U.S. Citizenship Application Process

Completing the paperwork

Once your waiting period is over you'll have to file some paperwork to become a U.S. citizen. It doesn't happen automatically. You will also need to study for a test and be sworn in.

How can I apply to be a U.S. citizen?
You need to mail the following to the USCIS Service Center in your area:

• USCIS Form N-400
• Have a copy of both sides of your green card

• Photos
• Fee

If you are asking for a special waiver because of age or disability, you need to include a cover letter explaining your needs.

How long will this take?
It can take several months for the application to be processed.

What happens once the application has been processed?
You will receive two appointments: one for fingerprinting and the other for an interview. Be prompt for both.

What happens at the interview?
The USCIS officer will test your:

• Knowledge of U.S. government and history
• Spoken English skills
• Written English skills

Does everyone have to speak English fluently?
Learning a new language late in life is very difficult. If you're 50 or older, you might be able to be interviewed and tested in your first language. This applies to people who are:

• Over 50 and have been a permanent resident for 20 years or more
• Over 55 and have been a permanent resident for 15 years or more

If this applies to you, include this information in your application cover letter.

Can my lawyer attend my citizenship interview with me?
Yes. Your attorney can attend, but you should bring a form (G-28) to prove he or she represents you. You do not have to make special arrangements with USCIS beforehand. Although your lawyer can help clarify legal matters - like why you quickly divorced your sponsoring spouse - he or she can't answer any exam questions for you.

What's on the U.S. History and Government Exam?
The U.S. government wants you to be knowledgeable about U.S. history and government structure. To help you, they post the exam questions on the USCIS website so you can review them at any time and as often as you like. While there are 100 questions, you will likely be asked only 10 or so. The test may be given orally (spoken) or in writing, depending on your needs.

Does everyone get the same test?
No. While the exam proves you are knowledgeable, it is geared to the abilities of the person applying for citizenship. People with a lot of education and who speak fluent English will receive more difficult questions.

What if I have a disability?
If you have a learning disability that makes studying a challenge, you can ask your doctor to help you obtain a waiver so you can skip this part of the test or be asked only a few very simple questions.

If you're hearing-impaired, you can arrange to have a sign language interpreter present.

If you're in a wheelchair, you can take the test at a wheelchair-accessible location.

I'm a senior. Is there a waiver for me?
If you are 65 or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years or more, you can study from a shortened list of only 25 questions. These questions are available online.

Be sure to put in your cover letter that you qualify for this exception when you submit your citizenship application.

After the Citizenship Interview

What if I fail the interview?
Often, you will be given more time and another chance. If you still failed the English test, you can try again in 90 days. However, if you don't pass the second time, you must reapply for citizenship.

I passed. Am I a citizen yet?
No, you still have to attend a swearing-in ceremony. During this ceremony you “swear allegiance to the flag” (promise to be loyal to the United States and its Constitution). Now you are officially a U.S. citizen.

After you are sworn in, you will receive a citizenship certificate. You will need this to apply for a U.S. passport. You can also petition to have your immediate family immigrate.