Q&A

No need.  You can submit your own USCIS forms, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online.  However, some people choose to seek help from an attorney or a representative accredited by the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).


USCIS has released a full list of the 2008 and 2020 versions of the citizenship test.

For the 2008 version of the citizenship test, USCIS officers will ask applicants 10 of the 100 citizenship test questions.

For the 2020 version of the citizenship test, USCIS officers will ask applicants 20 of the 128 citizenship test questions.

USCIS officers will only ask applicants the citizenship questions in both versions of the test list.


There is no limit to the number of times you can apply for naturalization, but you must pay an application fee for each Form N-400 you file with the agency.


Unless you qualify for an exception to the English or citizenship requirements, you will have two chances to meet the English and citizenship requirements.  If you do not pass any part of these requirements, you will be re-tested at a new interview for the part of the test (English or Civics) that you did not pass within 60 to 90 days from the date of your first interview.


While a person's legal permanent resident status does not expire except by naturalization or termination, legal permanent residents must always have valid, unexpired proof of legal permanent residence.  Applying for naturalization does not change this requirement.  However, as of December 12, 2022, naturalization applicants who correctly file Form N-400 will receive a Form N-400 receipt notice, which automatically extends the validity of the green card for 24 months from the "Card expiration" date upon presentation.  This receipt notice must be presented to show that your green card, which is proof of your legal permanent resident status, for example for employment or travel authorization purposes, has been extended.  If you have received a Form N-400 receipt notice that automatically extends the validity of your green card, but it has been lost or destroyed, then you must usually file Form I-90 to renew your expiring green card.


No. In addition to preparing for the reading, writing, and citizenship sections of the naturalization test, you will also need to prepare for the speaking section of the naturalization test and meet all other naturalization requirements.  The speaking test is conducted during the qualification examination period.  USCIS offers interactive simulation tests to help you prepare.

During your naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will review the responses you provided on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.  A USCIS officer will ask questions to clarify or confirm your answer.  Prepare for the Spoken English test by making sure you understand each question on the application form and can answer each question according to your situation.

If you generally understand and can respond accurately to USCIS officers, you have demonstrated your ability to speak English.  Applicants can ask the immigration officer to repeat or rewrite the questions during the naturalization interview.

Certain applicants, because of their age and time as legal permanent residents, are exempt from the English requirement for naturalization and can take a citizenship test in the language of their choice.

To qualify for citizenship, applicants typically must show that they have lived in the United States continuously for at least five years prior to filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).  This means that you must only live in the United States and not any other country.

You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided there are no other legal obstacles preventing you from doing so.  However, if the trip lasts more than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not resided continuously in the United States and are therefore ineligible for naturalization.

In addition to examining the length of your travel abroad, USCIS will also examine the frequency of your travel.  To qualify for naturalization, applicants must spend at least half their time in the United States.  This is known as the "physical presence" requirement.  You are also ineligible for naturalization if you take frequent short trips abroad that result in you spending more than half your time outside the United States.

The requirements of "continuous residence" and "physical presence" are interrelated but distinct requirements.  A naturalization applicant must meet each requirement to be eligible for naturalization.


No. However, certain answers may change as a result of elections or appointments.  As you prepare for the test, make sure you know the latest answers to these questions.  Visit the Civics Test Updates page to find answers to these specific questions.


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