Free tool

Citizenship (N-400)

Green card holder for 5 years, or 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen.

Checked against official sources on October 21, 2026. Rules, fees and form editions change often. This list is a guide, not a guarantee. Confirm every item on the official USCIS or State Department page before you file.

Where you apply: USCIS, by mail or online, from inside the US.

Government fees

N-400 (paper / online)$760 / $710
Reduced fee for lower household income (paper only)$380

0 / 0 done

Before you file

You can file up to 90 days before you reach 5 (or 3) years
List every trip outside the US in the period, with dates. Trips over 6 months can break your residence
Make sure you filed taxes for every year
Men who lived in the US between ages 18 and 25: Selective Service registration

Package

Form N-400
Copy of the front and back of your green card
Filing through marriage: spouse's proof of citizenship and your marriage certificate
Court records for any arrest, even if dismissed
Check the edition date at the bottom of each form page on uscis.gov. Old editions are rejected
Sign every form by hand in black ink, keep a full copy, mail with tracking

Interview

Study the civics test. The current version asks up to 20 questions and you need 12 right
English test: reading, writing and speaking
Bring your green card, passports and originals of everything you sent

Official sources

USCIS: N-400

All checklists

This is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. If you have ever overstayed, been arrested or been refused entry, talk to an immigration attorney.