Clear answers to your citizenship questions.
A plain-language library written by the team that works on N-400s every day. Take a breath — whatever naturalization question brought you here, there's a guide below that walks you through it.
Why Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
The case for naturalizing — the rights you gain, and whether now is your moment.
Should I Apply for U.S. Citizenship? A Complete Guide
The complete guide to deciding if — and when — to apply for naturalization. Covers benefits, costs, eligibility, travel freedom, family petitioning, and civic rights.
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Green Card Renewal (I-90) vs. Citizenship (N-400)
Is your green card expiring soon? You might be thinking about filing Form I-90 to renew it. But you might be better off applying for citizenship instead.
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Should I Apply for Citizenship Now? Why 2026 Is a Good Time
With 5.6-month processing times and generous fee assistance, conditions for applying are unusually good. But policies change. Here's why eligible green card holders should act now.
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Traveling With The Freedom Of A U.S. Passport
Holding a United States passport opens doors around the world and unlocks new levels of freedom when crossing international borders.
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Having a Voice in Your Community's Future
As a U.S. citizen, you get powerful new ways to shape your community's future and make your voice heard.
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Bringing Your Family Closer
U.S. citizens have many more options for bringing family members to the United States than green card holders have.
Read guideSimplifying Naturalization
Plain-language answers to the requirements that trip most people up.
Preparing For Your Citizenship Interview — A Complete Guide
Our advice about how to get ready for the citizenship interview. Tips on what to expect at the appointment, how to prepare for the tests, and what to bring with you on the day of your interview.
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U.S. Citizenship Eligibility Calculator: Check Your Timeline
Find your exact citizenship eligibility date with our free calculator. Green card holders can apply 90 days early — check if you qualify under the 5-year or 3-year rule.
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Continuous Residence & Physical Presence Explained
Confused about continuous residence vs. physical presence? This guide explains both requirements with real examples, trip length rules, and a calculator to check your eligibility.
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Good Moral Character for Citizenship: Examples & Rules
Worried about the good moral character requirement? Most applicants pass easily. Learn what USCIS looks for, what doesn't affect you, and how to prove it — updated for 2025 policy changes.
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N-400 Fee Waiver Guide: Apply for Free or $380
Can you get your N-400 fee waived or reduced? If your household income is under $132,000 (family of 4), you may qualify. See the income thresholds and how to apply.
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The 3-Month Residency Requirement for N-400: Rules & Examples
Before filing for citizenship, you must live in the same USCIS district for 3 months. Here's exactly what that means — and the common myth about same-address requirements.
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How to Find Your Travel History for the N-400
Can't remember every trip you took? Here's how to reconstruct your N-400 travel history using passport stamps, email records, bank statements, phone photos, and CBP FOIA requests.
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Travel While Waiting for Your Citizenship Interview
Yes — you can travel internationally while your N-400 is pending. Here's how biometrics and interview notices work, what to track, and when to be careful.
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What's Happening with Birthright Citizenship? A Plain-Language Guide to Current Challenges
The 14th Amendment has granted citizenship to nearly everyone born in the U.S. for over 150 years. Now, that interpretation faces challenges.
Read guideApplying For Naturalization As A Family
Coordinate parents, spouses, and shared records — file as one household.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship as a Family
Applying for U.S. citizenship as a family? One person can help organize everyone's N-400. Here's what to share, what to file separately, and how to save on fees.
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Can One Person Apply for Citizenship for a Family?
One person can organize your family's citizenship applications. Each adult files their own N-400, but you can share taxes, address history, and travel records.
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Helping Your Parents Apply for U.S. Citizenship
Helping your parents apply for U.S. citizenship? Here's how to organize the application, watch for travel and tax issues, and plan for the interview.
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Long Trips Abroad and Your Parent's Citizenship
Long trips abroad can complicate your parent's citizenship application. Here's how the 6-month and 1-year rules work, and what to do if a trip was extended.
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Easier Citizenship Test (50/20, 55/15, 65/20)
Older green card holders can take an easier citizenship test — or skip the English part entirely. Here's how the 50/20, 55/15, and 65/20 rules work.
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Helping Retired Parents Apply: Taxes and Income
Retired parents who haven't filed taxes can still apply for U.S. citizenship. Here's what counts, how to get IRS transcripts, and what to do about gaps.
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N-400 Address Question When Your Parent Has No Lease
Your parent doesn't have a lease, mortgage, or utility bills in their name? Here's what to put on the N-400 — and what to have ready if USCIS asks for backup.
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Why Your Parents Might Want U.S. Citizenship
Thinking about whether your parents should apply for U.S. citizenship — but haven't brought it up yet? Here's what often matters most to parents, and how to start.
Read guideInformation For Green Card Holders
What to know while you hold a green card and weigh the path to citizenship.
Data Exploration
The numbers behind the questions people ask most about citizenship.
Naturalization 101
Start with the fundamentals — the process, the paperwork, the pitfalls.
Naturalization 101: The Process
A step-by-step overview to help you understand the naturalization process
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Naturalization 101: Forms & Supporting Documents
A list of the important forms and documents needed for the naturalization process
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Naturalization 101: Top 5 Pitfalls to Avoid
Top 5 pitfalls to avoid with the naturalization process
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