently, or in error.

You must ensure that every statement in your file matches the supporting documents. Inconsistent dates, different spellings of names, or conflicting information can create problems.

Correct issues before filing rather than trying to fix them later.

Use a simple tracking system to manage your paperwork:

Scan and save digital copies of every document and store them securely.
Keep original documents separate from mailing copies to USCIS.
Track correspondence by saving every receipt notice and decision letter.
Review all forms carefully before submission to confirm consistency across your file.

If you need current filing instructions, document requirements, or fee information, check the official USCIS website. Requirements can change, and you must follow the version of the form and instructions that USCIS currently accepts.

Treat your citizenship file as a permanent record. USCIS may review past filings when deciding a new application.

A well‑organized file protects you and allows you to respond quickly to any request for evidence.

Real Scenarios

You have held lawful permanent resident status for five years and want to complete the U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization) process. Your main concern is whether you meet the basic eligibility period and how to start with USCIS.

You confirm that you have maintained your permanent resident status for the full five-year period. Then you prepare and submit your naturalization application to USCIS, following the current form instructions listed on the USCIS website.

You monitor case updates directly through your USCIS account. USCIS reviews your application and schedules the required steps in the process.

You attend all appointments as instructed and respond promptly to any official notices. Your case moves forward because you met the required permanent resident timeframe and followed USCIS procedures carefully.

Scenario: Three Years as a Permanent Resident Through Marriage

You obtained lawful permanent resident status through marriage to a U.S. citizen. After three years, you want to apply for naturalization but wonder whether your marriage affects eligibility.

You verify that your eligibility is based on being married to and living with a U.S. citizen. You then file your naturalization application with USCIS under the rules that apply to spouses of U.S. citizens.

You keep documentation that shows your ongoing marital relationship, as required in the instructions. USCIS processes your case under the marriage-based naturalization category.

You complete each required step and track your case status directly with the agency. Because you applied under the correct eligibility category and followed the USCIS guidance, your application proceeds under the three-year rule rather than the standard five-year requirement.

Scenario: U.S. Military Service Member Seeking Citizenship

You serve in the U.S. military and want to become a U.S. citizen as soon as you qualify. Your concern is whether military service changes the naturalization process.

You review the military-related naturalization guidance published by USCIS. Then you submit your naturalization application through the procedures specifically available to service members.

You coordinate with your command and USCIS as instructed. USCIS processes your application under the military provisions for U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization).

You complete each required step and comply with official instructions. Your military service provides a distinct path to citizenship, and USCIS evaluates your case under those service-based rules rather than the standard civilian timeline.

Global Overview

See how this topic works across all countries in our How to Get Citizenship Abroad.

Become a U.S. Citizen in Other Countries

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FAQs

Where can you find the current naturalization filing fees?

Check the official USCIS website for the most recent fee amounts in USD ($). Fees can change, and USCIS publishes updates directly.

Should you rely on third-party websites for naturalization information?

Rely on official government sources such as USCIS and the U.S. Department of State. These agencies publish the most accurate and current guidance.

Is “Become a U.S. Citizen” the name of a government form?

No. “Become a U.S. Citizen” describes the process of U.S. Citizenship (Naturalization). USCIS assigns specific form names and numbers for applications.

Who handles consular processing if you apply from outside the United States?

The U.S. Department of State manages consular processing, including interviews and visa issuance. USCIS does not conduct visa interviews abroad.

Where should you check for the correct mailing address for your application?

Review the official form instructions on the USCIS website. Mailing locations can change, and USCIS updates them as needed.

How do you confirm which agency is responsible for your case?

First, figure out where you are in the immigration process.

USCIS manages petitions and most immigration benefits.

The U.S. Department of State processes visas.

CBP makes decisions about admission when you arrive at a port of entry.

How long do I need to live in the United States before I can apply for citizenship?

Residency requirements vary by pathway. Standard naturalization typically requires several years of continuous lawful residence. Reduced periods may apply for spouses of citizens, refugees, or long-term permanent residents.

Do I have to give up my current citizenship to become a citizen of the United States?

United States's dual nationality rules apply. Check with the immigration authority before applying, as policies on holding multiple citizenships vary and may affect your application.

What is the citizenship test like in the United States?

Citizenship test and interview requirements vary by pathway in United States. Check the official guidelines for current test format and study materials.

Official sources referenced

Last reviewed: March 17, 2026

Important

VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.

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