General Qualifications

• There are a few qualifying factors that all applicants for naturalization must meet. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, all applicants for citizenship must be at least 18 years of age or older and must have been a permanent resident of the United States for a considerable amount of time. This is generally five years, but can be shortened. The applicant must show signs of good moral character and cannot have been convicted of certain crimes, including aggravated felonies, murder and some drug charges. The applicant must have basic knowledge of the United States and basic literacy skills. Applicants must be able to speak basic English as well. Some of the requirements may be waived for applicants over 50 years old who have lived as resident aliens for 15 to 20 years.
  
  

Literacy Testing

• Applicants for U.S. citizenship must pass an English literacy test before their citizenship is approved. The literacy test will include basic writing, speaking and reading segments. The literacy requirement is required for all applicants, with the exception of those who meet the over-50 permanent-resident alien requirements, and those who have a documented physical or mental disability that renders the applicant unable to comply with the terms of the test.
  
  

U.S. Government and History Test

• All resident aliens seeking U.S. citizenship are expected to know some information about the country. A test that quizzes applicants on the history and government of the United States must be passed prior to final approval. Applicants will be verbally asked 10 of a pre-determined list of 100 civics questions about he U.S. government and its history. Only those with a documented disability that prevents them from being able to comply with the test or those 65 years of age or older who have lived as permanent resident aliens for more than 20 years are exempt from the test.
  
  

Required Forms

• U.S. citizenship requires the completion of several forms. Candidates must fill out an Application for Naturalization, or Form N-400. This is available at the local immigration office. Complete information is available in the Guide to Naturalization M-476. Military personnel looking to become naturalized citizens should consult the M-599 manual, Naturalization Information for Military Personnel.