# Path to U.S. Citizenship

> A free, plain-English guide to U.S. naturalization for Green Card holders. Covers all 8 steps of the naturalization process, required documents, the civics test, filing fees ($760), current immigration climate, and know-your-rights information. Available in 6 languages: English, Español, 中文, العربية, Français, Filipino. Not affiliated with USCIS. Not legal advice.

## Main Guide

- [U.S. Citizenship Guide](https://pathtouscitizenship.org/): Complete step-by-step naturalization guide for Green Card holders — eligibility, documents, N-400 filing, biometrics, civics test, interview, oath ceremony, and post-citizenship steps.

## Key Sections (all on the main page)

- **Step 1 — Eligibility**: 5-year Green Card rule (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), physical presence requirement (30 of 60 months), continuous residence, age 18+, good moral character, English ability, willingness to take Oath of Allegiance.
- **Step 2 — Documents**: Green Card copies, passports with 5-year travel history, IRS tax transcripts, court records, marriage certificate (if applicable), 2 passport photos.
- **Step 3 — Form N-400**: Filed online at myaccount.uscis.gov. Fee: $760. Fee waiver available via Form I-912 for income below 150% federal poverty line.
- **Step 4 — Biometrics**: Fingerprints, photo, signature at an Application Support Center. Bring appointment notice + photo ID.
- **Step 5 — Civics Test**: Oral test. For N-400 filed on/after Oct 20, 2025 (2025 test): 20 questions from pool of 128, need 12 correct. Filed before: 10 from 100, need 6 correct. Free study materials at uscis.gov.
- **Step 6 — Interview**: USCIS officer reviews N-400, tests English, asks civics questions. If denied, one additional chance within 60-90 days.
- **Step 7 — Decision**: Most applicants receive same-day decision. Check status at egov.uscis.gov/casestatus.
- **Step 8 — Oath Ceremony**: Surrender Green Card. Receive Certificate of Naturalization. Apply for U.S. passport (travel.state.gov), register to vote (vote.gov), update Social Security (ssa.gov).

## Current Immigration Climate (as of early 2026)

- Civics test expanded to 128 questions (from 100) effective October 20, 2025
- USCIS conducting neighborhood investigations for some applicants since November 2025
- Stricter "good moral character" review now requires positive evidence, not just absence of issues
- Naturalization ceremonies canceled for applicants from 19 flagged countries (Dec 2025 policy)
- Processing times are longer; file early and check status regularly
- DOJ announced denaturalization pursuit for fraud, misrepresentation, or criminal history — low risk for honest applicants
- Green Card holders cannot be deported solely for being here legally; citizens cannot be deported at all

## Know Your Rights (Green Card Holders)

- Always carry your Green Card (legally required)
- Right to remain silent — say "I am exercising my right to remain silent"
- Do not sign documents you don't understand
- Right to an attorney — say "I want to speak to a lawyer"

## Key Official Links

- Apply / track case: https://myaccount.uscis.gov
- Form N-400: https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
- Fee waiver I-912: https://www.uscis.gov/i-912
- Civics study materials: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources
- Case status: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus
- Processing times: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/processing-times
- Free legal help: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources/find-help-in-your-community
- U.S. Passport: https://travel.state.gov
- Voter registration: https://vote.gov
- Social Security update: https://ssa.gov/people/immigrants/

## FAQs

**How long does naturalization take?** 8–24 months from filing N-400, depending on USCIS field office.

**What is the filing fee?** $760 for Form N-400. Fee waivers available via Form I-912.

**How long must I hold a Green Card?** 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen).

**Can I travel during the application?** Yes, but do not leave for more than 6 months at a time. Keep a travel log.

**What if I fail the civics test?** You receive one additional attempt within 60-90 days.

**Is there free help available?** Yes — uscis.gov lists nonprofit legal aid organizations nationwide.

## About

- Site: https://pathtouscitizenship.org
- AI info page: https://pathtouscitizenship.org/ai
- Built by: Punch (https://punchteam.com)
- Content type: Public educational resource, free to read, not legal advice
- Languages: English, Español, 中文, العربية, Français, Filipino (Tagalog)
- Last updated: March 2026