US naturalization: when and how to apply in 2026 (Brazilian's guide)
Green card is status. Citizenship is a right. After 5 years as LPR (or 3 married to USC), you close the loop — without losing Brazilian citizenship.
Most common post-green-card question: when can I apply? Do I lose my Brazilian passport? Do I need perfect English?
Short answers: 5 years as LPR (or 3 if married to USC), no loss of Brazilian citizenship, conversational English is enough, civics = 6 of 10 from a public 100-question list.
The 5 core requirements
- 18+ years old.
- 5 years as LPR (or 3 with USC spouse).
- Physical presence ≥ 50% of the period.
- Good moral character throughout.
- Basic English + civics test.
5-year vs 3-year rule
| Requirement | 5-year (standard) | 3-year (USC spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| LPR residence | 5 yrs | 3 yrs |
| Physical presence | 30 mo | 18 mo |
| Married to USC throughout | No | Yes |
| Marital union (not paper only) | No | Yes |
Dual citizenship — the big question
Does a Brazilian lose Brazilian citizenship by naturalizing American? No. Brazilian Constitution Art. 12 §4 II preserves Brazilian citizenship when US naturalization is a condition for permanence / civil rights — which applies to virtually every Brazilian living in the US. US side recognizes dual citizenship.
Brazilian law requires Brazilian passport when entering/leaving Brazil; US law requires US passport when entering/leaving the US. Holding both simultaneously is the standard.
Timeline
- Day 1: file N-400 (up to 90 days before 5-year mark).
- 2–6 weeks: receipt notice.
- 2–4 months: biometrics.
- 6–14 months: interview + civics + English test.
- 1–3 months after approval: oath ceremony.
- 1 week after oath: apply for US passport (DS-11).
Frequently asked questions
- Do I lose Brazilian citizenship?
- No. Brazilian Constitution preserves it when US naturalization is needed for permanence — which applies to most Brazilians in the US.
- Can I naturalize with conditional green card?
- No. The 5 (or 3) year clock starts after I-829 or I-751 approval — you need permanent, not conditional, LPR status.
- Naturalized citizen = same rights as native-born?
- Almost — with one exception: naturalized citizens cannot be elected President or VP (Article II, §1). All other federal/state/military/clearance positions are accessible.