Age: A naturalization applicant must be at least eighteen years old.  Parents or adoptive parents can file applications on behalf of children under this age with their petitions.  Most children receive derivative citizenship with their parents, and need not satisfy the five-year residence requirement. 

Literacy and education: The applicant must possess the ability to understand, speak, read, and write basic English.  Certain older applicants may receive an exemption from this requirement if their residence is of long standing.  Applicants must also demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, politics, and government.  The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) administers an examination to applicants that they must pass to qualify for naturalization.  Applicants may take the exam more than once if required.

Moral character: Applicants must show their good moral character, and that they sustained this standard throughout their residence in the United States.  While this standard is hard to define, courts have found habitual drunkenness, adultery, polygamy, gambling, and perjury to be inconsistent with good moral character.

Attachment to constitutional principles: Applicants must show they are "attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States."  This requirement ensures that new citizens generally agree with the philosophical foundation of the community.  Attachment to the Constitution includes a commitment to the Bill of Rights and a belief in representative democracy.  Individuals well disposed to good order and happiness can show they like the United States and believe in its political systems.

Oath of allegiance to the United States : The applicant must pledge allegiance to the United States, renouncing other national allegiances.  The pledge includes an obligation to support the Constitution and to bear arms on behalf of the United States if required.