Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone for immigrants living in the United States. It provides a sense of belonging, security, and access to the full benefits of American life. U.S. citizens can vote in elections, obtain a U.S. passport, petition for relatives to immigrate, and are protected from removal or deportation. For many immigrants, achieving citizenship is the final step in building a permanent life in the United States.
While the naturalization process remains largely consistent from year to year, it’s important to understand the specific requirements in effect for 2025. These guidelines apply to applicants throughout the U.S., whether you're living in Denver, Colorado, Fairfax, Virginia, or elsewhere. At Pachuta & Kammerman, we assist individuals in both Colorado and Virginia and have helped countless clients successfully become U.S. citizens.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization involves meeting several legal and procedural benchmarks. In 2025, the core eligibility requirements remain grounded in long-standing immigration laws. Here are the primary conditions an applicant must meet:
- Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card Holder): Before you can apply for citizenship, you must have held a green card for at least five years. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, the requirement may be reduced to three years, provided you have lived with your spouse continuously during that time.
- Physical Presence in the U.S.: You must have been physically present in the country for at least 30 months out of the past five years (or 18 months out of the last three years for spouses of citizens). Time spent abroad for extended periods could jeopardize your eligibility.
- Continuous Residence: In addition to physical presence, you must also show that your residence in the U.S. has been consistent. Long trips abroad, especially those lasting more than six months, may be seen as a break in continuous residence unless you can demonstrate otherwise.
- Good Moral Character: USCIS reviews your behavior over the previous five years (or three years, if married to a citizen). This includes checking for criminal activity, unpaid taxes, dishonesty on prior applications, and more. Even a single issue could lead to a denial, so this requirement deserves serious attention.
- Ability to Read, Write, and Speak Basic English: You must demonstrate basic proficiency in English. This is evaluated during your naturalization interview through conversation, reading a sentence, and writing a sentence in English.
- Knowledge of U.S. Government and History: You will take a civics test, which includes questions about American history, government, and your responsibilities as a citizen. In 2025, the test remains 10 questions drawn from a 100-question pool. You must answer at least six questions correctly to pass.
- Willingness to Take the Oath of Allegiance: The final step is your commitment to the United States. You must affirm loyalty to the country and agree to support and defend the Constitution by taking the Oath of Allegiance during a formal ceremony.
These requirements form the foundation of every citizenship application, but each applicant’s background and history can affect how they are applied. Small mistakes or misunderstood details can delay approval or result in denial.
Recent Trends and Considerations for 2025
While the process has not changed dramatically in 2025, there are a few key developments and factors to consider. The naturalization test has been updated with clarified language and new questions, ensuring that applicants have a deeper understanding of how the government functions today. Applicants should thoroughly study the new civics test materials published by USCIS and take practice exams to increase their confidence.
USCIS has also continued its push toward digital filing and document management. While paper forms are still accepted, applying online may offer faster processing and more accessible communication with the agency. Applicants can also track their case status through their USCIS account, receive electronic notifications, and respond to requests for evidence (RFEs) digitally.
Additionally, scrutiny of the "good moral character" requirement appears to be increasing. USCIS officers are paying closer attention to past legal infractions, even if those offenses were minor or occurred long ago. Issues such as past DUIs, failure to pay child support, or discrepancies in tax filings can raise red flags. It is critical that applicants fully understand how their background may be evaluated and prepare supporting documentation accordingly.
It’s also important to know that wait times for naturalization interviews vary by region. For example, applicants in the Denver or Fairfax USCIS field offices may experience different processing times and appointment availability. Because of this, planning ahead is essential—especially for those who are trying to complete the process in time for a specific goal, such as voting in an upcoming election.
Do You Need an Immigration Attorney to Apply?
Although the law does not require applicants to use an attorney for citizenship, working with a qualified immigration lawyer can offer peace of mind and increase your chances of approval. The citizenship application process involves several forms, legal eligibility requirements, and an in-person interview. Errors in your Form N-400, missing documentation, or incorrect assumptions about your eligibility could all delay your approval or lead to rejection.
At Pachuta & Kammerman, our team has extensive experience handling citizenship applications for clients from a wide variety of backgrounds. We regularly assist individuals who have prior arrests, long trips abroad, complex residency issues, or past immigration problems. We work closely with clients to ensure their application is strong, accurate, and fully prepared for submission.
We also offer interview preparation services, helping you understand what to expect during the naturalization interview and how to answer questions clearly and confidently. If USCIS requests additional evidence or if complications arise, we’re here to assist at every stage of the process.
Our citizenship services are available to clients throughout Virginia and Colorado, including those located in Fairfax and Denver. If you're unsure whether you're eligible or have questions about your specific situation, we can provide clear, honest advice about the best way to proceed.
Ready to become a U.S. citizen? Contact us today to get the experienced support you need. We’re proud to serve immigrants throughout Virginia and Colorado and would be honored to assist you on your path to citizenship.
