Complete Guide to U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. Citizen

U.S. citizenship represents the culmination of the immigration journey for many. As a citizen, you gain full rights and responsibilities in American society.

Benefits of Citizenship

• Voting rights in all elections
• Jury service eligibility
• Travel with U.S. passport (visa-free to 180+ countries)
• Federal employment eligibility
• Protection from deportation (with limited exceptions)
• Sponsor family members more easily
• Pass citizenship to children born abroad

Paths to Citizenship

1. Naturalization - Most common path for green card holders
2. Birth in the United States - Automatic citizenship
3. Birth abroad to U.S. citizen parents - Acquisition through parents
4. Derivation - Through naturalization of parent(s) while a minor

Naturalization Eligibility Requirements

To naturalize as a U.S. citizen, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Basic Requirements

Continuous Residence

• Absences of 6+ months break continuous residence (rebuttable)
• Absences of 1+ year break continuous residence (requires re-starting)
• Re-entry permit can preserve residence for up to 2 years

Good Moral Character

Factors that may affect good moral character:

• Criminal convictions
• Failure to pay child support
• Lying to obtain immigration benefits
• Habitual drunkenness
• Illegal gambling
• Failure to file taxes

English and Civics Exceptions

50/20 Exception: If you're 50+ and have been a green card holder for 20+ years, you may take the civics test in your native language.

55/15 Exception: If you're 55+ and have been a green card holder for 15+ years, you may take the civics test in your native language.

65/20 Exception: If you're 65+ and have been a green card holder for 20+ years, you receive a simplified civics test.

Disability Waiver: Medical disabilities may qualify for English and/or civics waivers.

The Naturalization Process

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Confirm you meet all requirements before applying. Use the USCIS eligibility calculator at uscis.gov.

Step 2: File Form N-400

• Complete the Application for Naturalization
• Current filing fee: $760 (includes biometrics)
• Fee waivers available for low-income applicants
• Can file online or by mail

Step 3: Biometrics Appointment

• Typically scheduled 2-4 weeks after filing
• Fingerprints and photos taken
• Background check initiated

Step 4: Interview

• Scheduled months after filing (varies by location)
• English reading and writing test
• Civics test (10 questions, must answer 6 correctly)
• Review of application and eligibility

Step 5: Decision

• Most receive decision at interview
• May receive approval, denial, or continuation (more evidence needed)

Step 6: Oath Ceremony

• Same day as interview at some locations
• Or scheduled for later ceremony
• Take Oath of Allegiance
• Receive Certificate of Naturalization

Processing Times

Current average processing times:

• National average: 8-14 months
• Some offices: 6 months
• Busy offices: 18+ months

Check USCIS processing times for your specific office.

English and Civics Test Preparation

The English Test

The English test has three components:

Reading Test

• Read 1 of 3 sentences correctly
• Vocabulary focuses on civics topics
• Simple sentence structure

Writing Test

• Write 1 of 3 sentences correctly
• Officer reads sentence aloud
• Must write legibly

Speaking Test

• Evaluated throughout the interview
• Must be able to communicate about your application

The Civics Test

Format

• Officer asks 10 questions from list of 100
• Must answer 6 correctly
• Oral (spoken) answers

Topics Covered

American Government (57 questions)

• Principles of democracy
• System of government
• Rights and responsibilities

American History (31 questions)

• Colonial and revolutionary period
• 1800s
• Recent history

Integrated Civics (12 questions)

• Geography
• Symbols
• Holidays

Study Resources

Free USCIS Resources:

• 100 civics questions and answers (uscis.gov/citizenship)
• Reading and writing vocabulary lists
• Practice tests
• Videos and audio files

Community Resources:

• Library citizenship classes
• Community college ESL programs
• Nonprofit organization programs
• Local citizenship workshops

Tips for Success

1. Start studying 3-6 months before interview
2. Practice speaking answers out loud
3. Take practice tests regularly
4. Focus on understanding, not just memorizing
5. Study with a partner if possible
6. Use flashcards for vocabulary