U.S. Citizenship Guide

Articles on becoming a U.S. citizen. Read about requirements, Form N-400, the interview, the civics test, and what to expect along the way.

• How to Become a US Citizen: The Naturalization Process Stage by Stage From eligibility check to oath ceremony: the naturalization process stage by stage, with documents, decisions at each step and what to do if you are denied. Learn more
• US Citizenship Requirements: Who Can Apply for Naturalization Check the naturalization requirements: green card time, continuous residence, physical presence, good moral character, English and civics, and special routes. Learn more
• Form N-400 Explained: What It Asks and What the Hard Words Mean A plain-English guide to the N-400 naturalization form: how to prepare, what each section asks, filing tips, and a glossary of the hard words on the form. Learn more
• Citizenship Test Exceptions and Accommodations: 50/20, 55/15, 65/20 and Disability Who can skip the English test, use their own language for civics, or get an easier version: age and disability exceptions, N-648, interpreters. Learn more
• The Naturalization Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare A step-by-step guide to the US citizenship interview: check-in, oath, N-400 questions, English test, civics test, results, retakes and what to bring. Learn more
• How the US Citizenship Civics Test Works: 2025 vs. 2008 Versions Which civics test you take, how many questions are asked, what score passes, and how the 2025 and 2008 versions differ. Plus study tips and retake rules. Learn more
• Citizenship Application Fee (N-400): Current Cost, Waivers and the Proposed Increase The current N-400 fee ($760 paper, $710 online), fee waiver and reduced-fee rules, and the proposed 2026 increase to $1,330 explained. Check the status. Learn more
• The Oath of Allegiance: Text, Meaning and What Happens at the Ceremony The Oath of Allegiance in plain English: the official text, what each phrase means, what happens at the ceremony, and what to do afterward. Learn more
• Benefits of US Citizenship: What Changes After You Naturalize Compare a green card with US citizenship: voting, a passport, family sponsorship, jobs, protection from deportation, and the trade-offs to weigh. Learn more
• How to Vote as a New US Citizen A plain-English voting guide for new citizens: who can vote, how to register, ways to cast a ballot, voter ID, language help and your rights at the polls. Learn more
• Civic Duties and Responsibilities of a US Citizen What the law requires of US citizens (taxes, jury duty, Selective Service) and what is voluntary. A clear guide to civic duty vs. civic responsibility. Learn more