N-400 Citizenship Test & Interview: What to Study
Who qualifies to naturalize, how the N-400 civics and English tests work, what to bring to the interview, and the mistakes that delay citizenship.
Form N-400 is the naturalization application: the final step from permanent resident to U.S. citizen. It’s one of the most rewarding filings — and one where preparation makes all the difference.
Do you qualify? The baseline requirements
Before thinking about the test, confirm you meet:
- Time as a resident: usually 5 years, or 3 years if you’re married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
- Continuous residence and enough physical presence (long trips abroad can break it).
- Good moral character during the required period.
- English and civics knowledge (with age/time exemptions).
The test: civics + English
The interview has two parts:
- English test — you must show you can speak, read and write basic English. The officer assesses this naturally during the interview.
- Civics test — under the 2008 version there are 100 possible questions on history and government. The officer asks up to 10 and you need 6 correct to pass.
Always study the current official USCIS list. Some answers change over time (for example, who holds certain offices), and memorizing an old list is a classic mistake.
Exemptions and accommodations
- 65/20 rule: if you’re 65+ with 20+ years as a resident, you study a reduced list and can take civics in your language.
- Medical exception: with Form N-648 signed by a doctor, you can request a waiver of the English/civics requirements due to a disability.
What to bring to the interview
- Your green card and a photo ID.
- Your passport(s) and travel history if requested.
- Documents on marital status, taxes or anything relevant to your case.
- Your completed biometrics appointment.
Common mistakes that delay citizenship
- Long trips that break continuous residence without documenting them.
- Taxes unfiled or debts with no payment plan.
- Not disclosing records that then surface in the background check.
- Studying an outdated civics list.
Naturalizing is the goal of many years of waiting. Arriving at the interview with clear eligibility, documents in order, and the official list studied is what turns the final step into a formality.
How many years of residence do I need for the N-400?
As a general rule, 5 years as a permanent resident. If you're married to and living with a U.S. citizen, it's usually 3 years. In both cases you must meet continuous-residence and physical-presence requirements.
What is the civics test like?
Under the 2008 version there are 100 possible questions. At the interview the officer asks up to 10 and you must answer 6 correctly to pass. Always study the current official USCIS list, because answers update over time (for example, current officials).
Do I have to speak English?
Generally yes — you must show basic English: speaking, reading and writing. There are exemptions based on age and time as a resident (for example, the 65/20 rule) and medical accommodations with Form N-648.
What can deny my naturalization?
Good-moral-character issues (certain crimes), unpaid taxes, failing to register for Selective Service when required, or breaking continuous residence with long trips abroad. Every case is different.
This guide is general information based on official USCIS and EOIR sources. It is not legal advice and does not replace a licensed immigration attorney. Always confirm details on the official pages before acting.