These apply to the majority of applicants who have been lawful permanent residents (LPRs) for at least 5 years:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing Form N-400.

• Lawful Permanent Resident Status: Must have been lawfully admitted as a permanent resident and hold a valid Permanent Resident Card (green card). Time as an LPR must be at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse who has been a citizen for at least 3 years). Applicants may file up to 90 days before completing the required residency period.

• Continuous Residence: Must have continuously resided in the U.S. as an LPR for the required period (5 or 3 years), with no single absence of 6 months or longer that could break continuity (absences of 6-12 months may raise a rebuttable presumption of breaking residence, while absences over 1 year generally break it unless pre-approved via Form N-470). Additionally, must have resided in the USCIS district or state where applying for at least 3 months prior to filing.

• Physical Presence: Must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the required residency period (30 months out of 5 years, or 18 months out of 3 years).

• English Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English. This is tested during the naturalization interview.

• Knowledge of U.S. History and Government (Civics): Must pass a civics test on U.S. history, government, and principles.

• Good Moral Character: Must demonstrate good moral character during the required residency period (and potentially longer). This includes no convictions for murder (at any time) or aggravated felonies (on or after November 29, 1990), and full disclosure of all criminal history, including expunged records or offenses before age 18. Other factors like tax compliance, child support, and honesty during the process are considered. Applicants in removal proceedings are generally ineligible.

• Attachment to the U.S. Constitution and Oath of Allegiance: Must declare attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance, which involves renouncing foreign allegiances, supporting and defending the Constitution, and bearing arms or performing noncombatant/civilian service for the U.S. when required by law (conscientious objectors may modify the oath for religious reasons).

• Selective Service Registration (for Males): Males aged 18-25 must have registered with the Selective Service System (or provide a valid reason for not doing so, such as entering the U.S. after age 26). Failure to register without a good reason can impact moral character. Desertion from or exemption from U.S. Armed Forces on grounds of being an alien also bars eligibility.

Note that there are some exceptions to this general rule.

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