From green card to US citizenship

Green card holders can apply for citizenship on Form N-400 after 5 years of permanent residence (or 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen). A new civics test with 128 questions has applied since October 2025. Green card holders are not covered by the travel ban.

Main requirements

• 5 years of permanent residence (3 for the spouse of a citizen)
• Physical presence in the US for at least half that time, and continuous residence
• Good moral character
• An English test (reading, writing, speaking)
• The civics test: up to 20 questions from a pool of 128, with 12 correct answers needed

Fees (2026)

For Iranian green card holders

The USCIS hold on applications from nationals of travel-ban countries (December 2025) was vacated by a court in June 2026 and cases are being processed again, but the case is on appeal and broad security re-review continues. Consult a lawyer before filing an N-400 and before travelling outside the US.

Frequently asked questions

After how many years with a green card can I become a US citizen?

5 years; or 3 years if you are married to and living with a US citizen.

What is the US citizenship civics test like?

Up to 20 questions are asked from a pool of 128, and 12 correct answers are needed; the test ends at 12 correct or 9 wrong.

Does the US allow dual citizenship?

The US does not prohibit dual citizenship, although the citizenship oath declares allegiance to the US.

Based on USCIS fees and the civics test; position as of October 2026.