USCIS generally reviews an N-400 applicant’s eligibility based on the following criteria:

• Lawful Permanent Resident Status: The applicant must be a green card holder and must meet the required period of permanent residence, generally 5 years, or 3 years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.

• Continuous Residence: The applicant must show continuous residence in the United States during the required statutory period.

• Physical Presence: The applicant must have been physically present in the United States for the required amount of time before filing.

• State or District Residence: The applicant must generally reside for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed.

• Good Moral Character: USCIS will review the applicant’s criminal history, tax compliance, prior immigration history, and other conduct during the relevant period.

• English and Civics Requirements: The applicant must generally demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English, and must pass a U.S. history and government civics test, unless an exception applies.

• Attachment to the Constitution: The applicant must be willing to support the principles of the U.S. Constitution and take the Oath of Allegiance.