For many Vietnamese immigrants, obtaining a Green Card is a major milestone, but becoming a US citizen is the ultimate dream. It signifies full integration into American life, offering rights and privileges that permanent residents do not have.
If you are one of the many Vietnamese citizens becoming US citizens, the process can seem complicated. From understanding the paperwork to preparing for the interview, there are many steps involved. However, thousands of Vietnamese nationals successfully naturalize every year. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the path from Green Card holder to US citizen.
ℹ️ Key Takeaways
- Eligibility: You generally need to be a Green Card holder for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a US citizen).
- Cost: The government filing fee is $760. Greenbroad can prepare your package for $749.
- Timeline: The process usually takes 8 to 14 months.
- Dual Citizenship: The US allows you to keep your Vietnamese citizenship.
Why Become a US Citizen?
While having a Green Card (Permanent Resident status) allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely, citizenship offers specific benefits that are important to many Vietnamese families.
Protection from Deportation
This is often the most significant reason. Permanent residents can still be deported for certain crimes or extended absences from the US. Citizens have the absolute right to remain in the US.
Bringing Family from Vietnam
US citizens have priority when petitioning for family members. You can sponsor your parents, siblings, and married children—categories that are either unavailable or have very long wait times for Green Card holders. For Vietnamese families who value close-knit relationships, this is a major advantage.
Travel Freedom
With a US passport, you can travel to over 180 countries without a visa. Additionally, you no longer have to worry about losing your status if you need to return to Vietnam for an extended period to care for family or handle business.
The Right to Vote
As a citizen, you can vote in federal elections and run for public office, giving you a voice in the future of your new country.
Can Vietnamese Citizens Have Dual Citizenship?
One of the most common questions we hear is about dual citizenship. Many applicants worry they will lose their connection to Vietnam.
The United States does not require you to choose between being American or Vietnamese. You are legally allowed to hold two passports.
Vietnam’s laws regarding dual citizenship have also evolved. Generally, Vietnam allows Vietnamese citizens residing abroad (Viet Kieu) to retain their Vietnamese citizenship. This is excellent news if you wish to own property in Vietnam or travel back and forth easily using your Vietnamese passport.
💡 Pro Tip
When you travel, always enter the US using your US passport and enter Vietnam using your Vietnamese passport (if you have one). This is the standard practice for dual citizens.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization
To become a US citizen, you must go through a process called naturalization. Before you apply, you must ensure you meet all the requirements.
1. Residency Status
You must be a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
- General Rule: You have held your Green Card for at least 5 years.
- Marriage Exception: You have held your Green Card for at least 3 years AND have been married to and living with the same US citizen spouse for that entire time.
2. Physical Presence and Continuous Residence
- Continuous Residence: You must not have abandoned your US residence. Trips outside the US over 6 months can disrupt this.
- Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years (or 18 months out of the last 3 years if applying under the marriage rule).
3. Good Moral Character
USCIS will look at your history. While minor traffic tickets are usually not an issue, serious crimes, failure to pay taxes, or failure to pay child support can cause your application to be denied.
4. English and Civics
You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English. You must also pass a civics test about US history and government.
5. Age
You must be at least 18 years old. Children under 18 usually derive citizenship automatically when their parents naturalize, provided they are living in the US with the citizen parent.
The N-400 Application Process
The form used to apply for naturalization is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Here is the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
You will need to fill out the 20-page N-400 form. This form asks about your employment history, residence history (last 5 years), marital history, and time spent outside the United States.
Important for Vietnamese Applicants: Vietnamese names often cause confusion because the family name usually comes first in Vietnam, while it comes last in the US. Ensure your name on the application matches your Green Card exactly, or use the legal name change section if you want to americanize your name or reorder it.
🚀 Feeling Overwhelmed?
Paperwork can be confusing. Greenbroad offers a flat-fee service for $749 to prepare your entire citizenship package, including a review by our team to catch common errors.
Step 2: Submit and Pay Fees
The current filing fee for Form N-400 is $760. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. You can file online or by mail.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
After you file, USCIS will send you a notice for a biometrics appointment. You will go to a local support center to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This allows the FBI to run a background check.
Step 4: The Interview and Test
This is the most nerve-wracking part for many people. You will receive an appointment notice to go to a USCIS field office. An officer will:
- Review your N-400 application under oath.
- Test your ability to speak and understand English.
- Administer the Civics and English reading/writing tests.
Step 5: The Oath Ceremony
If you pass the interview, you will be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony. You are not a US citizen until you raise your right hand and take the Oath of Allegiance. You will trade your Green Card for a Certificate of Naturalization.
The English and Civics Test
For many Vietnamese applicants, especially older parents, the English test is a major concern.
The Civics Test
There are 100 possible questions about history and government. The officer will ask you 10 of them. You must answer 6 out of 10 correctly to pass. The questions are publicly available to study.
- Example: “Who was the first President?” (George Washington)
- Example: “What are the two major political parties in the United States?” (Democratic and Republican)
The English Test
- Speaking: Assessed during your interview conversation.
- Reading: You must read one sentence aloud correctly (you get three chances).
- Writing: You must write one sentence correctly (you get three chances).
Exemptions for Older Applicants
If you are worried about your English, check if you qualify for an age-based exemption:
- 50/20 Rule: If you are over 50 years old and have lived in the US as a permanent resident for 20 years, you do not have to take the English test. You can take the civics test in Vietnamese with an interpreter.
- 55/15 Rule: If you are over 55 years old and have lived in the US as a permanent resident for 15 years, you are exempt from the English test.
⚠️ Warning
Even if you are exempt from the English test, you must still bring an interpreter to your interview if you cannot speak English fluently. The USCIS officer will not speak Vietnamese.
Costs and Processing Time
Budgeting for citizenship is important.
- Government Fee: $760 (payable to the US Department of Homeland Security).
- Service Fee: If you use a lawyer, it can cost $1,500 to $3,000. Greenbroad’s service is $749.
- Total Time: Currently, most cases are processed in 8 to 14 months. This varies by city. For example, the San Jose or Westminster (Little Saigon) offices may have different wait times than offices in Texas or Virginia.
Common Challenges for Vietnamese Applicants
In our experience assisting applicants, these are the most common hurdles for Vietnamese citizens becoming US citizens:
1. Name Order Confusion
In Vietnam, names are written Family Name + Middle Name + Given Name (e.g., Nguyen Van Hung). In the US, it is First Name + Middle Name + Last Name (e.g., Hung Van Nguyen). Make sure you list your name exactly as it appears on your Green Card to avoid delays.
2. Travel History Gaps
You must list every trip you took outside the US in the last 5 years. If you visit Vietnam frequently for long periods (over 6 months), USCIS may question if you really live in the US. Keep precise records of your travel dates.
3. Selective Service
If you are a male who lived in the US between the ages of 18 and 26, you were required to register for Selective Service. If you failed to do this, it can complicate your citizenship application until you turn 31.
How Greenbroad Can Help
Applying for citizenship is not just about filling out a form; it is about ensuring your story is told correctly and that you meet all legal requirements. Greenbroad is not a law firm, but we are experts in document preparation.
Our $749 Citizenship Package includes:
- Complete preparation of Form N-400.
- A personalized document checklist so you know exactly what to include.
- Review of your travel history and eligibility.
- Filing instructions to ensure your package goes to the right place.
We help you avoid the stress of “doing it wrong” so you can focus on studying for your civics test.
N-400 Filing Fee 2026 - Cost Breakdown Citizenship Processing Time 2026: How Long Does Naturalization Take?
Conclusion
Becoming a US citizen is a proud moment for the Vietnamese community in America. It secures your future, protects your family, and gives you a voice in this country. While the paperwork, fees, and tests may seem daunting, the reward of holding that US passport is well worth the effort.
If you are ready to take the next step, you don’t have to do it alone.
🚀 Start Your Citizenship Journey
Ready to become a US citizen? Let Greenbroad handle the paperwork for you. Our affordable, flat-fee service makes the process simple and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my Vietnamese citizenship if I become a US citizen? Yes, the United States allows you to hold dual citizenship and does not require you to give up your Vietnamese passport. Vietnam also generally allows overseas Vietnamese to retain their citizenship, though you should check specific registration requirements with the Vietnamese embassy.
How much does it cost to apply for US citizenship? The current government filing fee for Form N-400 is $760, which covers the application and biometric services. You should also budget for potential travel costs to your local USCIS field office and any document translation fees.
Is the citizenship test difficult for Vietnamese speakers? The test requires basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, along with knowledge of US history and government. However, if you are over 50 years old and have lived in the US as a permanent resident for 20 years, you may be exempt from the English requirement.
How long does the naturalization process take? The process typically takes between 8 to 14 months from the time you file your application until your oath ceremony. This timeline can vary depending on the workload at your local USCIS field office.
Can Greenbroad help me with my citizenship application? Yes, Greenbroad offers a complete application package for a flat fee of $749. We help you prepare your forms, organize your documents, and guide you through the process, though we are not a law firm.
Disclaimer: Greenbroad is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We provide document preparation services. If you have a complex legal situation, such as a criminal record or previous immigration violations, you should consult with an immigration attorney.
External Resource: For official information on the naturalization test and study materials, visit the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.