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The Daily Insight

Can I apply for citizenship by myself?

Author

Christopher Pierce

Updated on March 03, 2026

You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.

How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship 2021?

The current filing fee to apply for U.S. citizenship is $725. This includes $640 for the Form N-400(Application for Naturalization) processing fee and $85 for the biometrics fee. This filing fee is non-refundable regardless of USCIS accepting or rejecting your application.

What are the 5 requirements to become a US citizen?

All naturalization applicants must meet a number of filing requirements, described below.

  • Age.
  • Residency.
  • Residence and Physical Presence.
  • Good Moral Character.
  • Attachment to the Constitution.
  • Language.
  • U.S. Government and History Knowledge.
  • Oath of Allegiance.

Do you have to take a test to become a U.S. citizen?

As part of the naturalization process, applicants for U.S. citizenship must pass a two-part naturalization test. The second, a civics test, evaluates the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government.

How long must you live in us before applying for citizenship?

5 years
In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

How to successfully become an U.S. citizen?

Apply for permanent residency;

  • Obtain your green card;
  • Reside in the US continuously for five years;
  • Apply for naturalization;
  • Pass your English Language and Civics tests;
  • Attend a citizenship ceremony and take an Oath of Allegiance to the US; and
  • Apply for your US passport.
  • What are the two most common ways to become an US citizen?

    There are four fundamental ways to obtain U.S. citizenship: citizenship by birth in the U.S., citizenship through derivation, citizenship through acquisition, and citizenship through naturalization. Most immigrants in the United States become citizens through the naturalization process.

    What to do after becoming an US citizen?

    Celebrate!

  • Update Your Social Security Record. With your new title of U.S.
  • Congratulations!
  • Apply for US Passport. Now that you are a U.S.
  • Register to Vote. As a new U.S.
  • Update Your Social Security Record.
  • Obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for Your Child.
  • Sponsor Family Members to Come to the US.
  • What does it take to become an US citizen?

    A process where you show Immigration – the government agency that regulates questions of citizenship — that you meet certain legal requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen is called “naturalization.”. You must have “good moral character” to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.