- Be 18 or older when you file Form N-400;
- Be a green card holder for at least 5 years before filing the N-400 (3 y ears if you got your green card through marriage);
- Have lived in general area for at least 3 months before filing the N-400;
- Have continuously lived in the U.S. as a green card holder for 5 years before filing form N-400 (3 years if you got your green card through marriage);
- Be physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before filing form N-400 (18 if you got your green card through marriage);
- Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (civics) unless you qualify for an exemption; and
- Be a person of good moral character, agree to accept the Constitution of the United States, and willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.
For some learning to speak and write English is a challenge. For others, the civics portion can be the most challenging. It is an unfortunate reality that many American citizens can’t pass the civics portion of the exam. The challenge is that most immigrants are far beyond their elementary school days when they take this exam. There are 100 possible questions, you will be asked 10 of them, and have to answer 6 correctly. It is a matter of memorization. For information about resources to help you study click on this link.
If you want to be a U.S. citizen, you will have to work at it. Most immigrants know and understand that there are things worth working for. U.S. citizenship is one of those.
Free Resources Available for You
If you face immigration an immigration challenge we have some valuable resources for you:
- Do You Need an Immigration Attorney? You Might Not I will explain when you need an immigration attorney. Not every needs one. I will also explain the benefits of hiring one in any immigration challenge.
- 7 Critical Questions to ask Before Hiring an Immigration Attorney If you have decided that you need an immigration attorney, how do you make sure you hire a good one? I explain to you the questions you need to ask before you hire your immigration attorney.
- An Immigrant’s Guide to Municipal Court Here I discuss what happens if you get arrested by Immigration Customs Enforcement, what you need to know to get out of custody, and what to expect if you are placed in removal hearings. I also explain the municipal court process and how a municipal court matter can result in your being placed into removal proceedings.
If you have immigration questions, we have answers. You can
- Call our knowledgeable staff at 888-695-6169;
- Fill out our contact us form on this page; or
- Select our live chat feature to speak to someone right away.
We help immigrants, one petition at a time.