Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Citizenship

Will Being Unemployed, in Debt, or Bankrupt Prevent My Becoming a U.S. Citizen?

Financial troubles do not, by themselves, bar a green card holder from naturalizing.

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 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 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.

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.

Proving U.S. Citizenship for a Child Born Outside of a Hospital

Every year, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) initially denies thousands of U.S. passport applications because the applicant has a “non-institutional birth,” despite the fact that the applicant has a valid U.S. birth certificate.

If I’ve Been Arrested for Visiting a Prostitute, Will I Be Denied U.S. Citizenship?

Arrest for soliciting a prostitute is not an automatic bar to naturalization, but could nevertheless lead to deportation, and is definitely a factor in proving good moral character.

My Husband Has Another Wife Living Outside U.S.: Can I Become a U.S. Citizen?

You will not qualify for citizenship if you are part of a polygamous web of family relationships, even if you have married only once.

U.S. Citizen Spouse Died: Can Immigrant Still Apply to Naturalize After Three Years?

The exception allowing spouses of U.S. citizens to submit an N-400 for U.S. citizenship early doesn't apply if the U.S. spouse dies.

FAQs About Meeting Good Moral Character Requirement for Naturalized U.S. Citizenship

One of the biggest hurdles in successfully applying for U.S. citizenship is proving one's good moral character. Here are some commonly asked questions about this critical requirement.

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?

Delays happen when one is waiting for naturalized U.S. citizenship—here's how to follow up.

Can I 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.

If My Citizenship Is Denied, Will My Green Card Be Cancelled, Too?

There is a small risk that applying for citizenship could lead to loss of your U.S. lawful permanent residence.

FAQs About Taking Oath of U.S. Citizenship

Last-minute questions about legal issues with taking the oath of allegiance for naturalized U.S. citizenship.