Must obtain permanent residence before applying for naturalization unless the person served in the armed forces during a period of hostilities.

Must be 18 years or older.

Must be a permanent resident for five years. However, if a person is married to a U.S. citizen, the individual may be eligible for naturalization in three years if:
- the couple has been married for 3 years,
- if the U.S. citizen spouse was a citizen during that entire period, and
- if the couple are living in marital unity

Must have resided for three months in the state where the petition was filed.

Must be physically present in the U.S. for at least one half of the five years, 6 months of every year (or one half of three years if spouse is a citizen).

Must have resided continuously within the U.S. from the date the application was filed to the time of admission to citizenship.

Must not be absent from the U.S. for a continuous period of more than one year during the periods for which continuous residence is required. Exceptions-military service abroad and employees posted abroad who have approval to preserve residency.

Must be a person of good moral character for the five years. i.e. no criminal record, etc.

Must demonstrate loyalty to the U.S. as opposed to home country.

Must demonstrate an elementary level of understanding, reading and writing of the English language. Exceptions - person over fifty, resident in the U.S. for 20 years as a permanent resident; and person over 55 , living in the U.S. for 15 years as a permanent resident. Certain disability exemptions may apply in appropriate cases.

Must demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. government and history. Again, disability exemptions may be available in certain cases.