Guides to the U.S. citizenship process
The civics test, the N-400 interview and what comes after the oath, step by step. Each guide lists its official sources and the date we checked them.
The civics and English test
U.S. Citizenship Test Questions 2026: The 128 and the 100 Official QuestionsThe official civics questions in 2026: 128 for the 2025 test and 100 for the 2008 test. How the oral test works and which answers can change.Read the guide
2008 or 2025: Which Civics Test Will You Take, and How Many Questions Does It Have?Your N-400 filing date decides your civics test: 2008 (100 questions, 6 of 10 to pass) or 2025 (128 questions, 12 of 20). Check yours in one step.Read the guide
The Hardest Questions on the 2025 Citizenship Test, and How to Learn ThemThe 2025 civics questions that are hardest to learn: several answers in one, exact facts and "why" questions, with a simple way to remember each.Read the guide
How to Study for the Citizenship Test: A Simple 8-Week PlanA simple plan for the civics and English tests: short daily sessions, practice out loud, review your mistakes and use free official materials.Read the guide
The English Reading and Writing Test for U.S. Citizenship: How It Works and How to PracticeRead 1 of 3 sentences, write 1 of 3: how the English test works, what counts as a mistake, the official word lists and how to practice dictation.Read the guide
Citizenship Test Answers That Depend on Your State: Senators, Representative, Governor and CapitalFour civics questions depend on where you live: senator, representative, governor and capital. How to find them, and the answers for D.C. and territories.Read the guide
Citizenship Test for Older Applicants: the 65/20 Rule and the 50/20 and 55/15 Language ExemptionsWho can skip the English test (50/20, 55/15), who studies only 20 questions (65/20) and how it works with the 2025 civics test. Official rules.Read the guide
N-400 and the interview
Citizenship Interview Questions: What the Officer Asks, Including the "Have You Ever" QuestionsWhat happens at the naturalization interview: questions about your N-400, the "have you ever" questions, the English and civics tests and what to bring.Read the guide
N-400 Processing Time: The Steps From Filing to Oath and What Can Slow Them DownHow the N-400 moves from filing to oath, where to see the official processing time for your office, what the fee is today and what can slow your case down.Read the guide
How to Check Your USCIS Case Status for Form N-400Check your N-400 case status with your receipt number or your USCIS online account. What the number looks like and what to do if your case is slow.Read the guide
What to Wear to Your Citizenship Interview, Biometrics Appointment and Oath CeremonyUSCIS pages set no dress code, but your biometrics photo may go on your certificate. Simple advice for each appointment and what not to bring.Read the guide
Form N-648: The Medical Disability Exception to the English and Civics TestsForm N-648 lets some applicants with a disability skip the English or civics test. Who qualifies, who signs it, when to file it and how to avoid scams.Read the guide
The oath and after
The Naturalization Oath Ceremony: What to Expect and What to BringWhat happens at the naturalization oath ceremony, step by step: Form N-445, returning your Green Card, the Oath, your certificate and what to bring.Read the guide
After the Oath Ceremony: Passport, Social Security, Voting and Your CertificateYour first steps as a new U.S. citizen: apply for a passport, update Social Security, register to vote, protect your certificate and help your children.Read the guide