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Naturalization: from green card to citizen
What to prepare, when you can file for your family visa category, which forms and fees apply, how to study for the civics test, and where to get free or low-cost help. Every figure links to its official source.
Last reviewed September 27, 2026.
When can you file, and what will you need?
Choose the family visa category you immigrated on and enter your dates. The calculator follows the 3-year and 5-year rules in the USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, including the 90-day early filing window. It then lists the forms, fees and documents for your situation. Everything runs in your browser, and nothing you enter is sent or stored.
This calculator estimates dates. It cannot test continuous residence, physical presence or good moral character, which the officer decides from your full record. Before you file, confirm your date with the USCIS early filing calculator and the Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part D, Ch. 6.
Preparation list
In order, from deciding to file through to the oath ceremony. The N-400 asks about your whole history for the statutory period (3 or 5 years), and some questions cover your whole life. Most delays and denials come from answers that do not match your records, and USCIS can deny an application that is missing required evidence without first asking for it (Policy Alert PA-2026-05). Tick items off as you go: your progress is saved in this browser only.
- Any arrest, charge or conviction, anywhere in the world, even if it was expunged or sealed. Minor traffic fines under $500 need no court records, unless alcohol or drugs were involved
- A trip outside the US of more than 6 months during the statutory period
- You ever claimed to be a US citizen (including on a job form such as the I-9) or registered or voted in a US election
- Unfiled tax returns, taxes owed, or filing as a "nonresident" since becoming a permanent resident
- You are a man who did not register with Selective Service between ages 18 and 26 while living in the US
- You have ever had a fraud or misrepresentation finding, or doubts about how you got your green card
Officers assess good moral character as a whole: they weigh positive contributions, such as work, education, family responsibilities, community involvement and paying taxes, alongside any misconduct, and they may contact neighbors and employers (PM-602-0188). Filing the N-400 opens your whole immigration record to review. In rare cases a problem can lead to removal proceedings rather than just a denial. [USCIS: Good Moral Character, Vol. 12 Part F]
Civics test flashcards
All 128 questions and answers of the 2025 civics test, word for word from the USCIS list "128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version)" (M-1778, 09/25). It applies to every N-400 filed on or after October 20, 2025. You need 12 correct out of up to 20. The test is spoken: the officer reads each question aloud and you answer aloud. The officer stops once you have enough correct answers to pass, or once you can no longer pass. For each question, give one listed answer, or as many as the question asks for.
If USCIS received your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the older 2008 civics test: up to 10 of 100 questions, 6 correct to pass. These flashcards do not cover it. Study from the 2008 list of 100 questions and the other 2008 materials on the USCIS study page.
Some answers depend on who holds office when you interview: the President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, and Chief Justice. Answer with whoever holds the office on your interview day, and check uscis.gov/citizenship/testupdates the week before. Four answers depend on where you live: your senators, your representative, your governor and your state capital. Look them up for your address. The cards give current names as a study note, separate from the official answer.
Prefer paper? Printable cut-out cards (PDF) and a Google Doc version are on Checklists & Tools.
Show all questions and answers as a list
The English test
At the interview the officer also tests your English: speaking (through your answers about your N-400), reading one sentence aloud, and writing one sentence. For most applicants from the UK this needs no extra study. If you want to practice, the USCIS reading and writing word lists and the interview vocabulary are on Checklists & Tools.
Test exemptions
| At the time you file, you are… | English test | Civics test |
|---|---|---|
| 50 or older, and a permanent resident for 20+ years (50/20) | Waived | Full test, in your language with an interpreter |
| 55 or older, and a permanent resident for 15+ years (55/15) | Waived | Full test, in your language with an interpreter |
| 65 or older, and a permanent resident for 20+ years (65/20) | Waived | Only the 20 starred questions: up to 10 asked, 6 correct to pass, in your language |
| Unable to learn because of a medical disability | Can be waived with Form N-648, completed by a licensed medical professional (no fee) | |
Source: USCIS: Exceptions and Accommodations; Form N-648. If you use a language exemption, you bring your own interpreter.
Free and low-cost resources
Free resources cover what most applicants need. Paid prep courses are generally unnecessary. For legal questions, use a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative at a recognized nonprofit. Never use a "notario" or immigration consultant: in the US they cannot give legal advice.
Official study materials (free)
Classes and tutoring: libraries, local government and adult education
Free and low-cost legal help: nonprofits and charities
Help with the fee
- Reduced fee ($380): if your household income is between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Request it on the paper N-400 with proof of income. It cannot be requested online
- Fee waiver ($0): file Form I-912 with a paper N-400 if you receive a means-tested benefit, your household income is at or below 150% of the guidelines, or you face financial hardship. Do not send the fee as well: USCIS will take the payment instead of considering the waiver
- Military: no fee for current and former service members applying under INA 328 or 329
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule (G-1055); USCIS: Form N-400.