January 2026 Addendum: Strategic Shifts in Naturalization Adjudication
As of January 2026, the naturalization process has been significantly revised to include more rigorous testing and a “holistic” review of an applicant’s background. For all applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, USCIS has implemented the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, which expands the potential question bank to 128 items and increases the passing threshold — applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly during their oral interview. Furthermore, under a series of policy memoranda finalized in late 2025, the Good Moral Character (GMC) requirement is no longer satisfied by the mere absence of a criminal record. Officers are now directed to perform a “virtue-based” assessment, weighing positive civic contributions — such as community service, family caregiving, and tax compliance — against any negative behavior, including non-criminal “anti-American” sentiments or habitual minor infractions.
Additionally, as of January 1, 2026, the naturalization fee has increased under the new annual inflation-adjustment model to $710 for online filings and $760 for paper filings (biometrics included). Applicants are advised to consult the 2025 Civics Test Study Materials and the updated USCIS Policy Manual on Good Moral Character.
(The following article was written in 2022, please consult with an immigration attorney for up-to-date information on the current status of this or any other immigration program)
The process of a foreign-born person becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization. After obtaining lawful permanent resident status, citizenship is the next step for green card holders living and working in the United States.
Here are several of the advantages to becoming a naturalized citizen:
- Have the right to cast a vote for local, state and federal elections, and also to be elected to public office.
- Gain the right to be employed in certain government jobs that are only available to U.S. citizens.
- Have the right to live outside the U.S. for extended periods without losing U.S. residency status or rights.
- Gain protection from being deported if convicted of certain crimes.
- Benefit from tax benefits and public assistance programs that are available to U.S. citizens but not permanent residents.
Requirements for Becoming a Naturalized Citizen
Here are the basic requirements for applying for naturalization.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Maintain continuous presence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years, or three years for those married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse. Please note that maintaining continuous presence means that the applicant has not taken any trip outside the U.S. for longer than six months over the five-year period.
- Be a resident of the state or district represented by the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office where you intend to apply. This means staying in the same state or district for at least three months prior to applying.
- Be an individual of “good moral character,” e.g., to be an honest and respectable person who follows state and federal laws.
- Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English; and have some knowledge of U.S. history and government. This will be assessed during the naturalization interview, and by English reading and writing tests and a citizenship exam.
- Males who lived in the U.S. between the ages of 18 and 26 must register for military service.
- Attend a public Oath of Allegiance Ceremony and swear allegiance to the United States.
For many immigrants to the United States, the journey to citizenship can be long and challenging. However, with proper representation and guidance from an immigration attorney, it is entirely possible to become a naturalized U.S. citizen with all the rights and privileges that entails. Please consult with a qualified and licensed immigration attorney to see if you are eligible to apply for citizenship.