U.S. Citizenship Through Naturalization in 2026: Eligibility, the N-400 Process, and What Applicants Must Know

Naturalization is the legal process through which an eligible lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. In 2026, applicants must satisfy statutory eligibility requirements, complete Form N-400 accurately, pass the required English and civics examinations, and demonstrate good moral character.

USCIS has also implemented important procedural changes. These include the 2025 civics test, reinstated neighborhood investigations, stricter signature requirements for paper filings, and proposed: but not yet effective: changes to naturalization fees.

This guide summarizes the principal requirements and preparation steps for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

General Naturalization Eligibility Requirements

Most applicants qualify under the standard five-year rule. Applicants must generally establish all of the following:

• They are at least 18 years old when Form N-400 is filed.
• They have been lawful permanent residents for at least five years.
• They maintained continuous residence in the United States for the required period.
• They were physically present in the United States for at least 30 months during the five-year statutory period.
• They lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where they file.
• They demonstrate good moral character.
• They can read, write, and speak basic English, unless an exemption applies.
• They demonstrate knowledge of U.S. government and history.
• They show attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
• They are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.

USCIS generally permits eligible applicants to file Form N-400 up to 90 days before completing the required period of continuous residence. Filing early does not eliminate any other eligibility requirement.

The Three-Year Rule for Certain Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Some lawful permanent residents may apply after three years instead of five years if they:

• Have been permanent residents for at least three years;
• Have lived in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during that period;
• Meet the applicable continuous residence and physical presence requirements; and
• Satisfy the remaining naturalization requirements.

Under this route, the physical presence requirement is generally 18 months during the applicable three-year period. The applicant must provide evidence of the marital relationship and the spouse’s U.S. citizenship.

Continuous Residence and Physical Presence

Continuous residence and physical presence are separate requirements.

Continuous Residence

Continuous residence concerns whether the applicant maintained a principal home in the United States. An absence of more than six months may create a presumption that continuous residence was interrupted. An absence of one year or more generally breaks continuous residence, subject to limited exceptions.

Applicants should review every international trip during the statutory period. They should compare the travel history reported on Form N-400 with passport records, airline records, employment documents, tax records, and personal calendars.

Physical Presence

Physical presence concerns the actual number of days the applicant was physically inside the United States. Under the standard five-year rule, the applicant generally must have been physically present for at least 30 months, or 913 days, during the relevant period.

Extended travel can affect both requirements. Satisfying the physical presence calculation does not automatically establish continuous residence.

Good Moral Character: USCIS Uses a Holistic Review

An applicant must demonstrate good moral character during the applicable statutory period and through the time of naturalization. For most applicants, USCIS reviews at least the five years preceding the filing of Form N-400. For applicants using the three-year rule, the applicable period is generally three years.

USCIS does not limit its review to criminal convictions. The agency may evaluate the totality of the circumstances, including:

• Arrests, charges, convictions, and probation;
• False testimony or omissions during immigration proceedings;
• Fraud or misrepresentation;
• Unpaid taxes or failure to file required tax returns;
• Failure to support dependents;
• Immigration violations;
• Selective Service registration issues;
• Substance-related conduct;
• Domestic violence or other unlawful conduct; and
• Other behavior relevant to honesty, reliability, and compliance with the law.

USCIS may also consider conduct outside the statutory period if it affects the applicant’s present character.

Applicants must disclose required information even when they believe an incident is old, expunged, dismissed, or legally insignificant. A failure to disclose a material fact can create a separate eligibility problem.

The 2025 Naturalization Civics Test

Applicants who file Form N-400 in 2026 will generally take the 2025 naturalization civics test. The test is based on a bank of 128 questions.

During the naturalization interview:

• The officer asks up to 20 civics questions.
• The applicant must answer at least 12 questions correctly.
• The examination stops when the applicant reaches 12 correct answers or nine incorrect answers.

Applicants should study the official 2025 Civics Test questions and answers published by USCIS.

Applicants who are at least 65 years old and have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years may qualify for the 65/20 special consideration. These applicants study a designated group of questions and must answer six of ten questions correctly.

English and civics exemptions may also apply in limited circumstances based on age, years as a permanent resident, or a qualifying medical disability. Applicants seeking a medical disability exception generally must submit Form N-648.

Reinstated Neighborhood Investigations

USCIS has resumed personal or neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants. The policy is based on INA § 335(a), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1446(a).

USCIS Policy Alert PA-2026-10, effective August 25, 2026, formalized the use of these investigations for pending and newly filed naturalization applications. USCIS may conduct an investigation when it determines that additional information is necessary. The agency may also waive an investigation in its discretion.

A neighborhood investigation may involve inquiries directed to:

• Neighbors and landlords;
• Employers, supervisors, or coworkers;
• Business associates;
• Community members; and
• Other individuals with relevant knowledge of the applicant.

The investigation may address residence, employment, reputation, conduct, good moral character, and the accuracy of the N-400. Applicants should prepare their cases on the assumption that USCIS may verify information through third parties.

Blasingame Law LLC previously addressed this development in USCIS Reinstates Neighborhood Investigations for Naturalization.

Form N-400 Filing Process

The naturalization process generally includes the following steps:

1. Confirm eligibility. Review permanent residence dates, travel history, residence, employment, criminal history, tax compliance, and other good moral character issues.
2. Complete Form N-400. Provide complete and consistent information about addresses, employment, travel, family relationships, organizations, and prior immigration filings.
3. Prepare supporting evidence. Follow the current N-400 Instructions and USCIS Document Checklist.
4. Submit the filing and correct fee. Applicants may file online or by mail, depending on the applicable USCIS procedures.
5. Attend biometrics collection if scheduled.
6. Attend the naturalization interview. The officer reviews the N-400, asks questions under oath, and administers the English and civics tests.
7. Respond to any USCIS notice. USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence, continuation notice, or Notice of Intent to Deny.
8. Attend the oath ceremony. Citizenship is generally granted after the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance.

Wet-Ink Signature Requirement Effective July 10, 2026

A USCIS signature rule effective July 10, 2026 applies broadly to immigration benefit requests, including Form N-400.

For a paper-filed N-400, the applicant must sign by hand using a handwritten, or “wet-ink,” signature. USCIS may accept a photocopy, scan, or fax of a document that contains the original handwritten signature. The following generally do not satisfy the paper signature requirement:

• Typed names;
• Signature fonts;
• Stamped signatures;
• Pasted signature images; and
• Third-party electronic signatures, such as DocuSign.

An online N-400 filed through a USCIS account uses the USCIS-authorized electronic signing process. Applicants should not substitute a third-party electronic signature for the secure electronic attestation provided by USCIS.

An invalid signature may result in rejection or denial and loss of the filing fee. Applicants should verify the applicable signature instructions before submitting any filing.

Common Supporting Documents

The required evidence depends on the applicant’s history. Typical documents include:

• Copy of both sides of the Permanent Resident Card;
• Evidence of legal name changes;
• Marriage certificates and proof terminating prior marriages;
• Evidence of the spouse’s U.S. citizenship for three-year applicants;
• Certified arrest, court, probation, or disposition records;
• Selective Service registration evidence or an explanation;
• Tax records or evidence addressing unpaid taxes;
• Evidence concerning child support obligations;
• Form N-648 for a qualifying medical disability exception; and
• Form I-912 and financial evidence if requesting a fee waiver.

Applicants should use the current Form N-400 page, instructions, and USCIS checklist. Documents not in English generally require complete translations with the required translator certification.

Proposed Naturalization Fee Changes Are Not Yet Effective

DHS published a proposed rule in June 2026 that would substantially increase naturalization fees and eliminate certain fee reductions and waivers. The proposal would:

• Increase the paper N-400 fee from $760 to $1,330;
• Increase the online N-400 fee from $710 to $1,280;
• Eliminate the $380 reduced-fee option; and
• Eliminate fee waivers for most naturalization filings, subject to limited exceptions.

These changes are proposed only. They are not currently in effect. The current fees, reduced-fee procedures, and fee-waiver procedures remain available unless and until a final rule becomes effective.

Applicants should confirm the current fee and payment requirements directly through USCIS immediately before filing.

Preparation and Disclosure Warnings

Before submitting Form N-400, applicants should:

• Reconstruct every address during the applicable statutory period.
• Confirm all employment, school, and unemployment periods.
• Calculate every trip outside the United States.
• Review prior immigration applications for inconsistencies.
• Obtain certified records for arrests, charges, or court matters.
• Resolve tax, child support, and Selective Service concerns.
• Prepare for questions about all N-400 answers.
• Keep USCIS informed of address changes.
• Monitor physical mail and the USCIS online account.

Applicants must not guess, conceal, or minimize material facts. Misrepresentation or failure to disclose may result in denial of naturalization. In serious cases, it may create removal exposure, prevent future immigration benefits, or support revocation of citizenship obtained through concealment or fraud.

Consult Blasingame Law LLC

Naturalization eligibility depends on the applicant’s complete immigration, travel, residence, employment, family, and legal history. A carefully prepared N-400 can identify issues before filing, but no checklist replaces a case-specific legal assessment.

Blasingame Law LLC provides personalized guidance on naturalization, Form N-400 preparation, documentation, interview preparation, good moral character concerns, and citizenship-related immigration matters. Schedule a consultation before filing if your case involves extended travel, criminal or court history, tax issues, prior immigration discrepancies, or any uncertainty about eligibility.

This article provides general information as of September 14, 2026. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. USCIS requirements, forms, fees, and procedures may change. Applicants should obtain individualized legal guidance before filing Form N-400 or responding to USCIS.