Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Citizenship

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Got a question about your eligibility for U.S. citizenship or the application process? Someone else may have already encountered the same issue -- look for information below.

Questions About Eligibility for Naturalization

My naturalization interview is next week, but I’m not ready!
Why attending the interview is usually better than trying to reschedule it.
Will unemployment, debt, or bankruptcy prevent my becoming a U.S. citizen?
Financial troubles do not, by themselves, bar a green card holder from naturalizing.
What happens if I reveal on Form N-400 that my undocumented spouse lives with me?
Filling out Form N-400 without endangering your undocumented U.S. spouse.
Can I apply for citizenship if I’ve divorced the person who got me my green card?
Why divorce is not a bar to naturalization, but might raise questions.
Can a naturalized U.S. citizen lose citizenship by living in another country?
Ways in which a U.S. citizen can lose that status after living abroad or performing certain other acts.
I got arrested before the naturalization oath ceremony; what should I do?
Until you've taken the citizenship oath, an arrest can hurt both your right to citizenship and to a green card.
I'm a Jehovah's witness and can't take an oath -- can I still become a U.S. citizen?
Permanent residents who are “conscientious objectors” to military service and those whose religion has instructed them not to use the word “oath,” can request a modified oath.
I owe back taxes -- can I still apply for U.S. citizenship?
How tax debt affects your ability to show good moral character for naturalization purposes.
Will my elderly mother-in-law be able to take an easier naturalization exam?
Requesting "due consideration" for an older applicant.
On probation: Can I get U.S. citizenship?
Only after completing probation can you be considered for naturalization.
Haven’t paid child support: Can I get U.S. citizenship?
Whether you will be approved for naturalization depends on the reasons why you didn't or couldn't pay child support.
Got a DUI: Can I file Form N-400 for U.S. citizenship?
Though not an automatic bar, a DUI or DWI on your record can hurt your chances of proving the necessary good moral character for naturalization.
Arrested, But Case Dismissed: Can Immigrant Still Get U.S. Citizenship?
A dismissal makes it far less likely that the crime will be held against the citizenship applicant -- but further research will be needed.
Can I apply to naturalize after three years via a same-sex spouse if I got residence another way?
Early applications (after three years) are allowed for anyone married to and living with a U.S. citizen all that time.

Questions About Naturalization Application Process

How do I reschedule a naturalization (citizenship) interview?
What to do in an emergency, when you must ask USCIS to reschedule.
What happens if the information on my naturalization certificate is incorrect?
If you forgot to ask for a correction at the oath ceremony, there's a form that you can send USCIS requesting the change.
Waited months, still no date for my naturalization oath ceremony – what should I do?
Following up on long delays by USCIS.
Can I have a lawyer attend my citizenship interview with me?
How and why you might want legal representation at your naturalization interview.
Where do I get photos and fingerprints taken for my N-400 citizenship application?
Taking care of the basic naturalization application requirements.
Is it true that I can get a U.S. passport at my naturalization oath ceremony?
After receiving your Naturalization Certificate, you can apply for a U.S. passport at the oath ceremony location.