What does it take to become a US citizen? What to know as Border Patrol is in NC
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- Border Patrol agents made arrests in Charlotte and Raleigh this week.
- Citizenship applicants must be 18, meet residency and English requirements and more.
- Form N-400 starts naturalization. Filing fees run about $710-$760 and timelines vary.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers were in Charlotte and Raleigh this week as part of a larger immigration crackdown in major U.S. cities, prompting questions about what’s actually required to become a United States citizen.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it “welcomed 818,500 new citizens” during fiscal year 2024, a 7% dip from the year before. Even still, more than 2.6 million people have gained U.S. citizenship in just the last three years, data show.
The agency declined The Charlotte Observer’s interview request but emailed a statement stressing the importance of U.S. citizenship.
Here’s what to know about becoming a U.S. citizen.
Who’s eligible?
The process to become a naturalized U.S. citizen is a complex one, and eligibility requirements may vary depending on your situation. Generally, those seeking citizenship must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a lawful permanent resident (or Green Card holder) for at least five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
- Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months of the five-year waiting period.
- Live in a state or USCIS district for at least three months prior to filing for naturalization.
- Be able to read, write and speak English.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the fundamentals of U.S. history and government.
There’s also an online tool to help determine if you’re eligible for citizenship.
How much does it cost?
The path to citizenship starts with filling out form N-400, the official application for naturalization.
Filing fees start at $760 if filing by mail, and $710 if you choose to file online. Applicants can request a reduced fee or have it waived altogether, although exemptions are granted on case by case basis.
Other costs to consider include legal or professional assistance, document request fees, translation services and travel, according to One Percent for America, a non-profit organization focused on reducing financial barriers to U.S. citizenship.
“Costs can range from $150 to $2,000, not including the USCIS application fees,” the group’s website says.
How long is the process?
The naturalization process can take months, or even years, from start to finish.
USCIS advises that processing times can vary based on a number of factors, like the volume of applications received, staff availability, policy changes and more.
In Charlotte and Raleigh, about 80 percent of N-400 applications are completed within 8 months, according to the department’s website.
Citizenship test study materials
The naturalization test and interview are the most important steps to becoming a U.S. citizen. The test features two components: an English language and civics exam.
Applicants must prove they can read, write and speak basic English.
During the civics portion, applicants should expect “important questions about American history, U.S. government, and civics,” according to USCIS. The oral exam has 20 questions (from a list of 128), and you must answer at least 12 correctly to pass.
The official list of civics questions and answers for the 2025 test are posted online.
Applicants who fail will be retested on the part of the exam they failed 60 to 90 days after their initial interview, USCIS said.
Can I travel abroad while my citizenship application is pending?
Maintaining continuous residence in the U.S. is required for citizenship, and trips longer than six months (or 180 days) may violate that requirement under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
It’s a hard and fast rule with exceptions for applicants who are employed by:
- Or under contract with the U.S. government or an American research institution
- An American firm or corporation engaged foreign trade or commerce for the U.S.
- A public international organization that the United States is a member of
This story was originally published November 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM.