The U.S. Citizenship Test: Your Guide to the Civics Questions & Answers

Meta: Learn about the U.S. citizenship civics test: question categories, answer examples, study tips, and more.

Passing the U.S. citizenship test is a huge step on the journey to becoming a U.S. citizen! A key part of this test is the civics portion, where you'll be asked questions about American government, history, and other important topics. It might sound tough, but with the right preparation, you can ace it no problem.

This guide will walk you through what the civics test is, what kind of questions to expect, how to study, and where to find the official USCIS study materials.

What is the Citizenship Civics Test?

The civics test is usually given as an oral exam during your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer. It's not a written test for most people. The officer will ask you questions, and you'll answer them out loud.

• How many questions? The officer will ask you up to 10 questions from a list of 100 possible civics questions.
• How many to pass? You need to answer at least 6 out of the 10 questions correctly to pass the civics test.

Which Test Version Will You Take? (Important for June 2025 Filers) USCIS provides official study materials for the civics test. As of early-mid 2025, most applicants are taking the 2008 civics test. However, USCIS policies on test versions can sometimes change or have specific cut-off dates if updates occur. 

It is CRUCIAL to check the official USCIS Citizenship Resource Center to confirm which version of the civics test applies to you based on your application filing date.

What Kinds of Questions Are on the Test?

The 100 official civics questions are generally divided into three main categories. Here’s a peek at the types of topics covered, with a few examples from each (based on the commonly used 2008 civics test version).

1. American Government This section covers how the U.S. government is set up and how it works.

• Principles of American Democracy
  
  • Example Question: What is the supreme law of the land?
    
    • Answer: The Constitution
  • Example Question: What do we call the first ten amendments to the Constitution?
    
    • Answer: The Bill of Rights
  • Example Question: The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
    
    • Answer: We the People
• System of Government
  
  • Example Question: Name one branch or part of the government.
    
    • Answer: Congress (or Legislative / President / Executive / The Courts / Judicial)
  • Example Question: Who makes federal laws?
    
    • Answer: Congress (or Senate and House of Representatives / U.S. or National Legislature)
  • Example Question: How many U.S. Senators are there?
    
    • Answer: One hundred (100)
• Rights and Responsibilities
  
  • Example Question: What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?
    
    • Answer: Serve on a jury (or Vote in a federal election)
  • Example Question: Name one right only for United States citizens.
    
    • Answer: Vote in a federal election (or Run for federal office)
  • Example Question: What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance?
    
    1. Answer: The United States (or The flag)

2. American History This section covers important periods and events in U.S. history.

• Colonial Period and Independence
  
  • Example Question: What is one reason colonists came to America?
    
    • Answer: Freedom (or Political liberty / Religious freedom / Economic opportunity / Practice their religion / Escape persecution)
  • Example Question: Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
    
    • Answer: (Thomas) Jefferson
  • Example Question: When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
    
    • Answer: July 4, 1776
• The 1800s
  
  • Example Question: Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
    
    • Answer: War of 1812 (or Mexican-American War / Civil War / Spanish-American War)
  • Example Question: Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.
    
    • Answer: The Civil War (or The War between the States)
  • Example Question: What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?
    
    • Answer: Freed the slaves (or Freed slaves in the Confederacy / Freed slaves in the Confederate states / Freed slaves in most Southern states)
• Recent American History and Other Important Historical Information
  
  • Example Question: Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.
    
    • Answer: World War I (or World War II / Korean War / Vietnam War / Persian Gulf War)
  • Example Question: Who was President during World War I?
    
    • Answer: (Woodrow) Wilson
  • Example Question: What major event happened on September 11, 2001, in the United States?
    
    • Answer: Terrorists attacked the United States.

3. Integrated Civics This section covers geography, symbols, and holidays.

• Geography
  
  • Example Question: Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
    
    • Answer: Missouri (River) (or Mississippi (River))
  • Example Question: What ocean is on the West Coast of the United States?
    
    • Answer: Pacific (Ocean)
  • Example Question: Name one U.S. territory.
    
    • Answer: Puerto Rico (or U.S. Virgin Islands / American Samoa / Northern Mariana Islands / Guam)
• Symbols
  
  • Example Question: Why does the flag have 13 stripes?
    
    • Answer: Because there were 13 original colonies (or Because the stripes represent the original colonies)
  • Example Question: What is the name of the national anthem?
    
    • Answer: The Star-Spangled Banner
• Holidays
  
  • Example Question: When do we celebrate Independence Day?
    
    • Answer: July 4
  • Example Question: Name two national U.S. holidays.
    
    • Answer: New Year’s Day / Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / Presidents’ Day / Memorial Day / Juneteenth / Independence Day / Labor Day / Columbus Day / Veterans Day / Thanksgiving / Christmas

Where to Find ALL the Official Questions and Answers

While the examples above give you an idea of what you may expect, you'll need to study all 100 official questions and answers for the test version you'll be taking.

• The best place to get these is directly from USCIS. They provide the full list of questions, answers, and study materials for free.
• Go to the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center. Look for "Study Materials for the Civics Test."

Always use the official USCIS materials to make sure you're studying the correct and most up-to-date information!

Tips for Studying and Passing the Civics Test

• Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to start studying.
• Use Official USCIS Materials: These are your go-to source. They often have flashcards, audio, and other helpful tools.
• Break It Down: Study a few questions each day or week rather than trying to cram them all at once.
• Understand, Don't Just Memorize: While you need to know the answers, understanding the concepts behind them can make them easier to remember.
• Practice Out Loud: Since it's an oral test, practice saying the answers out loud. Ask a friend or family member to quiz you.
• Focus on Key Facts: For questions with multiple correct answers, you usually only need to give one (unless the question specifically asks for more).
• Know Answers That Can Change: Some answers, like "Who is the current President?" or "What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?" can change with elections. USCIS will have the most current acceptable answers for these.

Special Considerations for Some Applicants (The 65/20 Rule)

There are some special considerations for older applicants who have been long-term permanent residents:

• The "65/20" Exemption: If you are age 65 or older AND have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you have a few advantages:
  
  • You only need to study from a smaller list of 20 specific civics questions (instead of all 100).
  • You can take the civics test in the language of your choice (you'll need to bring an interpreter).
• The "50/20" English Exemption: (This applies to the English test, not a different civics test version, but good to know) If you are age 50 or older AND have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you may take the civics test in the language of your choice. You still study all 100 questions for the standard civics test version unless you also qualify for the 65/20 civics consideration.

Always check the USCIS website section on Exceptions & Accommodations for details.

Passing the civics test is a proud moment for new citizens. By using the official study materials and preparing well, you'll be ready to show your knowledge of U.S. history and government!

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The processing times for Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, can be long, often taking 1-2+ years for USCIS adjudication. These long processing times can mean that many conditional permanent residents may qualify to apply for naturalization while their application for removal of conditions is still pending. Many applicants assume they have to wait for Form I-751 approval before submitting Form N-400, but in some cases, it is possible to file Form N-400 when Form I-751 is still pending. Let’s look at who qualifies for marriage-based early filing, how submitting Form N-400 can impact a pending Form I-751, and general N-400 eligibility requirements.

General eligibility for filing Form N-400 based on marriage to a US Citizen

Filing Form N-400 is based on meeting several criteria set by USCIS. Among them is that the applicant has to have been a Lawful Permanent Resident for at least 5 years. However, there is an exception to this rule for Spouses of US Citizens. If an applicant applies based on their marriage to a US Citizen, they may be eligible to apply once they have been a Lawful Permanent Resident for at least 3 years. USCIS will begin accepting the N-400 filing up to 90 days before the applicant meets the 3 years of continuous residency. To qualify for this exception, the Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) must meet the following requirements:

• They must be legally married to a US citizen who resides in the United States, and they must remain legally married to the US citizen until they take the Oath of Allegiance;
• They must have been living in a marital union with their US-citizen spouse for at least 3 years;
• They must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years, and
• Their spouse must have been a US citizen for at least 3 years

Processing for Conditional Permanent Residents

Green card applicants who have been married for less than 2 years at the time of application approval are issued “Conditional Permanent Residence,” which grants them a conditional green card valid for two years instead of the typical ten given to permanent residents. When the green card expires, they must prove to USCIS their marriage’s legitimacy by submitting Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence.This form is not optional and must be approved before an applicant can be granted US Citizenship. However, it does not have to be approved before filing a naturalization application. It’s very common for applicants to become eligible for Naturalization based on the criteria noted above while their Form I-751 is pending. The ability to file Form N-400 after 3 years only applies to applicants whose marriage to a US Citizen has not ended. In these cases, the applicant may submit Form N-400, but USCIS cannot adjudicate the case until they approve the Form I-751. Submitting Form N-400 while Form I-751 is pending helps the Naturalization processing start sooner, increasing the chances that the applicant can receive US Citizenship sooner. In addition, at times, the submission of Form N-400 can have quicker processing times and can help push USCIS to make a decision on the Removal of Conditions application.

What happens if the Naturalization interview is scheduled while the Removal of Conditions application is still pending?

In cases where the Naturalization interview is scheduled while the Removal of Conditions application is still pending, the applicant can still attend and complete the naturalization test and all other requirements. There are a few things that may happen in these cases:

1. The officer reviews Form I-751 and N-400 in the interview and issues a decision on both applications.
2. The officer reviews both Form I-751 and N-400 in the interview and indicates that you will receive a decision on both applications later.
3. The officer reviews only Form N-400. They will not decide on either application and will review Form I-751 later.

Even if an interview notice indicates it is only for Form N-400, if the I-751 is still pending, many applicants choose to have their spouse come and join them at the interview. Then, if the reviewing officer decides to review Form I-751 during the interview, the spouse will be present. Doing this may reduce the chance of a separate interview being scheduled for Form I-751.

Are you interested in filing for US Citizenship via naturalization?

While the above information covers eligibility for naturalization via marriage, applicants must also meet all other requirements to become a US Citizen. Generally, other than some exceptions, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for naturalization:

1. The applicant must be at least 18 years of age when they file;
2. They must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if via marriage);
3. They have demonstrated continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years (or 3 years if via marriage);
4. They have lived in the US state or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where they claim residence for at least 3 months before filing;
5. They have demonstrated physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months (913 days) (or 18 months (548 days) if via marriage);
6. They demonstrate good moral character;
7. They demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the US Constitution;
8. They demonstrate a basic knowledge of US history and government (also known as “civics”) as well as an ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English (some exceptions apply);
9. They are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and you are well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.

Becoming a US Citizen is a monumental step for many applicants, and SimpleCitizen loves to support applicants in their process. We aim to streamline and simplify your process through the US immigration system. You are our highest priority. We can’t wait to help make your immigration dreams become a reality. You can click here to get started!

Finally getting the opportunity to take the US Naturalization Test (also referred to as the Citizenship Test) is an exciting time for immigrants and can be the finish line of a long and difficult road. This article will discuss the Naturalization Test, including the eligibility requirements that must be met first to take the test, the contents of the test, and the interview process. All of this happens prior to taking the Oath of Allegiance and (finally) being sworn in as a US Citizen!

Prior to the Citizenship Test

Before someone can take the Citizenship test, there are a number of steps that must be taken:

Step 1: Verify that they meet the eligibility requirements to apply for citizenship. These eligibility requirements usually depend on the amount of time a person has had legal status in the United States. 

Step 2: Complete and Submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the required government filing fees. 

Step 3: Attend the Biometrics Appointment. Sometimes, USCIS will apply biometrics from a previous application and not require the applicant to attend an appointment but is done on a case-by-case basis.

Step 4: Receive a scheduled date for the naturalization interview and Citizenship Test.

Step 5: Prepare the requested documents and study for the Citizenship Test. 

Naturalization Interview and Test 

Typically, the Naturalization Interview and the Citizenship test both occur during the same appointment. Let's break down what you can expect during that appointment:

What to Expect: Interview Portion

It is important to bring all of the required immigration documents, including vital records, immigration documents, and any legal documents affiliated with your personal and immigration records. USCIS will include a list of the required documents in the interview notice indicating what they require to be brought to the interview.

After you have arrived at the USCIS field office and checked in at the front desk, you will then be called back for your appointment. The officer will first conduct the interview, asking any number of questions that are on the N-400. There is a long list of questions in Section 9 of the N-400 that should be studied, understood, and prepared for so that an applicant can answer these when asked by the USCIS Officer. It is important that the applicant’s answers on the N-400 are the same as what they plan to provide to the USCIS Officer in an interview.

NOTE: There are certain exceptions to the English speaking and comprehension requirements that are outlined on Form N-400 and its connected instructions. 

In addition, the officer will typically ask other general questions about immigration history, the applicant’s marriage (if naturalization eligibility is dependent on that relationship), etc.

What to Expect: Naturalization Test

The USCIS Naturalization test takes place at the Naturalization interview, and except for certain exemptions, it includes an English proficiency test and a civics test. 

English Test

The first of the two tests given in the Naturalization interview is the English test. The USCIS Officer will first provide the applicant with 3 sentences on a tablet, and they must choose one to read out loud in English. 

Then, the USCIS Officer will read the applicant 3 sentences in English, and the applicant must listen to the sentences and write them down. The applicant will be permitted to write all three sentences down, but they only need to write one correctly in order to pass. 

(This portion will be done on a tablet and written with a stylus, so it is important to learn how to write with a stylus in preparation to complete the writing portion.) 

Throughout the interaction, the officer will also continuously assess the individual’s ability to speak and understand English.

Civics Test

The other test that happens during the interview is the Civics Test. For this test, USCIS currently uses the 2008 Civics test, which includes 100 different questions about United States history, civics, and governmental processes. As a reminder,  applicants should learn, understand, and memorize the “100 Questions” and their answers prior to their appointment. 

For the test, the USCIS Officer will ask future US Citizens 10 questions from the 100 questions, to which they will have to respond verbally in English. The applicant must answer at least 6 of these 10 questions correctly. According to USCIS, "a system randomly selects the test questions, and an officer administers the test orally. The standardized civics test contains 10 questions. The officer stops the test when the applicant correctly answers the minimum number of questions required to pass the test.” USCIS has practice tests that go through the questions.

Some examples of these questions are…

• What does the Constitution do?
• How old do Citizens have to be to vote for President?
• What did Susan B. Anthony do?
• Who was President during WWI?
• Where is the Statue of Liberty?
• What is the Name of the National Anthem?
• Why are there 13 stripes on US Flag?
• What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?
• What happened at the Constitutional Convention?
• Who wrote the Federalist Papers?

Remember, there are 100 questions, so this is only a select few. Make sure to review all questions as you prepare, as there is no guarantee of what questions you will be asked!

Many of these questions have multiple possible answers, so studying and understanding them is important! It is well-advised to avoid simply memorizing the questions and their answers. Knowing what the questions and answers mean is very important to be able to answer in the interview.

Many local community centers and English schools specialize in helping immigrants study for the Citizenship test - the 100 Questions and the Interview. Take advantage of these resources - many of them are free! 

If any of the test sections are not passed, the USCIS policy manual states that USCIS will reschedule them for a second interview where they are tested only on the test(s) that were not passed in the original interview. This second interview will be rescheduled 60-90 days after the original interview. If the applicant does not pass any of the tests in the second interview, their application will be denied. 

What to Expect: Finalization

Typically, the USCIS Officer lets the applicant know that they have passed the test portion of the interview during the interview. However, passing this test portion does not automatically guarantee they will be granted Citizenship.

If, based on the interview and tests, the officer determines that the applicant is eligible for Citizenship, USCIS will send a confirmation in the mail that the applicant passed the interview. Once this comes in the mail, the applicant must attend a Naturalization Ceremony to become a citizen.

What to Expect: Naturalization (Oath) Ceremony

The final step in becoming a US Citizen is the Naturalization Ceremony, where future US Citizens will join together to take the Oath of Allegiance! Once this is done, Citizenship is granted! 

Here, you will find USCIS’s outline of what to expect and what the Naturalization Ceremony will look like: 

1. Receive a Notice to Take the Oath of Allegiance

You may be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony on the same day as your interview. If a ceremony is unavailable, we will mail you a notice with the date, time, and location of your scheduled naturalization ceremony on Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony.

If you cannot attend your scheduled naturalization ceremony, return the notice, Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, to your local USCIS office, along with a letter requesting a new date and explaining why you cannot attend the scheduled naturalization ceremony. Failing to appear more than once for your naturalization ceremony may lead to a denial of your application.

2. Check-in at the Ceremony

Once you arrive at the ceremony, check in with USCIS.

A USCIS officer will review your responses to the questionnaire, Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony. Please complete your responses to the questionnaire before you arrive.

To see what items are prohibited on federal properties, you can check the Federal Protective Service’s frequently asked questions web page.

3. Return your Permanent Resident Card

You must return your Permanent Resident Card to USCIS when you check in for your naturalization ceremony. This requirement is waived if you provided proof during the naturalization interview that the card has been lost and you have attempted to recover it, or if, because of your military service, you were never granted permanent residence. You will no longer need your Permanent Resident Card because you will receive your Certificate of Naturalization after you take the Oath of Allegiance.

4. Take the Oath of Allegiance

You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the Oath of Allegiance.

5. Receive a Certificate of Naturalization

Carefully review your Certificate of Naturalization and notify USCIS of any errors before leaving the ceremony. You may use your Certificate of Naturalization as official proof that you are a U.S. citizen.

If you lose your Certificate of Naturalization, you may request a replacement by filing Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document. 

Get Started Today! 

If you’re currently waiting for your Naturalization interview, studying for Citizenship should be fun and exciting! This should be a time to celebrate the end of a long road in the United States. We’re so excited for you! 

If you are ready to start the naturalization process and file the N-400, SimpleCitizen would love to be part of your journey. Take our eligibility quiz to find out if you’re eligible to apply today!

SimpleCitizen is excited for those who are finally at this stage of their immigration timeline. We’re happy you’re here!

What is Form N-400?

N-400, Application for Naturalization, if the application to apply for U.S. Citizenship through naturalization. What this means is that this form is used by U.S. permanent residents that meet the necessary criteria to apply for citizenship. 

When to file Form N-400:

As a general rule, permanent residents over the age of 18 are eligible to apply for naturalization after they have been held and maintained permanent resident status for 5 years. Some exceptions exist, such as spouses of U.S. citizens who obtained their permanent residency through that spouse. In that case, they can apply after 3 years as a permanent resident. There are also some exceptions for members of the U.S. military. 

Connected Forms

Generally, this form is filed separately from other forms and doesn’t require any other forms to be filed simultaneously.

We’re happy you’re here!

SimpleCitizen is here to help you achieve the American dream. Safely and accurately apply, submit, & stay on top of your immigration status. Let SimpleCitizen guide you through filing Form N-400. With our easy-to-use platform and expert guidance, filing Form N-400 has never been simpler. Check your eligibility to Form N-400 with SimpleCitizen.

Learn more about what we do, our application assistance timeline, and what customers say about SimpleCitizen’s services.

Do you have a question about SimpleCitizen’s application packages? Let’s chat!

Connected Articles:

What Happens After Submitting Your Form N-400?

4 Common Reasons Citizenship Applications are Denied 

What is “Good Moral Character?” 

How to Apply for Citizenship while Serving in the United States Military 

Last Updated: March 13, 2025.

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Overview

If you recently married a U.S. Citizen or U.S. green card holder, chances are you are considering whether or not you should change your name, and how to do so. While changing your name can be a tedious task, doing so through the USCIS is quite simple--it just takes a little time. If your name has been legally changed, it should be updated with USCIS immediately in order to comply with USCIS requirements. Make sure that if you do decide to change your name, you add changing it with USCIS to your to-do list. It is very important that your green card or naturalization documentation correctly reflect your legal name.
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Some individuals may need to change their name for other reasons such as name misspelling, originally using a fictitious name, clerical error, etc. For more information on these types of cases, see the USCIS guide here.

Step 1: Determine if Changing Your Name is Right for You 

Whether or not you or your spouse change your last name following marriage is a personal decision. While conventional, changing your last name to match that of your spouse is not required in the United States. In fact, there are a number of name-changing variations that are starting to become increasingly popular, such as using a hyphenated last name that includes the surname of both you and your spouse. 

Regardless of how you choose to change your name, doing so presents a number of benefits and challenges. Here is a brief summary of some of the pros and cons associated with changing your name:

Pros

• Proving that you are married can be much easier when traveling
• Can offer additional ease when children are involved
• Easier to prove that you are married when one of you is admitted to a hospital

Cons

• Time Consuming
• Can be difficult for working professionals who have built a career using their previous name
• Can take a long time for replacement immigration documentation to arrive
• Replacing documentation can be expensive

Step 2: When to Change Your Name

The answer to when you should change your name following marriage varies from person to person. While many recommend waiting to change your name until you apply for Citizenship/Naturalization, name changes can be done earlier in the immigration process. For example, name changes can happen when initially filing for your marriage-based green card. Additionally, those who decide to change their name after they have already been granted their green card or Citizenship (Form N-400), can file to have their name changed by filing for a card replacement. This is done using either Form I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card) or Form N-565 (Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document), depending on which step the application is in in the immigration process. However, something to consider is that it can be quite expensive to get a replacement card with it costing up to $540 to replace a green card and up to $555 to replace a naturalization certificate. 

So all things considered, there is no single time during the immigration process that an immigrant is supposed to change their name. Rather, there are multiple times when changing one’s name is possible. When deciding which time would work best, there are a number of things you should consider such as timing, and cost. The details of the potential “times” or ways you can change your name are detailed in the section below. 

Remember that regardless of what stage in the immigration process you are in, your immigration documentation should reflect your legal name. For that reason, you should avoid changing your legal name until you are prepared to change it on your immigration documentation as well, and vice versa.

Step 3: Change your Name 

First, an individual’s name must be legally changed under applicable state law. The legal process and the required fees for changing your name will differ slightly depending on the state you are living in, so make sure you are familiar with your specific state’s requirements. After legally making this change under state law, you are then eligible to apply for a green card or naturalization under your new legal name, or apply to replace your old green card or old naturalization certificate. 

Note that when submitting evidence of a legal name change, a photocopy of your name change document is not sufficient. The document you submit must be officially registered with the proper civil authority. You will need to request a registered copy of your name change document if you do not already have one. This should be in addition to the original registered copy you keep for your personal records. 

Changing Your Name While Filing For Your Green Card 

When filing for a marriage-based green card, you are able to change your name simultaneously, as long as you have sufficient proof of your marriage. To do this, you would simply need to file under your new married name and include your previous maiden name in the section designated for “previous names ”. This means you will list your new married name as your legal name on all the forms you fill out. Remember to be consistent as any inconsistencies can increase the likelihood of your application being delayed or rejected. You will also need to include a copy of your marriage certificate with your application as evidence of your union. Because you are originally filing for Permanent Residency with your new name, no additional costs are incurred with this option, apart from any filing fees associated with your state’s name changing process.

Changing Your Name After Being Granted a Green Card

Many applicants do not change their name before applying for permanent residency. If they wish to change their name after applying, they can do so by filling out Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. It can be used for a number of purposes, including changing the name on a current green card. 

Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) who change their name due to marriage (or because of other circumstances) are able to travel using their original U.S. green card in their prior name as long as they bring proof of their name progression. Proof could include a marriage certificate, or other court documents showing a legal name change.

Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Residence Card 

Specific Instructions: 

For item numbers 3.a. - 3.c. provide your full legal name in the spaces provided. If formally legalized by your state, this would be your new married name.  

Item number 4 on the form provides a space where you can indicate that your name has legally changed since the issuance of your green card/ Permanent Resident Card. Select the appropriate box (“Yes”), and then continue to Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.c. 

For Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.c., you should provide your name exactly as it is printed on your Permanent Resident Card (green card), even if it has changed since that card was issued. This means that assuming you used your maiden name on your original green card, you would list that maiden name in this section.

Don’t forget to include all the required documentation and filing fees with your application. 

Cost: Unlike some of the other options, changing the name on your green card has some associated filing fees. These include a filing fee of $455 and a biometrics fee of $85, for a total filing cost of $540. 

Required Information and Documents 

• Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Mailing Address
• Copy of your current green card
• Filing fee
• Name exactly as it appears on your Permanent Resident Card (green card)
• Registered copy of Marriage certificate and/or other court-issued document showing that your name was legally changed
  • Legal name change documents must have been registered with the proper civil authority.

Submitting: Can be submitted online or by mail to the USCIS. For more information on how to file and submit Form I-90, see the USCIS website here

Status Updates: Once you fill out your Form I-90 you will be able to access your online account. If you file online, you will create an online account yourself. However, if you file on paper, USCIS will scan the documents online and create your online account for you. After USCIS creates your online account they will send you instructions on how you can access your USCIS online account and see status updates.

Wait Time:  Currently, the average estimated wait time for Form I-90 to be processed is approximately 6 -11 months.

More Information: If your request for a name change is approved, you will be sent a new green card. However, if USCIS wants more information from you, you may need to go to a USCIS office for an interview or provide additional documentation.  

Changing your Name When Filing for Citizenship/Naturalization 

Any green card holder that qualifies for U.S. Citizenship is able to legally change their name to any name they wish, assuming it meets a few specific requirements. If that Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder) wishes to wait 3 or 5 years until they qualify for U.S. Citizenship, they can change their name when they apply for U.S. Citizenship. Doing so concurrently with their N-400 application does not incur any additional costs, allows them to apply for a United States passport with their new married name on it, and will result in their married name appearing on their Naturalization Certificate as well.

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization 

Instructions: Part 2, Question 3 of the form is specifically meant for you to change your name

The name-change service is only available at USCIS offices that offer swearing-in (oath) ceremonies in a courtroom, presided over by a judge. Only a judge has the authority to grant your name change at the swearing-in ceremony, a USCIS officer does not. Additionally, not all offices offer this service. Some regions only have ceremonies presided over by a judge a few times per year. If you live in these regions, it will likely result in your Citizenship application taking longer than others. 

Occasionally the swearing-in-ceremonies are held at a USCIS office--sometimes right after the naturalization interview. When the ceremony occurs after the naturalization interview, the request for a name change on Form N-400 cannot be acted upon. In this case, the applicant would need to follow the name-change procedures specific to their state’s law and apply for a name change after their Naturalization/Citizenship has been granted. The instructions for this process are detailed below. 

Changing your Name After Citizenship has Been Granted 

If you decide to change your name after your Citizenship/ Naturalization Certificate has already been granted, there is a way to do that too! However, it does require the payment of an application fee as well as any other costs associated with changing your name on your U.S. passport, and any other official documents. To request a name change on your U.S. Naturalization Certificate you simply fill out and submit Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document.

N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document

Instructions: Anyone applying for a new document due to a name change will be required to fill out Part 5 on the form. You must also include your original document, as well as a copy of your marriage certificate and a copy of evidence that your name has legally been changed to the new married name. 

Required Information and Documentation: 

• 2 identical passport-style photographs
• Your original document or certificate (note that a copy of this document is not acceptable since you are applying for a name change. You must submit the original).
• Evidence of marital status change (copy of marriage certificate)
• Evidence of legal name change

Wait Times: Currently, the average national wait time for Form N-565 acceptance is 6-8 months. You can stay up-to-date on the USCIS processing times by checking the USCIS website here. 

More Information:  For more information on how to file and submit Form N-565, see the USCIS website here

Conclusion 

In conclusion, changing your name is a long, tedious, often expensive process! Changing your name through USCIS is just one of the many steps that need to be taken.  Remember not to change your name legally until you are ready to change it on your immigration documentation so that you can align with USCIS regulations. 

If you are applying for your green card or citizenship soon, SimpleCitizen can help! Find out how to get the help of the professionals at a fraction of the cost here.

Additional Resources

How to Renew Your Green Card

What Happens After Filing Form I-90 

What is Class of Admission on Form I-90

How to Become a US Citizen

Last Updated: January, 2020.

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Becoming a U.S. citizen is a rewarding process, but it can be hard to navigate all of the different requirements and forms. Let's take a look at the top 10 questions about becoming a U.S. citizen.

What are the ways to become a U.S. citizen?

There are two different ways to become a U.S. citizen: through birth or through naturalization.

If one of your parents is a U.S. citizen, you may have qualified to become a U.S. citizen at birth. If this is your case, and you'd like to claim your citizenship, you'll have to file Form N-600 or N-600K. These forms are basically used to prove that at least one of your parents was a U.S. citizen and that you're eligible for a Certificate of Citizenship.

Naturalization is the more common way of becoming a citizen. If you're currently a permanent resident in the United States, the way to become a citizen is through the naturalization process. To do this, you'll need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

If you are not currently a legal permanent resident, here is our ultimate guide on applying for legal permanent residency.

Why should I become a U.S. citizen?

There are lots of benefits to being a U.S. citizen. You get priority status when you petition to bring your family members to the United States, you get to vote, you can get a U.S. passport and use it for traveling abroad, and if your children are born overseas they receive U.S. citizenship automatically. You can also get a job in the federal government and run for office in the United States.

What responsibilities will I have as a U.S. citizen?

When you become a U.S. citizen, you commit to certain responsibilities. These include participating in the political process, doing jury duty when required, registering for the selective service (if you're a male between the ages of 18-26), and promising to uphold the Constitution and laws of the United States.

What are the requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

To become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you normally have to fulfill the following requirements:

1. You have to be 18 years old or older,
2. You need to be a green card holder for at least the 5 years leading up to your application for citizenship,
3. During those 5 years, you need to have continuous residence in the United States,
4. Also during those 5 years, you need to have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months,
5. You need to have lived in the same state or USCIS district for at least 3 months leading up to your application,
6. Once you apply, you need to live continuously in the U.S. until the naturalization process is complete,
7. You need to be a person of good moral character and committed to the principles in the U.S. Constitution, and
8. You have to be able to speak, read and write basic English and have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government.

These basic requirements are taken from the USCIS website. However, these requirements may change based on your individual circumstances. You should check out our complete guide to applying for United States citizenship to read more about the requirements and see which ones apply to you.

In some cases, you may be eligible to have some of the requirements waived completely. For example, if you're over age 50 when you apply for citizenship, and if you've lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years, you don't have to speak English to become a citizen. If you have a medical disability, you may not be required to take the English and civic exams. To learn more about exceptions and accommodations and to see if you qualify for any, click here.

You can check your eligibility for applying for U.S. citizenship here.

What if I'm married to a U.S. citizen?

If you're married to a U.S. citizen, the requirements for naturalization change a little bit. The biggest difference is that you only have to live in the U.S. for 3 years instead of 5. If your spouse is in the military or works for the U.S. government and is going to be stationed abroad, you may be able to become a citizen even more quickly.

Read: How to Become a United States Citizen

What if I'm serving or have served in the U.S. military?

If you've served in the U.S. military, you and your family may be eligible for special benefits when it comes to applying for citizenship. The requirements vary widely, but in general, if you've served in the military for a certain amount of time, both you and your family members can qualify for citizenship. You may have to file Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service, as proof that you are or were in the military.

If you've served in the U.S. military, you may also not be required to pay filing fees on some forms. See each form's instructions for details.

When a member of the U.S. military dies during their service, they may qualify to receive citizenship posthumously. In this case, Form N-644, Application for Posthumous Citizenship, should be filed on their behalf within 2 years of their death. As an immediate family member of someone who died while serving in the U.S. military, you may also qualify for citizenship.

How much does it cost to apply for citizenship?

If you're claiming U.S. citizenship through birth, the filing fee for Form N-600K is $1,385 for paper filing and $1335 for online filing.

If you're applying for naturalization, the general Form N-400 fee is $760 for paper filing and $710 for online filing. However, there are some exceptions that may lessen the fee amount.

What's the processing time after I've submitted everything?

Processing times can vary widely, but you should plan on at least several months for any of these forms. Once you've submitted your form, you can check it's progress with the USCIS Case Status Checker.

What happens when I go in for my interview?

In your interview, you'll be asked questions about your application for citizenship and your background.

As part of your interview, you'll have to take a civics test. This test is made up of 10 questions about the U.S. government and how it works. To pass the test, you'll have to get 6 of the questions right.

You'll also have to take an English test during your interview. The English test has 3 parts--speaking, reading, and writing. Your speaking ability will be measured by the USCIS officer conducting the interview. For the reading test, you'll be asked to read an English sentence out loud. For the writing test, you'll need to write out a sentence in English correctly.

If you fail either the civics test or the English test, you get one more chance to retake it with your current application. You'll be retested on the part of the test that you failed between 60 and 90 days after your first interview. If you fail again, you'll have to submit a new application for citizenship.

For a video that gives an overview of the interview and the civic and English tests, click here.

Can I reapply if my application is denied?

If you're trying to become a citizen through naturalization and your Form N-400 is denied, then yes you typically can! You have the option of appealing your decision using Form N-336. You'll be able to find information about appealing your decision in your denial letter.

If you don't want to appeal your decision, you can still usually reapply for citizenship. If you were denied because you didn't pass the civic or English tests, you can reapply as soon as you'd like. If you were denied for some other reason, your denial letter should give you a date when you can reapply for citizenship. To reapply, you'll have to file a new Form N-400 and pay the filing fee again.

If you applied for a Certificate of Citizenship with Form N-600 or Form N-600K and your application was denied, you can appeal the decision within 30 days by filing Form I-290B. After the 30 days are up, you can use Form I-290B to appeal to have your case reopened.

Ways to Apply for Citizenship

Fill Out On a Computer

Download and view in a PDF viewer.

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SimpleCitizen's Application Builder

Form N-400 is included with SimpleCitizen.

Get Started*Includes Attorney Review

Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.

Print PDF

Hire a Legal Professional

Find a legal professional to complete the form.

Visit AILA.com

Additional Resources

How to Become a United States Citizen

4 Common Reasons Citizenship Applications are Denied

How to Apply for Citizenship while Serving in the United States Military

Start your Citizenship Application with SimpleCitizen

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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What does good moral character mean?

Congratulations on working toward becoming a citizen of the United States! In addition to meeting residency requirements as a legal permanent resident and other elements of the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services must deem you a person of “good moral character” (or GMC) to be granted citizenship. According to the USCIS Policy Manual, good moral character means that a person’s conduct “measures up to the standards of average citizens of the community in which the applicant resides.”  The goal is to assure that only law-abiding, productive members of society receive the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizens.

How to become a United States Citizen

Rather than sit down to dinner with you to discuss your moral convictions, the USCIS has its own system, which mostly defined in the negative (like proving that you haven’t committed crimes and don't lie). Your good moral character is based on USCIS officers’ assessment of your personal legal record, your application for naturalization and your oral interview, according to laws that Congress has passed. This article answers some key questions about how GMC is determined.

What time period is good moral character based on?

5 years (or 3 years if you are applying under the special rules as a spouse of a U.S. citizen) immediately before filing for citizenship. This is the “statutory period.” It is the same as the number of years as you were required to live as a legal permanent resident with a green card before filing for citizenship. This is the time period that the USICS will thoroughly examine any immoral conduct that could threaten your citizenship application. However, the USICS has the freedom to examine activities during your entire life. The time between filing for naturalization until your oath of citizenship can also affect eligibility.

What doesn’t help to prove good moral character?

Past crimes and other negative activities can set up “bars” to your naturalization process. These bars can delay or permanently block naturalization, depending on the seriousness of the crime. Many of these have to do with “crimes of moral turpitude,” or crimes that demonstrate a lack of moral character. Some more serious ones are also grounds for deportation. Here are several to be aware of:

• Any crime against a person with intent to harm
• Fraudulent green card activity or false testimony for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit
• Violation of controlled substance (drug) laws
• Habitual drunkenness
• Gambling offenses
• Shoplifting or theft
• Prostitution
• Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony payments,
• Failing to complete any probation, parole, or suspended sentence before applying for naturalization.
• Smuggling aliens into the U.S.
• Not registering with the U.S. Selected Service System while between the ages of 18 and 25 if you are male.
• Two or more of any crimes for which 5 or more years were spent in jail
• Jail time of 180 days or more during the past 5 years

People who have been convicted of murder at any time cannot become U.S. citizens. The same goes for those convicted of another aggravated felony (including drug trafficking and armed bank robbery, as well as lesser crimes like bribery or counterfeiting) after November 29, 1990. These are permanent bars.

What does help to prove good moral character?

• Honesty. Tell the truth in your answers on the N-400 application and when asked any questions by USCIS personal, especially regarding your history with law enforcement. Be thorough in reporting even incidents like a simple traffic ticket. Failure to tell the truth can become a much more serious concern than the violation itself. Lying shows a lack of moral character.
• This is optional, but it may be useful to provide letters from people such as neighbors, church or other religious leaders, and employers who can vouch for your good moral character. Letters should positive examples of how you live your life and contribute to U.S. society.

Concerned about your GMC?

• Remember that you don’t need to be a saint to be considered “of good moral character.” Your moral character and personal standards likely exceed the necessary qualifications. If you don’t have criminal convictions, and are generally a law-abiding member of your neighborhood, it shouldn’t be too difficult to show good moral character. Just be sure to honest in all of your descriptions.
• If a minor crime or activity that may show a lack of good moral character applies to you, you may consider waiting until the statutory 5 years have gone by with a “clean” record before applying. You should also be prepared to prove solid employment and family and community involvement within those 5 years to show reformed character and conduct.
• Seek additional help from legal experts or attorneys before submitting your application for naturalization if you have more concerns.

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Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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In April of 2017, the Trump administration stated that it will continue to uphold the 2002 executive order that facilitates the citizenship process for noncitizen military members.

Those persons serving honorably in active-duty status in the Armed Forces of the United States at any time on or after September 11, 2001 are eligible to apply for naturalization in accordance with the statutory exception to the naturalization requirements, as provided in section 1440(b) of title 8, United States Code.
- Executive Order 13269 signed by President George W. Bush on July 3, 2002.

Recently however, among Trump's several regulations aimed at tightening immigration, the Department of Defense released two updates that affect noncitizen individuals entering the military and those who are currently serving with noncitizen status.

The Washington Post also reported that the Army is turning away people or putting on hold those who wish to serve based on their immigration status.

Voices across the Internet immediately responded with heated criticisms to the announcement. One online critique said that the move is potentially unlawful and founded on biases. Another wrote about how immigrants ought to be thanked for their service and recognized for their dedication because these men and women are putting their life on the line for the "vast majority of us who never put on uniform."

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Trump's immigration policies cause enough controversy no doubt, but more recent news regarding the president offending a fallen soldier's wife, combined the two topics for a perfect storm.

With Trump declaring a ban on something new everyday in a world filled with alternative facts; It's safe to say we would be wise to learn the truth and double check the news we read.

So the question still stands. Is it possible to apply for Citizenship while serving in the military? Let's find out.

Updated Military & Immigration Policies

As of October 13, The Department of Defense released two updates:

1. Updated Screening For Lawful Permanent Residents.

The DoD requires all military recruits who are legal permanent residents to go through a thorough background investigation. These individuals should receive a favorable military security suitability determination (MSSD) report before any participation in the service, whether active or on reserve.

The change overthrows previous policy which states that as long as such an individual initiated his or her background check and if he or she had cleared other designated entry screenings, he or she may begin military training.

2. Changes to the Expedited Naturalization for Military Personnel.

In order to proceed to naturalization, noncitizen recruits are required to complete at least 180 consecutive days of active service in the branch of the military they are serving, or they must receive a satisfactory evaluation in their selected reserve for at least one year.

The Department of Defense stated in this news release that the set probation period is aimed to eliminate the “one day service” occurrence where recruits serve for a brief period, just enough to obtain the certification of honorable service for expedited naturalization.

How to Apply for Citizenship in the Military

Typical naturalization process from permanent resident status requires the individual to have lived in the United States consecutively for at least three to five years. However, for members of the Armed Forces (that includes anyone in active duty, on reserve, or in the national guard), they may file for naturalization within one year of their military service.

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This section in the Immigration and Nationality act of 1952 (INA) also excuses these applicants from having the required period of residence or physical presence within the United States. Lastly, USCIS offers the benefit of waiving the application fee for those who fulfilled an honorable service.

What are the Requirements?

Legal Status: Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder)

Noncitizen recruits must be lawful permanent residents while they’re applying for naturalization. Any other immigration status is currently not allowed to enlist.

Candidate’s Moral Character: Good Moral Standing

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) look at two main components to determine a candidate’s moral character.

First, his or her criminal record.

When filling out the application for naturalization: Form N-400, the candidate should report all crimes committed, including those that occurred before his or her 18th birthday and/or those that have been removed from record.

Second, they look at the candidate's honesty during their interview with the officer who oversees the candidate's naturalization process.

USCIS has the rights to conduct further background checks. If they find inconsistency between the candidate’s response during the interview and the background check, they have the right to reject the application.

Language: English Proficiency

All naturalization candidates should have the ability to communicate in English both in writing and speaking. The law requires them to demonstrate their language proficiency in simple phrases for ordinary usage.

American History, Law, & Government: Civics Test

Candidates should also acquire knowledge and understanding of basic American history, common principles of law, and forms of government.

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Where Do I Apply for Citizenship?

Because military candidates may move physically throughout the application process, every military branch has a designated personnel and/or a department for handling applications. Different military divisions have different designations. For a list of different contact points, see below:

The Department of the Army:

Battalion (BN), Brigade Combat Team (BCT) S-1s, Personnel Services Battalion (PSB), Personnel Service Centers (PSC), Military Personnel Divisions (MPD), and Military Personnel Offices (MILPO) are all available points of contact. Each of them has the capacity to coordinate with the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (USAHRC) to facilitate the application process.

The Air Force:

Military Personnel Flights (MPFs), or applicants may also complete documents online through virtual Military Personnel Flight.

The Navy:

Naval candidates who are seeking naturalization should establish a citizenship representative through the program NAVADMIN 251/04. At this time, the Navy SEAL is not accepting noncitizen applicants.

The Marine Corps:

A Legal assistance officer is the designated representative within the Marines.

When to Apply for Citizenship

Noncitizen recruits may apply anytime either during their enlistment or after they have fulfilled their service. However, the recent changes, as mentioned above, delay noncitizen recruits from applying while in training due to background check time.

How to Prepare my Citizenship Packet

Make sure to always use the most up-to-date USCIS forms. You may receive your application packet through your branch’s citizenship representative, request it from the USCIS, or use SimpleCitizen's online Citizenship Software.

Please be advised that your application officer during the interview may ask you questions regarding information on your forms. Always stay consistent and be as clear and detailed as possible with the information you provide.

Once you have gathered all the required documents, translations, and passport photos for the N-400; bring everything to your branch’s designated point of contact for naturalization. Your representative will verify your application and complete the Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service form. Your branch representative or commander has the authority to indicate your characterization of service, and deem whether or not your service was honorable if you were being discharged.

Your representative will then mail your application packet to USCIS.

What happens after Submitting Form N-400

First, you will receive a letter with the Form I-797 from the USCIS with your case status number. You can use this number to track the progress of your applications. The letter usually arrives within the first two to three weeks.

Second, you need to go to your biometrics service appointment. Your branch’s military citizenship representative has the authority to schedule this appointment with the nearest USCIS facility. The same representative must fill out a Fingerprint Notice and you will take this form with you on the date of the appointment. If you are physically overseas, then you should contact the nearest military police unit or security manager. They will send you FD-258 fingerprint cards where you may fulfill a set of dark and a set of clear fingerprints.

Third, after four months or so. You will be notified of your interview date. This will include the place and specific time of your appointment. If you are unable to attend your interview on the appointed date, you may write on the interview notice your reason for why you cannot attend and the next availability. For example, if you are unavailable due to deployment, then you should attach the deployment order with the notice as you return them to the USCIS.

Note: You may ask your representative to follow up with the USCIS if the receipt (I-797) did not come within 60 days of your application being mailed. You may also follow up with him or her if you don't receive your interview notice within five months.

Fourth, Your interview officer may give you one of these three decisions: granted, continued, or denied. In some cases, the officer may tell you if you will be granted your citizenship at the end of your interview. In most cases, you will receive a formal notice stating when and where you will attend the oath ceremony. If you’ve been told that the officer is continuing your case, then you may be asked to come back for a second interview or to provide the missing documents. If your form was denied, USCIS will send you a written notice stating why. You may request a hearing from the officer who denied your application and you may file an appeal with the Form N-336.

Lasty, is the Oath Ceremony. Here, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.

Congratulations!

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Photo Credit: Spencer Imbrock

Last Updated: January 15, 2020.

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Thinking about applying for United States citizenship?

This guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to become a United States citizen.

There are 3 main steps to applying for U.S. citizenship and multiple steps in between. Starting with applying for a visa, getting a green card, then finally applying for citizenship. Keep in mind that the total time to immigrate to the U.S. and become a U.S. citizen is between six and seven years.

Let's get started.

Step 1: Apply For a Visa

You're living in Country X when you realize it's time to make your move. You want to immigrate to America.

The first thing you need to do is obtain a visa from the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A visa is a pass that allows you to enter the United States and stay here for a specific length of time. There are two types of visa.

• Nonimmigrant visas: For those who simply want to travel to the U.S.
• Immigrant visas: For those who wish to move to the U.S. permanently

You want to apply for an immigrant visa (a visa is not the same as a green card; more on green cards in a bit). With a few exceptions, to be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, you must be sponsored by either

• A relative who is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
• A prospective employer

If you're immigrating based on family: Your sponsor begins the process by filing form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS. Filing this form costs $535 and can be paid with a check or money order.

If you're immigrating based on employment: Your sponsoring employer begins the process by filing form I-140 Petition for Alien Worker with USCIS. In some highly skilled employment categories, you can file the I-140 petition yourself.

Exceptions to family-based or employment-based visa categories: The majority of immigrants who are granted visas do so in the family-based or employment-based visa categories. But as mentioned above, there are exceptions. These include:

• Petition for a foreign fiancé(e) to get married in the U.S.
• Petition for a child adopted abroad to be adopted in the U.S.
• Petitions covered by special types of workers or special circumstances established by the U.S. government
• Diversity visas — granted in limited number to people from countries with historically low U.S. immigration rates.
• Entrepreneur visas — granted to entrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) who invest in a U.S. business enterprise, thereby creating or preserving 10 permanent full-time jobs in the U.S.

Once your sponsor's petition is approved by USCIS, you will have to:

• Collect and submit the appropriate paperwork to the National Visa Center
• Entrepreneur visas — granted to entrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) who invest in a U.S. business enterprise, thereby creating or preserving 10 permanent full-time jobs in the U.S.
• Pay fees (between $205 and $345, depending on your status)
• Complete an interview with a consular officer

If and when you're approved — congrats! You are now able to enter and stay in the United States. Next stop: green card.

Step 2: Apply For a Green Card

A visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for a set period of time, and when that time is up, you have to go. With a green card, however, you become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., and you can live and work here indefinitely. Applying for a green card is the next step in the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

Who can apply? People are granted green cards under similar categories that they are visas — i.e., based on having either family or employment in the U.S. Again, special categories exist, including status as a refugee or asylee (someone who has been granted asylum in the U.S.). It's important to note that except for immediate family of U.S. citizens, a limited number of green cards are issued each year, and there are priorities and preferences for certain categories of immigrants.

Getting a green card based on family: Priority is given to the spouse, parents and unmarried children under age 21 of a U.S. citizen. These people do not have to wait for a visa to become available before they can get a green card.

Read: The Ultimate Guide on Getting a Green Card

Getting a green card based on employment: There is also an order of preference for people who wish to immigrate to the U.S. for employment. First preference goes to "priority workers," including exceptional professors and researchers and others with extraordinary abilities. To see the complete order of preference for workers, visit the USCIS website.

Getting a green card based on humanitarian reasons: You may be able to get a green card through your status as a refugee or asylee.

• If you're a refugee, the law requires you to apply for your green card within a year of entering the U.S.
• If you have been granted asylum in the U.S., the law requires you to apply for your green card within a year of asylum status being granted

Other special categories: A variety of special categories exist that enable you to get a green card, including.

• You want to invest $1 million or more in a U.S. business
• You're a religious worker or member of the clergy coming here to work in certain circumstances
• You're a former overseas U.S. government worker

Once you file your green card application and all supporting documents and fees, USCIS will schedule an interview with you. For green card applications and help filling out the forms, visit SimpleCitizen.com.

The next step: Conditional permanent resident status vs. permanent resident status. Once you're approved (congrats!), you become a conditional permanent resident, and you'll be issued a conditional green card. It's good for two years. At some point during the 90 days before the card expires, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence. You cannot renew a two-year green card — you must apply to have the conditions removed.

Once the conditions are removed, you are granted a permanent resident green card. It's valid for 10 years. You may renew it by filing Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card.

So once you have your permanent resident green card, now you can apply to become a U.S. citizen, right?

Not quite.

Ways to Apply for a Green Card

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Step 3: Apply for American Citizenship (after 3 or 5 years)

You must be a permanent resident of the U.S. (aka having your green card) for five years before you become eligible for naturalization (aka becoming a U.S. citizen). USCIS does permit you to submit your naturalization application up to 90 days before your five-year anniversary.

Are there any exceptions to the five-year rule? Yes, there are:

• Permanent residents who are married to U.S. citizens only have to wait three years to apply for citizenship
• Battered spouses of a U.S. citizen also only have to wait three years
• Spouses of U.S. citizens in certain overseas jobs, refugees and asylees all have special circumstances that may permit them to apply for citizenship earlier than five years

Next step: You've had your green card for three or five years (or however long USCIS mandates, based on your status), and you'd like to apply for citizenship. Now it's time to file form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. A few important points about the N-400:

• The form can be completed with SimpleCitizen. Start here‍
• It costs $640 to file the N-400 plus an $85 biometrics fee (more on biometrics below)
• Read all the instructions carefully and always tell the truth
• It's a good idea to have an immigration lawyer review your form before you submit it

What happens next? Two things:

1. Biometrics. You will be mailed a date for your biometrics services appointment. This is where USCIS captures your fingerprints, photograph and digital signature to confirm your identity and perform background and security checks.
2. Citizenship interview. After biometrics are collected, you'll get an appointment for a citizenship interview with a USCIS officer. Make sure to bring the list of documents they request and be prepared to go over your application with the officer. You will be sworn in, and the officer will test your knowledge of English and U.S. history and government

Ways to Apply for Citizenship

Fill Out On a Computer

Download and view in a PDF viewer.

Download PDF

SimpleCitizen's Application Builder

Complete a Citizenship application with SimpleCitizen.

Get Started *Includes Attorney Review

Print & Fill Out Paper Form

Print the PDF and fill by hand with black pen.

Print PDF

Hire a Legal Professional

Find a legal professional to complete the form.

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You are almost a U.S. citizen! The final step is the oath ceremony, where you swear an oath of allegiance to the United States. In some courts, you will swear your oath on the same day as your citizenship interview, but if a same-day oath ceremony is not available, USCIS will notify you by mail of your ceremony date and time.

What happens in the oath ceremony? Before a judge, you will pledge to:

• Support and defend the U.S. Constitution
• Respect and obey all laws
• Pay income and other taxes honestly and on time
• Serve on a jury upon request
• Defend the country if needed

Once you swear your oath of allegiance, you will receive your certificate of naturalization. Congratulations! You are now a full-fledged U.S. citizen with all the rights that grants, including freedom of religion, the right to vote, right to a fair trial, and of course, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Helpful Links:

Complete a Citizenship Application with SimpleCitizen
Citizenship Supporting Document Checklist
How long does it take to become a citizen?