What happens if you get rejected for citizenship?

If your U.S. citizenship application (N-400) is denied, you typically remain a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), but you have options like appealing the decision (Form N-336 within 30 days), re-applying after fixing the issues, or potentially facing removal of your Green Card if past fraud was discovered. Options depend on the denial reason, but appealing to USCIS or even federal court can offer a second chance, or you can reapply once eligible.

What happens if your citizenship is denied?

Ordinarily, denial of U.S. citizenship leaves the person back where they were, with lawful permanent residence, but there's also a risk of green card cancellation and deportation.

What happens if a citizenship application is refused?

Depending on the reasons for refusal, your options could include: Apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review of the citizenship refusal decision; Court appeal; Submit a new citizenship application.

Do you get deported if you fail the citizenship test?

Will A Denial of Citizenship Cause Deportation? Usually, it doesn't. If the reasons for the denial of citizenship are failing the English Ability and Civic Tests or failing to prove the 5-year continuous stay in the US before application, then the applicant just goes back to permanent resident status.

How many people get denied citizenship?

Citizenship Denial Rate

A common question immigration attorneys face is: How many immigrants get denied citizenship each year? In 2024, the answer was 10.58%, with approximately 86,000 applicants denied US citizenship.

IMMIGRATION: What to Do When Your Naturalization (N400) Application is Denied - Citizenship Denied

Why would they deny citizenship?

Evidence of negative factors may include, but is not limited to: prior criminal record; the number of convictions; the seriousness of the criminal conduct; and whether the applicant has committed other violations of the law which are morally turpitudinous.

What's the hardest citizenship to get?

The hardest countries to get citizenship are often cited as Qatar, Vatican City, North Korea, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia, due to extremely long residency requirements (25 years for Qatar), strict cultural/religious assimilation (Arabic, Islam), minimal pathways (Vatican), or near-impossible access (North Korea). Other tough nations include China, Switzerland, Japan, Kuwait, and Liechtenstein, often requiring long stays, significant integration, and renunciation of other citizenships. 

What disqualifies you from getting citizenship?

The most common reasons for citizenship denial include criminal record issues affecting good moral character, continuous residence breaks from long trips abroad, physical presence shortfalls, unpaid taxes or child support, selective service non-registration, and misrepresentation on naturalization applications.

Do you lose your green card if you fail the citizenship test?

Thankfully, failing the test does not affect someone's permanent resident status. The USCIS does not remove those who fail the naturalization tests. The applicant has the option of applying for naturalization again in the future if they study more and feel confident about their ability to pass.

How many times can you try for citizenship?

USCIS policy states that you have two opportunities to pass your citizenship exam. So if you fail on your first attempt usually they'll wait about 60 to 90 days and have you come back and take the test again.

Can you reapply for citizenship if you get denied?

If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denies your naturalization request, it can feel like your dream has been crushed, but it doesn't have to end there. You still have legal options and the right to appeal or reapply under certain circumstances.

How long is a citizenship interview?

The U.S. citizenship interview usually lasts between 20-30 minutes. The length of the interview can vary depending on how long it takes to verify the information in your application and assess your English and civics skills.

Do you get a refund if your citizenship application is rejected?

Most adults who have migrated to the UK get citizenship by applying to 'naturalise'. Applying for citizenship takes time and you will not get your money back if your application is refused.

How far back does a background check go for citizenship?

Usually this is the five years before you applied, or three years if you're applying for citizenship on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen. You will also need to give a statement under oath about any criminal background you have in the period of good moral character.

Is it possible to be denied citizenship?

This could be due to insufficient evidence, failing to satisfy the good character requirement, or not meeting other eligibility criteria. A rejection, on the other hand, means that no substantive consideration of your citizenship application has taken place.

When can I apply for citizenship after rejection?

You can submit another one six months AFTER receiving the rejection letter.

Can you get deported if you get denied citizenship?

A foreign national may face the prospect of deportation if the reason for the denial of their citizenship means that they also are ineligible for a green card or other legal status in the U.S. Most denials of citizenship are not based on reasons that would make a foreign national ineligible for a green card, though.

Do I have to pay again if I fail the citizenship test?

They have to pay the fee again, and they still have to pass the tests. Immigrants can apply for naturalization as many times as they need to pass the tests. There are no penalties for failing the test that might affect an immigrant's status.

What are the new rules for citizenship in 2025?

Major U.S. citizenship changes for 2025 include a new, tougher 2025 Civics Test (more questions, stricter passing) and enhanced Good Moral Character (GMC) reviews, focusing more on positive community contributions, while potential legislation like the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 seeks to limit birthright citizenship, though its status is legislative, not yet law. These changes aim to restore integrity and better assess an applicant's commitment to U.S. values, impacting naturalization for applications filed on or after October 20, 2025.
 

What to do if US citizenship is denied?

N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings (Under Section 336 of the INA) Use this form to request a hearing before an immigration officer on our denial of your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you generally need to be at least 18, a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 if married to a citizen), demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests on U.S. history/government, and take the Oath of Allegiance, along with meeting continuous residence and physical presence rules, and filing Form N-400. 

What not to do when applying for citizenship?

Filing too early, making errors on Form N-400, or failing to prepare for your tests can delay or derail your citizenship application. Disclosing criminal history honestly and attending every appointment on time is essential for avoiding denials or removal proceedings.

What's the easiest citizenship to get?

Countries With the Easiest Citizenship By Naturalization

• Portugal.
• Luxembourg.
• Lithuania.
• Latvia.
• Israel.
• Greece.
• Germany.
• Armenia.

What is the 3 strongest passport in the world?

For early 2026, Singapore holds the #1 spot, with Japan and South Korea tied for #2; the #3 position is shared by five European nations: Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, all offering extensive visa-free travel, according to the Henley Passport Index. 

How long does it take to get U.S. citizenship?

Becoming a U.S. citizen typically takes years, requiring you to be a green card holder for 5 years (or 3 if married to a U.S. citizen) and then complete the naturalization process (Form N-400), which adds another 1.5 to 2 years, but total time from Green Card to Citizenship can range from 3 to 6 years depending on many factors, with the application processing itself taking around 6-12 months after filing.