To qualify for citizenship (naturalization), you must:

  • Be at least18 years old;
  • Have served for at least a year (or periods totaling at least 1 year);
  • Have served and ended service honorably;
  • Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) when you have your naturalization interview;
  • Lived and stayed in the U.S. for long enough; 
  • Show you can read, write and speak English (unless you qualify for a waiver or exception);
  • Show knowledge of U.S. history and government, unless excepted;
  • Prove good moral character (that you are a good person and avoided certain problems) for at least five years before filing your N-400 through the day you naturalize; and
  • Be willing to take the oath. 

This is a link to the section of the USCIS website that has immigration information and links to resources that are for members of the military and their families.

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Last Reviewed: October 24, 2023