N-400 Guide 2026: How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship (Step-by-Step)

My green card renewal notice arrived the same week I realized I'd been eligible for citizenship for months. I remember thinking: why am I paying $540 to renew something when I could pay a little more and never have to worry about it again?

That moment changed everything. Citizenship means you vote. You can hold certain government jobs. You can sponsor more family members. And you never have to stress about renewal deadlines or travel restrictions again.

But when I started researching the N-400 process, I found confusing government instructions, outdated blog posts, and wildly different advice from forums. Some things had changed recently. Some websites were still showing 2023 information. I had to piece together answers from a dozen different sources.

This guide is what I wish I'd had. It covers everything: who qualifies, the exact steps, current 2026 costs, the 128-question civics test, processing times, and the mistakes that get applications denied. No legal jargon. Just clear answers you can actually use.

What Is Form N-400?

Form N-400 is the official USCIS application for naturalization—the legal process by which green card holders become U.S. citizens (USCIS Form N-400 page).

The form is 20 pages long with 18 parts covering personal information, residence history, employment, travel, family, and moral character questions. USCIS uses this information to verify you meet all naturalization requirements under INA § 316.

You can file N-400 online through your USCIS account or submit a paper application by mail. Online filing costs slightly less ($710 vs $760) and lets you track your case more easily. Using a preparation service like Immiva doesn't require paper filing. You can prepare your application with a service and still file online. The only exception: if you need a fee waiver or reduced fee, you must file on paper.

Here's something that confuses a lot of people: N-400 is not the same as N-600. Form N-600 is for people who acquired citizenship automatically at birth through a U.S. citizen parent but need documentation to prove it. N-400 is for people earning citizenship through the naturalization process.

Who Qualifies for U.S. Citizenship?

Not every green card holder can apply immediately. USCIS has specific requirements based on how long you've held your green card and your personal circumstances.

The 5-Year Path (Standard Eligibility)

Most green card holders follow this path, which is based on the general naturalization requirements in INA § 316(a). Here's what you need:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years
• Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (913 days) during those 5 years (USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part D, Ch. 4)
• Have lived continuously in the U.S. for the entire 5-year period (USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part D, Ch. 3)
• Have lived in the state where you're applying for at least 3 months
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
• Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance

The physical presence requirement trips up a lot of people. Every day you spend outside the U.S. counts against your total. If you travel frequently for work or family visits, those days add up fast. Before you file, calculate your physical presence carefully to make sure you meet the 913-day minimum.

The 3-Year Path (Marriage to U.S. Citizen)

If you're married to a U.S. citizen and got your green card through that marriage, you may qualify for a faster track under INA § 319(a). The requirements are:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years
• Have been married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse for the entire 3 years
• Your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for all 3 years
• Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months (548 days) during those 3 years (USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part G, Ch. 2)
• Have lived in the state where you're applying for at least 3 months
• Meet all other standard requirements (good moral character, English, civics, etc.)

The "living with your spouse" requirement is important. If you're separated, you typically won't qualify for the 3-year path. You'd need to wait for the standard 5-year timeline instead.

Military Service Paths

Active-duty service members and veterans have special naturalization options under INA § 328 (peacetime) and INA § 329 (wartime). If you've served honorably for at least one year during peacetime, you may be able to apply while still serving or within 6 months of discharge.

Those who served during designated periods of hostility (including the "War on Terrorism" period starting September 11, 2001) may be able to naturalize immediately, even without a green card in some cases.

USCIS may waive filing fees for qualifying military applicants who naturalize under INA sections 328 or 329. However, this isn't automatic. You must provide documentation proving your qualifying service, including proof of honorable service, dates of service, and discharge status. The exact eligibility rules depend on when you served and whether it was during a designated period of hostility. Check the USCIS military naturalization page for specific requirements and required documentation.

Special Situations

A few other situations have modified requirements:

• Refugees and asylees: Time spent in the U.S. in asylee or refugee status before getting your green card counts toward the 5-year continuous residence requirement.
• Employees abroad: If you work for the U.S. government, certain research institutions, or qualifying American companies overseas, you may be able to preserve your continuous residence during extended travel. This requires filing Form N-470 before your trip.

N-400 Requirements Explained in Detail

Let's break down the requirements that cause the most confusion.

Continuous Residence vs. Physical Presence

These are two different things, and USCIS checks both. The requirements are detailed in USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part D, Chapters 3-4.

Continuous residence means your primary home has been in the United States. You haven't abandoned your residence here. Short trips abroad don't break continuous residence. But trips of 6 months or longer can create problems:

• Trips of 6 months to 1 year: USCIS presumes you broke continuous residence, but this is rebuttable—you can overcome it with evidence that your job, family, home, and tax filings remained U.S.-based (INA § 316(b)).
• Trips of 1 year or longer: These break continuous residence unless you filed Form N-470 before departing to preserve it for qualifying employment abroad.

Physical presence is simpler: it's a day count. Add up every day you were physically inside the United States during the required period. You need at least 913 days for the 5-year path or 548 days for the 3-year path.

Lots of short trips can quietly push you below the required days even if you never took a single long trip. I've seen people surprised to learn that two weeks of vacation twice a year, plus a few business trips, adds up to 50+ days outside the U.S. annually. Over 5 years, that's 250+ days you can't count.

Good Moral Character

USCIS evaluates whether you've demonstrated good moral character during the statutory period (the 3 or 5 years before you file, plus the time your application is pending). The specific bars to good moral character are listed in INA § 101(f) and USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part F.

Things that can affect your good moral character determination:

• Criminal convictions (the severity and timing matter)
• Lying on previous immigration applications
• Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony
• Not registering with Selective Service (required for males who were 18-25)
• Failing to file required federal, state, or local tax returns
• Certain immigration violations

Not every issue is disqualifying. A single DUI from years ago, for example, doesn't automatically bar you from citizenship. But you'll need to disclose it fully, bring documentation, and be prepared to discuss it at your interview. Understanding how USCIS evaluates DUIs can help you prepare.

Certain offenses are permanent bars to naturalization (like murder or aggravated felonies as defined in INA § 101(a)(43)). Others create a rebuttable presumption against good moral character that you can overcome with evidence. If you have any criminal history beyond minor traffic tickets, consider consulting an immigration attorney before filing.

English Language Requirement

You must demonstrate basic ability to read, write, and speak English, as required by INA § 312(a). At your interview, the USCIS officer will:

• Ask you questions in English and evaluate your speaking ability
• Have you read 1 of 3 sentences aloud
• Have you write 1 of 3 sentences they dictate

The test isn't designed to trip you up. It's checking for basic functional English, not perfect grammar. If you can have a simple conversation and read/write at an elementary level, you'll likely be fine.

Exemptions exist for certain applicants under the 50/20 and 55/15 rules:

• 50/20 rule: Age 50+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident
• 55/15 rule: Age 55+ with 15+ years as a permanent resident
• 65/20 rule: Age 65+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident (also qualifies for a simplified civics test)

If you qualify for an exemption, you can take the civics test in your native language through an interpreter.

Disability waiver: If you have a medical condition that prevents you from meeting the English or civics requirements, you may be able to request an exemption using Form N-648 (completed by your doctor).

Civics Knowledge Requirement

This is the "citizenship test" most people think of. You'll be tested on U.S. history and government.

If you file your N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you'll take the 2025 civics test. This version has 128 possible questions (up from 100 in the previous version). During your interview, the officer asks up to 20 questions, and you need 12 correct answers to pass (USCIS 2025 Civics Test Information).

The officer stops asking once you either get 12 right or 9 wrong. So if you nail the first 12 questions, you're done.

About 75% of the content overlaps with the previous test, but there are new questions and some changes in focus. The 2025 test emphasizes U.S. history and governance more heavily and includes less geography.

USCIS provides free study materials including the complete list of 128 questions with answers, flashcards, and practice tests. The test is designed to check for basic competency, not trick you. If you study using USCIS's free materials, you're well-prepared to pass.

If you fail the civics or English test at your interview, you get one retake opportunity. USCIS will schedule a second appointment within 60-90 days for you to try the portion you failed. If you fail twice, your application is denied, and you'd need to reapply (and pay the fee again).

N-400 Costs and Fees in 2026

The government filing fee depends on how you submit your application (USCIS Fee Schedule, effective April 1, 2024):

The fee includes biometrics processing. There's no separate fingerprinting fee anymore.

Fee Waiver and Reduced Fee Options

Full fee waiver: If your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for a complete fee waiver using Form I-912. You can also qualify if you receive certain means-tested benefits (like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF) or can demonstrate extreme financial hardship. See the USCIS Fee Waiver page for full eligibility criteria.

Reduced fee: Under the 2024 USCIS fee rule, if your household income is greater than 150% but less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify for the reduced $380 fee. You request this directly in Part 10 of the paper Form N-400 and submit documentation of your household income. Form I-942 is no longer required for reduced fee requests.

Both fee waiver and reduced fee requests require paper filing. You cannot file Form N-400 online if you're requesting either option.

How to Pay

Important change: As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts paper checks or money orders (USCIS Payment Methods). You must pay by:

• ACH bank transfer using Form G-1650, or
• Credit/debit card using Form G-1450

If you file online, you'll pay through your USCIS account directly. For paper filings, include the appropriate payment form on top of your application packet.

For step-by-step instructions, see How to Pay USCIS Filing Fees.

Total Cost Comparison

Here's what citizenship actually costs depending on the route you choose:

For most people with straightforward cases, you don't need an expensive attorney just to fill out forms. Guided preparation services offer error-checking and step-by-step help at a fraction of the cost. For a detailed breakdown, see N-400 Costs Explained.

The N-400 Process: Step by Step

Here's exactly what happens from the moment you decide to apply until you take the Oath of Allegiance.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before you file, use the USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool to verify you meet all requirements. Check:

• Have you been a permanent resident long enough? (5 years standard, 3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
• Do you have enough physical presence days?
• Are there any trips that might have broken continuous residence?
• Do you have any good moral character concerns?

Use the USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Tool for a basic check. For physical presence specifically, gather your travel records and do the math carefully.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll need to collect:

For everyone:

• Green card (front and back copy)
• Passport-style photos (2) if filing from abroad
• Any court records if you have arrests or citations to disclose

If applying based on marriage:

• Marriage certificate
• Proof you've been living together (joint leases, utility bills, bank statements)
• Evidence your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years

If you have name changes:

• Legal documents showing the change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.)

If you have criminal history:

• Certified court dispositions for every arrest, even if charges were dropped
• Completion certificates for any court-ordered programs

Don't wait until the last minute. Court records can take weeks to obtain.

Step 3: Complete Form N-400

The form has 18 parts covering:

• Your name, address, and contact information
• Biographic information (date of birth, country of birth, etc.)
• Information about your residence and employment
• Time outside the United States (list every trip in the last 5 years)
• Your marital history
• Information about your children
• Additional questions about your eligibility and good moral character
• Accommodations for disabilities (if needed)
• Your signature

The most common mistakes that delay applications:

1. Inconsistent dates - Make sure your answers match your previous immigration applications
2. Incomplete travel history - List ALL trips, even short ones
3. Not disclosing arrests - Include every arrest, even if charges were dropped
4. Wrong photos - Follow USCIS specifications exactly
5. Missing signatures - Unsigned applications get rejected

For more pitfalls to avoid, read about common N-400 mistakes that get applications denied.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Online filing: You can file online through your USCIS account, complete the form, upload documents, and pay. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately. Online filing is available for most applicants. The only exception: if you need a fee waiver or reduced fee, you must file by mail. The USCIS Direct Filing Addresses page lists where to mail paper applications based on your state.

Paper filing: Mail your completed form, supporting documents, and payment form to the appropriate USCIS lockbox. The address depends on your state; check the N-400 instructions for current filing locations.

Keep copies of everything you submit.

Step 5: Receive Your Receipt Notice

Within 2-3 weeks of USCIS receiving your application, you'll get Form I-797C, your receipt notice. This confirms:

• USCIS has your application
• Your receipt number (use this to track your case)
• Your priority date

Important: The receipt notice automatically extends your green card validity for 24 months. This matters if your green card expires while your N-400 is pending. Carry the receipt notice with your green card as proof of your continued status.

Step 6: Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) to collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature. These are used for FBI background checks. See USCIS Biometrics Information for what to expect. They will capture:

• Your fingerprints
• Your photograph
• Your signature

Bring your appointment notice, green card, and a photo ID. Arrive on time. Rescheduling can add weeks to your processing time.

Some applicants don't receive a biometrics appointment at all. USCIS may reuse biometrics from a recent application (like I-751) if they're still valid. If this applies to you, your case just moves forward to the interview stage.

For details on what to expect, see Biometrics Appointment 101. If you need to reschedule, follow the steps in How to Postpone a USCIS Biometrics Appointment.

Step 7: Citizenship Interview

Your interview will be conducted by a USCIS officer who will verify your application, test your English and civics knowledge, and review your eligibility. The USCIS Naturalization Interview page explains exactly what happens. A USCIS officer will:

1. Verify your identity and put you under oath
2. Review your N-400 application with you, question by question
3. Ask about any changes since you filed (new travel, address changes, arrests, etc.)
4. Administer the English test (reading and writing)
5. Administer the civics test (up to 20 questions)
6. Evaluate your good moral character based on your answers and background check

Bring to your interview:

• Your appointment notice
• Your green card
• Your passport(s)
• Any documents requested in your appointment notice
• Original documents for anything you submitted copies of

Be honest. If you made an error on your application, tell the officer. They can make corrections. Lying during the interview is far worse than any mistake you might be trying to hide.

At the end of the interview, the officer will typically tell you one of three things:

• Congratulations, you passed. You'll move to the oath ceremony.
• We need additional documents. Your case is "continued" pending more information.
• Your application is denied. You'll receive a written notice explaining why and your options.

Step 8: Receive Your Decision

Most people receive a decision at the end of their interview. USCIS will give you Form N-652 showing the result.

If your application is continued, you'll receive instructions on what additional documents or information USCIS needs. Respond promptly.

If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal using Form N-336 within 30 days. You can also request a hearing to review the decision. Alternatively, you may be able to reapply once you've addressed the issue that caused the denial.

Step 9: Oath Ceremony

At the oath ceremony, you'll take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. This is the moment you officially become a U.S. citizen. Sometimes this happens the same day as your interview (called "same-day oath"). Other times, you'll receive a notice scheduling a ceremony days or weeks later.

At the ceremony:

• You'll return your green card
• You'll take the Oath of Allegiance with other new citizens
• You'll receive your Certificate of Naturalization

Check your certificate carefully before leaving. Make sure your name, date of birth, and other details are correct. Fixing errors later is much harder.

Your Certificate of Naturalization is your proof of citizenship. Keep it somewhere safe. You'll need it to apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and update various records.

N-400 Processing Times in 2026

Current N-400 processing times vary by USCIS field office. You can check your specific office's timeline on the USCIS Processing Times page by selecting Form N-400 and your field office location. Here's the general timeline:

These are national medians. The fastest field offices complete cases in 4-5 months. The slowest take 10-14 months. Your experience depends on where you live and current workloads.

How to Check Your Status

• USCIS online account: If you filed online, you can see case updates here
• Case Status Tool: Enter your receipt number at uscis.gov/casestatus
• Processing Times Tool: Check estimated times for your specific field office

If your case has been pending longer than the posted processing time, you can submit an inquiry online or call the USCIS Contact Center.

Factors That Can Delay Your Case

• Incomplete applications or missing documents
• Background check complications
• Rescheduling your biometrics or interview
• Extended travel that raises questions about residence
• Criminal history requiring additional review
• Request for Evidence (RFE) requiring your response

Special Situations

Applying While I-751 Is Pending

Yes, you can file N-400 while your I-751 (petition to remove conditions on your green card) is still pending. USCIS may adjudicate the I-751 first or consolidate both applications into your naturalization interview.

Bring your I-751 receipt notice and any related documents to your N-400 interview.

Applying After Divorce

If you got divorced before meeting the 3-year requirement for the marriage-based path, you'll need to use the standard 5-year path instead. The divorce itself doesn't disqualify you; it just changes which timeline applies.

If you're already at 5 years as a permanent resident, you can file immediately regardless of your marriage status.

Be prepared to explain your situation at the interview. Bring your divorce decree.

Travel While N-400 Is Pending

Yes, you can travel internationally while your N-400 is pending. Just don't miss your appointments (biometrics, interview) and maintain your continuous residence.

Carry your green card and receipt notice when traveling. If you'll be abroad for an extended period, make sure you can return for any scheduled appointments.

Expired Green Card

You can still apply for citizenship even if your green card has expired. Your permanent resident status doesn't expire when the card does.

When you file your N-400, the receipt notice automatically extends your green card for 24 months. Bring both documents if you need to travel or prove your status.

Criminal History Concerns

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it requires careful handling. The impact depends on:

• The type of offense
• When it occurred
• The outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
• Whether it falls within your statutory period

Some offenses create a permanent bar to citizenship. Others require you to wait a certain period after completing your sentence. Many are evaluated as part of the good moral character determination without being automatic disqualifiers.

If you have any criminal history beyond minor traffic tickets, disclose everything on your N-400 and bring certified court records. Consider consulting an immigration attorney to understand how your specific situation might be evaluated.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These errors cause the most delays and denials:

1. Filing too early - Before you actually meet the residency requirements
2. Calculation errors - Getting physical presence or continuous residence math wrong
3. Incomplete travel history - You must list ALL trips, even weekend trips to Canada or Mexico
4. Omitting arrests - Even if charges were dropped, dismissed, or sealed
5. Wrong photo specifications - Must meet exact USCIS requirements
6. Missing signatures - Unsigned forms are automatically rejected
7. Not disclosing name changes - Include every name you've ever used
8. Tax filing gaps - Make sure all required returns have been filed
9. Selective Service issues - Men 18-25 must register; failing to do so can affect your case
10. Inconsistent information - Answers must match your previous immigration applications

Most of these are preventable with careful attention to detail. Review everything before you submit.

Why Use Immiva for Your N-400?

Let's be honest: the N-400 form is confusing. It's 20 pages long. The questions aren't always clear. The instructions read like they were written by lawyers for other lawyers.

Most people's options have been: figure it out yourself and hope you don't make mistakes, or pay an attorney $500-$2,500 to fill out forms on your behalf.

Immiva offers a better middle ground.

Our platform guides you through every N-400 question in plain English. No legal jargon. No confusing instructions. You answer simple questions, and we flag potential errors in real time. When you're done, your completed form is ready to file online or print, sign, and mail.

The cost? $49. That's it.

This isn't a replacement for legal advice if you have a genuinely complicated case. But for the majority of green card holders with clean records and straightforward histories, it's everything you need to file with confidence.

Immiva was built by someone who went through the immigration process personally and found 76 mistakes in forms prepared by a law firm. We know how much errors cost in time, stress, and money. That's why we built a system to prevent them.

Check your eligibility and start your N-400 today.

Conclusion

Becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most significant steps you'll take. The process has clear requirements: meet the residency timeline, demonstrate good moral character, pass the tests, and take the oath.

The N-400 form is long, but the process itself is straightforward when you prepare carefully. Count your physical presence days. Know your travel history. Make sure every answer is accurate and consistent with previous applications. Small details matter.

For most people with straightforward cases, the journey from green card to citizenship takes 6-8 months. At the end, you'll have something permanent: the right to vote, full protection from deportation, and the ability to pass citizenship to your future children.

Start by confirming your eligibility. Gather your documents. Then file your N-400 when you're ready.

And remember: you don't have to do this alone. Whether you use USCIS's resources, Immiva's guided preparation, or an immigration attorney, help is available at every step.

Good luck with your citizenship journey.

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Official Sources

This guide is based on current USCIS policy and the Immigration and Nationality Act. All information was verified against these official sources as of January 2026:

• USCIS Form N-400 Official Page
• USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12: Citizenship & Naturalization
• USCIS 10 Steps to Naturalization
• USCIS 2025 Civics Test Information
• USCIS Civics Test Study Materials
• USCIS Fee Schedule
• USCIS Reduced Fee Information
• USCIS Fee Waiver Information
• USCIS Processing Times
• USCIS Poverty Guidelines
• USCIS Military Naturalization

Immigration law changes frequently. We monitor USCIS policy updates and revise this guide when regulations change.