I have a green card and want to become a citizen
Check first, apply, study and prepare for the interview.
6 steps
Step 1 of 6: Check before you apply
Ten minutes now can prevent a problem later.
- Citizenship Warning SignsBecoming a citizen is a big, good step. Before you apply, take ten minutes with this checklist. If every answer is clear, you are likely ready. If you hit a red flag, stop and talk to a lawyer first, because applying can open your whole record to review.Guide
- Citizenship ready check and red flag listPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 6: Gather documents and plan the fee
Get your papers together and see whether you can pay less.
- Citizenship DocumentsGather your papers before you fill out a single line. Most people need only a few things. Some need more, like court records or tax papers. Here is what to collect, who needs what, and what to bring to your interview.Guide
- Citizenship FeesApplying for citizenship costs $760 on paper or $710 online. If money is tight, you may pay half, $380, or nothing at all. Here is who qualifies, what proof to send, and how to pay without getting your packet sent back.Guide
- Citizenship (N-400) document checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 6: Fill out Form N-400
Most of it asks about your own life.
- Fill Out Form N-400The N-400 is long, but most of it asks about your own life. You can fill it out right. Gather your dates first, answer every question truthfully, and stop to get advice on the few yes or no questions that carry real risk. Here is how, section by section, and where to find help in your language.Guide
- N-400 information worksheetPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 6: Study for the test
Find out which test you will take, then study a little at a time.
- Citizenship Test StudyYou can pass this test. First, find out which test you'll take. Then study a little every day with the free official materials. Here's exactly what's on the test, what to study, and a plan that fits a busy life.Guide
- 8 week citizenship test study planPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 6: The interview, the oath and after
Know what happens in the room and what to do once you are a citizen.
- Citizenship Interview and OathYour interview notice came. That means you are close. Here is what happens in the room, what to bring, how the test works, what each result means, and what happens on the day you take the oath and become a citizen.Guide
- New Citizen Passport and VotingYou took the oath. You are a U.S. citizen. Two things are worth doing soon. Get a U.S. passport, which is proof of your citizenship that fits in your pocket, and register to vote. Here is how to do both, plus the records to update and the mistakes that trip up new citizens.Guide
- Citizenship interview and oath day checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 6 of 6: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- California state-funded immigration legal servicesThe California Department of Social Services funds nonprofit organizations to give free immigration legal services to people who live or have lived in California. Services include DACA, naturalization, other immigration applications, removal defense and help for unaccompanied minors.Organization
- ImmigrationLawHelp.orgA national directory of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers. Search by ZIP code, county or the name of a detention facility.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
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