Citizenship Frequently Asked Questions

HIAS Pennsylvania helps qualified lawful permanent residents in the Greater Philadelphia area apply for U.S. citizenship. Our services are free for eligible low-income individuals. To see if you qualify, please call us at 215-832-0900.

Who is eligible to apply for citizenship?

 To be eligible for naturalization, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Have had a green card for at least 5 years — or 3 years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen*
  • Demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S. for at least 5 years before submitting your application
  • Demonstrate that you have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years before submitting your application
  • Show that you have lived at least 3 months in your state prior to applying
  • Show that you are a person of good moral character
  • Be able to read, write, and speak basic English**
  • Successfully answer questions about U.S. history and civics**
  • Show attachment to the U.S. and take a meaningful oath of allegiance to the United States

* You can submit your citizenship application 3 months before completing your 5 or 3 years as a lawful permanent resident (a.k.a. green card holder)

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

The filing fee for the citizenship application is currently $725 (applicants 75 and older need only pay $640). However, low-income individuals may be eligible for a fee waiver. If approved, a fee waiver means the citizenship application is free. HIAS PA will help you apply for the fee waiver application if you qualify.

Does everyone have to take the history/civics test?

Applicants who are unable to learn or remember the information on the history/civics exam due to a physical or developmental disability or a mental impairment may be able to obtain a medical waiver. To obtain a medical waiver, you will need the assistance of a medical doctor. HIAS PA can help eligible individuals apply for the waiver.

Do I have to take the history/civics test in English?

Applicants may take the history/civics exam in their own language if:

  • 50/20 Rule: the applicant is at least 50 years old and has been a lawful permanent resident for 20 years or more
  • 55/15 Rule: the applicant is at least 55 years old and has been a lawful permanent resident for 15 years or more
  • Applicants aged 65 and older who have been lawful permanent residents for at least 20 years can take the test in their own language and they are given a simpler version of the exam

How can I get free help studying for the history/civics test?

HIAS PA and our partners in the Philadelphia Citizenship Action Network (PCAN) offer free citizenship classes throughout the year to prepare individuals for the naturalization exam. Currently, all classes are being held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn about current classes and get placed on our waiting list, email Mary Clark at mclark@hiaspa.org or call HIAS PA at 215-832-0900.

PCAN partners include HIAS PA, New World Association, Esperanza Immigration Legal Services, Community Learning Center, Center for Literacy, Indochinese American Council, and District 1199C Training & Upgrading Fund.

For more information about naturalization requirements, visit www.uscis.gov/citizenship.

Want help applying for citizenship?

G'mar chatima tova.

HIAS Pennsylvania's office will be closed on Monday, September 25th, in observance of Yom Kippur. 

TONIGHT (4/20) - Join us ONLINE at the 2023 Golden Door Awards!

Join us ONLINE at 6:45PM TONIGHT, Thursday, April 20th, for HIAS PA's 2023 Golden Door Awards: United for Immigrants!

Happy Passover from HIAS Pennsylvania!HIAS PA is closed in observance of the Jewish holiday of Passover

HIAS Pennsylvania will be closed in observance of the Jewish holiday of Passover from 1PM on Wednesday, April 5th through Friday, April 7th, and on Wednesday, April 12th and Thursday, April 13th.

Join us at the 2023 Golden Door Awards!United for Immigrants

The Golden Door Awards is HIAS Pennsylvania's annual fundraiser. Your generous support helps us serve low-income immigrants from all over the world as they build new lives in our community.

Last chance to be the light for immigrants this year!It only takes one spark to light an entire room.

Your support today means your immigrant neighbors are able to make a home for themselves and thrive in our community.

Building closed until further noticeHIAS PA remains open!

HIAS PA’s physical offices at 600 Chestnut Street are CLOSED until further notice due to a burst pipe in the building.

Our organization remains open, and HIAS PA staff continue to work remotely at this time.

Please call (215) 832-0900 with any questions.

Building closed until further noticeHIAS PA remains open!

HIAS PA’s physical offices at 600 Chestnut Street are CLOSED until further notice due to a burst pipe in the building.

Our organization remains open, and HIAS PA staff continue to work remotely at this time.

Please call (215) 832-0900 with any questions.

Unleash generosity this Giving Tuesday!

This Giving Tuesday, you can change an immigrant's life!


This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to be part of a worldwide effort to give back to those in need in our community and help immigrants and refugees begin new lives here in Pennsylvania!

Join us ONLINE at 12:45PM TODAY at the Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Volunteer Appreciation Awards!

Thanking our volunteers, who, in times of crisis and calm, constantly step up to “repair the world” by supporting immigrants and refugees.

Join us at the Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Volunteer Appreciation Awards!

The in-person Tikkun Olam Awards are sold out!

Join us online TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 19th, at 12:45PM at the virtual Tikkun Olam Awards!


Thanking our volunteers, who, in times of crisis and calm, constantly step up to “repair the world” by supporting immigrants and refugees.

TONIGHT: Join us at the table!Join us for Thankful Together!

Thankful Together, formerly known as Refugee Thanksgiving, is happening TONIGHT at 6PM!

Register here to join us tonight: https://hiaspa1.wpengine.com/event/thankful-together-2021/

Celebrate our volunteers who make this all possible!Click here at 11:45AM to join our Annual Meeting!

Click here to join our virtual Annual Meeting!

The Annual Meeting starts at noon, but join us at 11:45AM for an informal chat before the event!

POSTPONED! Speed Advocacy: Afghanistan

Today's Speed Advocacy: Afghanistan Facebook Live event has been postponed due to a worldwide Facebook outage. We will update you as soon as possible about rescheduling the event.

Join us for Thankful TogetherWatch performances from cultural groups and immigrants from around Philadelphia.
Give immigrants a brighter future

Make 2021 better for immigrants and refugees by ensuring they have the support to recover from anti-immigrant policies and the pandemic.

Double your donation this Giving Tuesday!All gifts will be matched up to a total of $11,000

Help every immigrant achieve their greatest potential by ensuring there are no obstacles like a lack of legal status or language access stand in their way.