Master Your Naturalization Interview
USCIS requires 6 of 10 civics questions answered correctly. This guide covers all 100 official questions, U.S. history, government, rights, and geography — organized for fast, effective study.
How the USCIS Civics Test Works
OFFICIAL FORMAT| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Civics Questions Asked | 10 (from 100) |
| Correct Answers Needed | 6 of 10 (60%) |
| English – Speaking | Demonstrated throughout interview |
| English – Reading | Read 1 of 3 sentences correctly |
| English – Writing | Write 1 of 3 sentences correctly |
| Disability Waiver (N-648) | Medical disability may exempt English req. |
| 65/20 Senior Exemption | 20 designated questions only |
| Re-Test Window | 60–90 days after first interview |
| Fee (N-400) | $760 (biometrics included) — 2026 |
Section A — Principles of American Democracy
Q 1–12The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It establishes the framework of the federal government and protects the basic rights of Americans. No state law or federal law can contradict it.
- Sets up the government
- Defines the government
- Protects basic rights of Americans
- A change (to the Constitution)
- An addition (to the Constitution)
- Speech
- Religion
- Assembly
- Press
- Petition the government
- Announced our independence from Great Britain
- Declared our independence from Great Britain
- Said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)
- Life
- Liberty
- Pursuit of happiness
- Capitalist economy
- Market economy
- Everyone must follow the law.
- Leaders must obey the law.
- Government must obey the law.
- No one is above the law.
Section B — System of Government
Q 13–47📜 The Three Branches of Government
| Branch | Institution | Main Function | Key Members (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legislative | Congress | Makes laws | Senate (100) + House (435) |
| Executive | The Presidency | Carries out laws | President Trump, VP Vance, Cabinet |
| Judicial | Federal Courts | Evaluates laws / interprets Constitution | Supreme Court (9 justices) |
- Checks and balances
- Separation of powers
- Congress
- Senate and House of Representatives
- (U.S. or national) legislature
- (because of) the state's population
- (because) they have more people
- (because) some states have more people
- Reviews laws
- Explains laws
- Resolves disputes (disagreements)
- Decides if a law goes against the Constitution
- To print money
- To declare war
- To create an army
- To make treaties
- Provide schooling and education
- Provide protection (police)
- Provide safety (fire departments)
- Give a driver's license
- Approve zoning and land use
Section C — Rights & Responsibilities
Q 48–57- Citizens 18+ can vote (26th Amendment, 1971)
- You don't have to pay to vote (24th Amendment, 1964)
- Any citizen can vote — women (19th Amendment, 1920)
- Citizens of any race can vote (15th Amendment, 1870)
- Serve on a jury
- Vote in a federal election
- Vote in a federal election
- Run for federal office
- Freedom of expression
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of assembly
- Freedom to petition the government
- Freedom of religion
- The right to bear arms
- The United States
- The flag
- Give up loyalty to other countries
- Defend the Constitution and laws of the United States
- Obey the laws of the United States
- Serve in the U.S. military (if needed)
- Serve the nation (if needed)
- Be loyal to the United States
- Vote
- Join a political party
- Help with a campaign
- Join a civic group
- Join a community group
- Give an elected official your opinion on an issue
- Call senators and representatives
- Publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
- Run for office
- Write to a newspaper
Section D — Colonial Period & Independence
Q 58–70- Freedom
- Political liberty
- Religious freedom
- Economic opportunity
- Practice their religion
- Escape persecution
- Because of high taxes (taxation without representation)
- Because the British army stayed in their houses (quartering)
- Because they didn't have self-government
- The Constitution was written.
- The Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution.
- (James) Madison
- (Alexander) Hamilton
- (John) Jay
- "Publius" (the pen name used)
- U.S. diplomat
- Oldest member of the Constitutional Convention
- First Postmaster General of the United States
- Writer of "Poor Richard's Almanac"
- Started the first free libraries
Section E — 1800s U.S. History
Q 71–80- War of 1812
- Mexican-American War
- Civil War
- Spanish-American War
- Slavery
- Economic reasons
- States' rights
- Freed the slaves (Emancipation Proclamation)
- Saved (or preserved) the Union
- Led the United States during the Civil War
- Freed the slaves
- Freed slaves in the Confederate states
- Freed slaves in most Southern states
- Fought for women's rights
- Fought for civil rights
Section F — Modern U.S. History & Geography
Q 81–100- World War I
- World War II
- Korean War
- Vietnam War
- (Persian) Gulf War
- Japan
- Germany
- Italy
- The spread of communism
- Nuclear war
- Fear of the Soviet Union
- Fought for civil rights
- Worked for equality for all Americans
- Missouri (River)
- Mississippi (River)
- Puerto Rico
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- American Samoa
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Guam
Key Civics Terms & Definitions
GLOSSARY- Amendment
- A change or addition to the U.S. Constitution. There are currently 27 amendments.
- Bill of Rights
- The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, protecting individual liberties.
- Checks & Balances
- System that gives each branch of government the ability to limit the power of the others.
- Congress
- The U.S. legislature made up of the Senate (100 members) and the House of Representatives (435).
- Constitution
- The supreme law of the United States. Sets up the government and protects basic rights.
- Democracy
- A system where the people hold power, exercised directly or through elected representatives.
- Emancipation Proclamation
- Lincoln's 1863 executive order that freed enslaved people in Confederate states.
- Executive Branch
- The branch that carries out laws; led by the President, Vice President, and Cabinet.
- Federalism
- Division of power between the national (federal) government and state governments.
- Judicial Branch
- Reviews laws and resolves disputes; includes the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.
- Legislative Branch
- Makes federal laws; consists of Congress (Senate + House of Representatives).
- Naturalization
- The legal process by which a non-citizen acquires citizenship of the United States.
- Rule of Law
- The principle that everyone — including leaders — must follow the law. No one is above it.
- Separation of Powers
- Constitutional division of government into three branches with distinct responsibilities.
- Suffrage
- The right to vote in elections. Women gained suffrage nationally with the 19th Amendment (1920).
- Veto
- The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override with ⅔ vote.
How to Become a U.S. Citizen
Everything you need to know about the naturalization process, eligibility requirements, the N-400 application, and what to expect at your USCIS interview — updated for 2026.
Pathways to U.S. Citizenship
OVERVIEWPrimary Pathways
Naturalization
Birth in the U.S.
Birth Abroad to U.S. Citizens
Derivation Through Parents
Special Naturalization Categories
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Spouse of U.S. Citizen | 3-year LPR residency (instead of 5) |
| U.S. Military Service | May qualify with 1+ year honorable service; no residency requirement during wartime |
| Military Spouse / Widow | Expedited process for spouses/widows of military personnel who died on active duty |
| Battered Spouse / Child | VAWA provisions; USCIS evaluates case-by-case |
| Refugee / Asylee | Must first obtain LPR status, then standard 5-year path or expedited |
| 65/20 Rule (Senior) | 65+, 20-yr LPR: only 20 civics questions; interview in native language |
| 55/15 Rule (Senior) | 55+, 15-yr LPR: only 20 civics questions; interview in native language |
N-400 Eligibility Requirements (Naturalization)
2026 CURRENTLawful Permanent Resident
Continuous Residency
- 5 years as an LPR (general rule)
- 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen continuously
- You must not have left the U.S. for more than 6 months at a time (30 months total)
Physical Presence
- 30 months physically present in the U.S. during the 5-year period
- 18 months for the 3-year spouse pathway
- Must reside in the state where you apply for 3 months
Age Requirement
Good Moral Character
English Language
- 55/15 rule (age 55+ and 15-yr LPR)
- 50/20 rule (age 50+ and 20-yr LPR)
- Medical disability (Form N-648)
Civics Knowledge
Attachment to Constitution
The Naturalization Process: Step by Step
N-400 GUIDEDetermine Your Eligibility
Confirm you meet the LPR status, continuous residence, physical presence, age, language, and good moral character requirements. Review USCIS Form N-400 Instructions and USCIS Policy Manual Chapter 3.
Prepare & File Form N-400
Complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization). As of 2026, the filing fee is $760 (biometrics included). You may file online at my.uscis.gov or by mail. Include all required documents: copy of Green Card (front & back), photos, supporting evidence for any special circumstances.
USCIS Receives & Acknowledges Your Application
USCIS sends a Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your application receipt number. Use this number to track your case status at uscis.gov or through the USCIS Contact Center.
Biometrics Appointment
USCIS schedules a biometrics appointment at your local Application Support Center (ASC). They will collect your fingerprints, photo, and signature for an FBI background check. Bring your appointment notice and photo ID.
Background Check & Review
USCIS and the FBI conduct comprehensive background checks including criminal history, immigration history, and other federal databases. USCIS also reviews your N-400 application for completeness and accuracy.
Naturalization Interview
USCIS schedules your interview at your local field office. The interview typically lasts 30–60 minutes. The USCIS officer will:
- Review your N-400 application and supporting documents
- Ask you to swear or affirm that your answers are truthful
- Test your ability to read and write English
- Conduct the civics test (up to 10 questions, need 6 correct)
- Ask follow-up questions about your background
USCIS Decision
After the interview, USCIS will either: Grant your application (most common if you pass all tests), Continue it (request additional evidence or a re-test within 60–90 days), or Deny it (you have the right to appeal). Most decisions are issued on the same day as the interview or within a few days.
Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
After approval, you are scheduled for an Oath of Allegiance ceremony. This may happen the same day as your interview (administrative ceremony at the USCIS office) or at a later date in a public ceremony (often held at federal courthouses). You will:
- Take and sign the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
- Surrender your Permanent Resident Card
- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization
After Citizenship: Next Steps
As a new citizen you may: Apply for a U.S. passport (Form DS-11), register to vote in your state, update your Social Security record (visit ssa.gov), apply for federal employment opportunities, and petition for eligible family members' immigration.
Required Documents for N-400 Application
CHECKLISTAll Applicants Must Submit
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Form N-400 | Completed application + signature |
| Filing Fee | $760 (2026) or approved fee waiver |
| Permanent Resident Card | Copy of front and back |
| Passport Photos | 2 identical color photos (2"×2") |
| Passport / Travel Documents | All passports used since becoming LPR |
| Tax Returns | Last 5 years of federal returns (or 3 for spouse path) |
May Also Be Required (If Applicable)
| Document | Required If… |
|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | Married or applying via spouse |
| Divorce Decree(s) | Previously married |
| Court Records | Ever arrested or cited |
| Military Discharge (DD-214) | Prior U.S. military service |
| Birth Certificates of Children | Have children |
| Form N-648 | Requesting medical exception to English |
| Selective Service Reg. | Males born 1960 or later, ages 18–26 when required |
Processing Times & Fees (2026)
CURRENT DATACurrent USCIS Fees
| Form / Service | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| N-400 (Naturalization Application) | $760 |
| N-400 (Military — Active Duty) | $0 |
| N-400 Fee Waiver (Form I-912) | $0 (if approved) |
| N-565 (Replace Naturalization Certificate) | $555 |
| U.S. Passport (New, Adult) | $165 + $35 execution fee |
| Voter Registration | Free |
Typical Processing Timeline
N-400 Filed Online or by Mail
Receipt notice (I-797C) received within 1–3 weeks.
Biometrics Appointment
Fingerprints, photo, and signature collected at ASC.
Background Check & Review
Processing times vary significantly by field office. Check your local office at uscis.gov.
Interview Scheduled
USCIS notifies you by mail of interview date and location.
Decision Issued
If granted, Oath Ceremony may be same-day (administrative) or scheduled later.
You Become a U.S. Citizen
Certificate of Naturalization issued. Apply for passport immediately.
The Oath of Allegiance
MEMORIZE THISInteractive Flashcards
Flip through 60 key civics questions. Filter by category, shuffle, and test your recall. Click any card to reveal the answer.
Civics Flashcard Deck
60 CardsU.S. Citizenship Practice Exam — Full 128 Questions
128 questions · Minimum 12 correct to pass · Mirrors the full official USCIS civics question bank
About This Practice Exam
READ BEFORE YOU BEGIN| This Practice Exam | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 128 |
| Minimum to Pass (Practice) | 12 correct |
| Real USCIS Interview | 10 questions asked orally |
| Real USCIS Pass Requirement | 6 of 10 correct (60%) |
| Senior Exemption (65/20 Rule) | Only 20 designated questions |
| Second Attempt (if failed) | 60–90 days after first interview |
| Recommended Practice Score | 115/128 (90%+) for confidence |