American Citizenship Denied: Reasons and How to Appeal

Obtaining American citizenship is the ultimate goal for many immigrants who have built their lives in the United States. However, denial of the N-400 form (Application for Naturalization) is more common than many imagine, and the consequences can delay the dream of naturalization by years. Knowing the most frequent reasons for denial and preparing a solid application are the best ways to avoid surprises in the process.

Requirements for Naturalization

Before analyzing the reasons for denial, it is essential to understand the basic eligibility requirements for the N-400. The applicant must be at least 18 years old on the date of submission and must have held a green card for at least five consecutive years prior to the application. Spouses of American citizens can apply after three years as permanent residents.

The applicant must have resided for at least three months in the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over their residence. Physical presence in the United States must be at least 30 months out of the five years prior to the application, or 18 months out of the three years prior for spouses. It is necessary to demonstrate good moral character, proficiency in English and civic knowledge, as well as commitment to the principles of the Constitution.

The N-400 submission fee in 2026 is $710 for online submission and $760 for paper, covering application and biometrics. Applicants with a family income equal to or less than 400% of the federal poverty guidelines pay a reduced fee of $380, and military veterans with honorable service may have the fee fully waived. The average processing time for the N-400 in 2026 is approximately 7.8 months, but it can vary from 2.5 to 18 months depending on the local office.

Reasons for Denial

Failure in the Civics Test

The naturalization test is often underestimated, but failing it is one of the most common reasons for denial. Since October 2025, the new format of the civics test has been in effect for all applications: the bank contains 128 possible questions, the officer asks 20 questions during the interview, and the applicant must answer at least 12 (60%) correctly to pass. The officer ends the test as soon as the applicant reaches 12 correct answers or 9 wrong answers.

There are exceptions based on age and length of residence as a green card holder. Applicants aged 50 or older with 20 years of permanent residence, or 55 or older with 15 years, are exempt from the English test. Applicants aged 65 or older with 20 years of green card study only 20 specific questions and must answer 6 out of 10 correctly. Even with exemption from the English test, the civics test remains mandatory and can be taken in the native language, with an interpreter provided by the applicant.

Lack of Good Moral Character

USCIS evaluates the applicant’s history in the five years immediately preceding the application to determine good moral character. Seemingly minor infractions, such as a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), can temporarily prevent naturalization. Serious crimes, such as homicide, result in permanent ineligibility and possible removal proceedings from the United States.

Other factors that affect good moral character include illegal gambling, prostitution, failure to pay court-ordered child support, imprisonment for 180 days or more in the last five years, habitual drunkenness, violation of controlled substances laws, crimes with intent to cause harm, terrorist acts, and persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group.

Since August 2025, USCIS has resumed in-person neighborhood investigations. Officers may visit the applicant’s residence or workplace and interview neighbors or colleagues to verify moral character and declared residence. These visits are unlikely unless USCIS identifies red flags in the history, but in sensitive cases, testimonial letters attached to the N-400 can strengthen the application.

Insufficient Physical Presence

The applicant must prove physical presence in the US for 30 months out of the five years prior to the application, or 18 months out of the three years for spouses of American citizens. In addition, continuous residence in the United States must be maintained from the date of application until naturalization is approved. Travel abroad is permitted, but it is recommended that no individual trip exceeds six months to avoid breaking continuous residence.

Absences longer than six months create a presumption of abandonment of residence, which can be contested with evidence of maintaining ties in the US, such as employment, housing, and tax obligations. Absences longer than one year generally break continuous residence and restart the statutory period count.

Outstanding Tax Obligations

Being behind with the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) is one of the most common financial reasons for denial. USCIS checks compliance with tax obligations as part of the good moral character assessment. Applicants must resolve tax issues before submitting the N-400 or, if in financial difficulty, establish a formal payment plan with the IRS, which may be viewed favorably in the evaluation.

Failure to pay court-ordered child support also constitutes a financial basis for denial. Any court-determined financial obligation must be up to date or have a formal payment agreement in place before submitting the N-400.

Application Fraud

Discrepancies in the application that suggest lack of truthfulness can result in denial for fraud. USCIS expects consistency in the information provided throughout the applicant’s entire immigration history. Seemingly minor omissions can cost the application, and a determination of fraud can impact future citizenship attempts for years.

Honesty, even when the answer is not favorable, is always preferable. Not knowing the answer to a question may result in denial of that specific petition, but being considered fraudulent has much more serious and lasting consequences for the entire immigration status.

Green Card Irregularities

When USCIS processes the N-400, the applicant’s previous five years are subject to detailed scrutiny. In this process, technical errors in the original green card application may be discovered, usually resolvable with additional documentation. However, in scenarios such as a divorce after obtaining a green card through marriage to a US citizen, the genuineness of the original grant of permanent residence may be questioned.

This retroactive review is particularly relevant for holders of conditional green cards (CR-1) who obtained removal of conditions via I-751. Any inconsistency in the original process may resurface during the N-400 evaluation.

Options After Denial

Available Legal Motions

Two main motions can be filed after a citizenship denial. The motion to reopen is used when there is new evidence that was not considered in the original evaluation and that may change the decision. The motion to reconsider is filed when it is believed that the evaluating officer made a legal error in the denial decision, requiring solid legal argumentation.

Hearing via Form N-336

An applicant who believes they have sufficient grounds may request a formal hearing through form N-336 (Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings). This hearing takes place before a different officer than the one who evaluated the original application. The applicant may be retested on the civics and English exams, and the denial may be overturned if the application is considered complete and well-founded.

Denial of American citizenship is not necessarily the end of the road. Understanding the specific reasons for denial allows for targeted corrective actions. In most cases, obstacles can be overcome with proper preparation, complete documentation, and resolution of any pending issues before a new N-400 submission.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.