January 2026 Addendum: Updated Citizenship Standards and Fees
As of January 2026, the naturalization process includes stricter testing and expanded eligibility reviews. All Form N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025, are subject to the 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, which has increased the question bank to 128 items. During the interview, applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass, a significant increase from the previous 6 out of 10 requirement. Additionally, USCIS has implemented a “holistic” approach to the Good Moral Character (GMC) requirement under recent executive directives. Officers now evaluate positive civic contributions—such as community service and financial responsibility—rather than just the absence of a criminal record. New guidelines also permit increased scrutiny of an applicant’s social media and public statements for “anti-American” sentiments or views inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution.
Financially, the 2026 inflation-based fee adjustments are now in effect. The current filing fee for Form N-400 is $710 for online filings and $760 for paper filings, which now includes the cost of biometric services. Applicants with household incomes between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for a reduced fee of $380. It is also important to note that while the general residency requirements remain, certain applicants from “high-risk” jurisdictions may face additional security vetting holds as part of broader national security protocols updated in early 2026. For the most current study materials and fee information, please refer to the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center and the official USCIS Filing Fees page.
(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)
Before filing papers for US citizenship, the applicant must meet certain requirements to be eligible. Bear in mind that there may be differing requirements and/or exceptions depending on the applicant’s situation (be sure to check with a qualified immigration attorney). Here are the general requirements for applying for US citizenship:
- Applicant must be at-least 18 years old at the time of filing.
- At the time of application for citizenship the applicant must be a permanent resident (i.e. “Green Card” holder) for at least 5 years.
- Applicant must demonstrate that they have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS designated district where they intend to file papers for citizenship.
- Applicant must prove continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately before the date of submitting the citizenship application forms.
- Applicant must also prove that they have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before submitting the citizenship application forms.
- Applicant must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
- Applicant must demonstrate a basic understanding of U.S. civics, i.e. have knowledge of the history and government of the United States.
- Applicant must be considered a person of good moral character, i.e. not having committed certain crimes and not having lied to the officer during the citizenship interview
- Applicant must demonstrate an attachment to the principles and ideals of the U.S. Constitution by swearing allegiance to the United States in a public ceremony.
As mentioned above, there may be exceptions to the above requirements in special circumstances (like if the applicant served in the U.S. military or if the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen, among others), so make sure you consult with a qualified immigration attorney before applying for US citizenship.