What is the USCIS civics test?

The USCIS civics test is part of the U.S. naturalization interview. Applicants are asked up to 10 questions from a list of 128 civics questions and must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.

How many questions are on the U.S. citizenship test?

There are 128 possible civics questions. During the interview, you'll be asked up to 10 questions and must answer 6 correctly to pass the civics portion.

What is the 65/20 exemption?

Applicants who are 65 years or older and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years qualify for the 65/20 exemption. They only need to study 20 designated questions marked with an asterisk.

How can I prepare for the citizenship test?

Use our free practice app to study all 128 official USCIS civics questions with flashcards. Take practice tests with AI-powered answer checking to simulate the real interview experience.

N-400 Application Guide: How to Apply for U.S. Citizenship

Last updated: December 11, 2025

Form N-400 is your official application for naturalization (U.S. citizenship). This guide covers eligibility requirements, what documents you need, costs, timeline, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Are You Eligible for Citizenship?

You must meet ALL of these requirements:

✅ Age & Green Card Status

Be at least 18 years old
Have had your green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen)
Be a permanent resident (green card holder)

✅ Continuous Residence

Lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 5 years (or 3 if married to citizen)
No trips longer than 6 months outside the U.S.
Not abandoned your U.S. residence

✅ Physical Presence

Been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the last 5 years
(Or 18 months out of 3 years if married to citizen)

✅ Good Moral Character

No serious crimes (felonies, DUIs, fraud)
Filed and paid all taxes
Registered for Selective Service (if male, ages 18-25)
Not lied to USCIS or immigration officials

✅ English & Civics Knowledge

Able to read, write, and speak basic English
Know U.S. history and government (civics test)
(Exemptions apply for age 65+ with 20 years residency, or certain disabilities)

Cost

$760

$640 - Filing fee
$85 - Biometrics fee
$725 - Total

*Fee waiver available if income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

Timeline

2-18 months

📝 File N-400: Day 0
📸 Biometrics: 1-3 months (sometimes same day as interview!)
🗣️ Interview: 2-12 months (varies widely by location)
🎉 Oath ceremony: 2 weeks - 2 months after

*Timeline varies significantly by USCIS field office. Some locations process in 2-3 months, others take 12+ months. Check USCIS processing times for your area.

Documents You Need to File N-400

Essential Documents (Everyone Needs)

📄Copy of green card — Front and back
📄Two passport-style photos — Follow USCIS photo requirements
📄Copy of passport biographical page
📄Check or money order — $760 made out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security"

If Married (to anyone, citizen or not)

📄Marriage certificate
📄Spouse's birth certificate or naturalization certificate
📄Divorce decrees from any previous marriages (yours AND spouse's)
📄Death certificates from deceased spouses (if applicable)

If You've Had Legal Issues

⚠️Arrest records, court documents, sentencing papers
⚠️Proof of completion (probation, community service, fines paid)
⚠️DUI/DWI records and evidence of rehabilitation

If You've Traveled Extensively

✈️List of ALL trips outside U.S. for last 5 years (dates, destinations, purpose)
✈️Passport stamps showing entry/exit dates

How to File Form N-400

You have two options:

Option 1: File Online (Recommended)

✅ Faster processing
✅ Track status online
✅ Upload documents electronically
✅ Get automatic notifications
✅ Pay with credit/debit card

How: Create account at my.uscis.gov → File Form N-400 online

Option 2: Mail Paper Form

📝 Download Form N-400 from USCIS.gov
📝 Fill out by hand or type on computer
📝 Include all supporting documents
📝 Mail with check/money order to USCIS lockbox

Note: Paper filing takes longer and is harder to track

Common N-400 Filing Mistakes to Avoid

❌
Incomplete travel history — List EVERY trip, even day trips to Canada/Mexico
❌
Not disclosing arrests/citations — Even dismissed charges MUST be disclosed
❌
Incorrect addresses — List every address you lived at for last 5 years
❌
Missing signatures — Sign every page that requires a signature
❌
Old form version — Always use the latest form from USCIS.gov
❌
Filing too early — Can only file 90 days before your 5-year (or 3-year) anniversary

What Happens After You File?

1.
Receipt Notice (Form I-797C) — Within 2-4 weeks, confirms USCIS received your application
2.
Biometrics Appointment — 1-3 months later (or same day as interview in some offices)
3.
Interview Notice — 2-12 months after filing (varies by location)
4.
Citizenship Interview — English test + Civics test + N-400 review (15-30 min)
5.
Oath Ceremony Notice — If approved, ceremony scheduled within 1-2 months
6.
Oath of Allegiance — Take oath, receive naturalization certificate, become U.S. citizen! 🎉

Start Preparing for Your Interview NOW

Don't wait until after you file! Start studying the civics test questions today with our free practice tests.