Filing Form N-400 is the first step toward becoming a US citizen. This guide walks you through every requirement, document, fee and timeline — plus a free app to prepare for the civics interview.
Before filing Form N-400, confirm you meet all requirements. USCIS will reject your application if you don't qualify.
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing.
You must be a lawful permanent resident. Your green card must not be expired or conditional (unless the condition has been removed).
5 years of continuous permanent residence (3 years if married to a US citizen). No single trip outside the US exceeding 6 months during this period.
At least 30 months physically present in the US during the 5 years before filing (18 months for the 3-year rule).
No felony convictions, criminal record issues or false statements to USCIS. USCIS conducts background checks.
Ability to read, write and speak basic English plus knowledge of US history and government. Practice with our free app.
Use the USCIS eligibility tool or the checklist above. Confirm your continuous residence dates and physical presence days. One mistake here can delay your case by months.
Permanent Resident Card (green card, front and back), tax returns for the last 5 years, marriage certificate if applying under the 3-year rule, divorce decrees if applicable, passport photos (2x2 in), travel history list.
Download from uscis.gov. Fill it out carefully — Part 12 (Good Moral Character) and Part 8 (Continuous Residence) are the most error-prone. Our app includes an N-400 section guide to help you understand each question.
$760 in 2026 (includes biometrics). Pay online at pay.gov or by check/money order. If you qualify for a fee waiver (Form I-912), submit it with your N-400.
File online at my.uscis.gov or mail to the correct USCIS lockbox. You'll receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) with your case number within 2–4 weeks.
USCIS will schedule you at an Application Support Center for fingerprints and photos. Usually 6–8 weeks after filing. Use this time to start studying for your civics test.
A USCIS officer reviews your N-400, asks about your background and administers the civics test (10 questions from the official 100). You need 6/10 correct. Download our free app to practice.
After approval, you'll attend an oath ceremony — either the same day as your interview or at a later scheduled ceremony. You'll surrender your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
Average times as of May 2026. Individual cases vary by field office.
Use this waiting period to study. Our free app lets you practice all 100 civics questions in 10–15 minutes per day.
All 100 USCIS questions, mock interview mode and N-400 guidance in one free app.
Form N-400 is the Application for Naturalization — the official USCIS form you submit to apply for US citizenship. It collects information about your residence history, travel, employment, family and criminal history.
The total USCIS filing fee is $760, which includes the biometrics service fee. Applicants 75 or older are exempt from the $85 biometric fee. Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for qualifying low-income applicants.
Yes. USCIS allows online filing at my.uscis.gov. Online filing is recommended as it is faster, reduces errors and lets you track your case status in real time.
If you fail, USCIS will schedule a second interview within 60–90 days. You only need to retake the portions you failed. If you fail both attempts, your application is denied — but you may refile.
Yes. Any single trip of 6 months or more can break your continuous residence. Trips of 1 year or more create a presumption of broken continuous residence. Keep records of all international travel.
Complete list of documents required before you file.
❓ All 100 Civics QuestionsOfficial USCIS questions with full answers.
🗺️ How to Apply for US CitizenshipFull process from eligibility to oath ceremony.
🎯 USCIS Civics Test PracticeFree online mock tests — simulate the real interview.
Practice the civics test, review N-400 sections and track your progress — all free.