Information and resources about the process to apply for US citizenship
We present this list of resources and information about the entire process of applying for naturalization and U.S. citizenship.
Vea esta información en español aquí.
Citizenship Documents
See how to apply for U.S. citizenship— (English | Spanish)
Get ready to apply for naturalization (English | Spanish )
Learn About the Process for Applying for Citizenship
Ten steps to naturalization: Understanding the Process of Becoming a U.S. Citizen— a guide from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services outlining the general steps in the process from start to finish. An overview from the agency that includes links to additional resources.
CitizenshipWorks— a website and a free mobile app that provides tools to understand the eligibility requirements for naturalization and to prepare for the naturalization tests. The tools include an online interview to help individuals understand their eligibility, a tutorial that explains the process, a tutorial to help applicants prepare for the naturalization tests, and links to additional resources.
Immigo— a mobile app available for free on iTunes and the Google Play store that provides basic information about the naturalization process at your fingertips and includes a directory of immigration legal services providers.
Learn About the Requirements to Apply for Citizenship
USCIS Naturalization Eligibility Determination Worksheet— guides potential applicants through questions to ask themselves in order to determine if they meet the requirements for naturalization.
CitizenshipWorks Eligibility Guide — an online tutorial that guides applicants through an interview to determine eligibility. After the applicants complete the interview, they will receive an information sheet that provides information about their eligibility and the process of applying for naturalization.
Learn About the Application Form and Supporting Documents
Form N400— the application form is available for free from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Document Checklist— detailed checklist for supporting documents that are required in addition to the N400 form.
Learn How to Find Immigration Legal Service Providers:
CitizenshipWorks Immigration Services Directory— includes a directory of nonprofit immigration service providers.
Ya Es Hora Ciudadanía Centers – organizations that provide a variety of citizenship services such as help with the N-400 Citizenship application or basic civics classes.
America’s Literacy Directory – includes organizations that provide English as a Second Language classes and citizenship preparation classes.
ImmigrationLawHelp – is a searchable online directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states. Only nonprofits that are BIA recognized or have attorneys on staff are included in the directory.
Immigration Help Finder – with Immigration Help Finder users can search for nonprofit immigration legal service providers and financial lenders closest to them by entering their state, zip code, or home address.
Naturalization Events and Informational Sessions
USCIS Free Naturalization Information Sessions – USCIS regularly holds information sessions for the public. These sessions will help lawful permanent residents and others interested in naturalization learn about the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, testing, and citizenship rights and responsibilities.
Citizenship Events – The New Americans Campaign has a regularly updated calendar with information on naturalization assistance events near your area.
Learn About a Waiver for the Application Fee
Applicants who are low-income and unable to pay the application fee for the N-400 may apply for a fee waiver by submitting Form I-912 (Request for a Fee Waiver). To qualify, they must be able to substantiate that they are unable to pay the fee. Fee waivers are discretionary and are granted on a case-by-case basis.
USCIS will consider three criteria in determining whether an applicant is unable to pay the fee:
- Whether the applicant is currently receiving a federal or state means-tested benefit. This includes food stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and other benefits.
- Whether the applicant’s household income at the time of filing is at or below 150% of the poverty level found in the Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines.
- Whether the applicant has a financial hardship such as recent unemployment, high medical expenses, or other situations.
Use the following link to find out if you are eligible for a fee waiver or a reduced fee option: Fee Waiver Calculator.
Learn About the English Exemption for Certain Applicants
Applicants who are age 50 or older and have had lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for many years may qualify for an automatic exemption from the English reading, writing, and speaking requirement. They may instead take the history and civics test in their native language, using an interpreter.
50/20: If the applicant is age 50 or older and has been an LPR for 20 years or more, he/she qualifies for an automatic exemption from the English requirement.
55/15: If the applicant is age 55 or older and has been an LPR for 15 years or more, he/she qualifies for an automatic exemption from the English requirement.
Special Consideration (65/20): If the applicant is age 65 or older and has been an LPR for 20 years or more, he/she qualifies for an automatic exemption from the English requirement AND qualifies to take an easier history/civics test that is based on a shorter list of 20 study questions. The special consideration questions are marked with an asterisk on the list of 100 questions.