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Receive Your Green Card

Your journey begins when you become a lawful permanent resident. Your green card (Form I-551) is your proof of status. Keep it safe and note your “Resident Since” date — this is the date your eligibility clock starts.

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Maintain Your Permanent Resident Status

During the waiting period, you must:

• Live continuously in the U.S. (no trips over 6 months)
• Be physically present for at least 30 months (5yr) or 18 months (3yr)
• File U.S. tax returns every year
• Maintain good moral character (no crimes)
• Live in the same state for at least 3 months before filing

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File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)

You can file up to 90 days before your 3rd or 5th anniversary as a permanent resident.

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Biometrics Appointment

Visit your local USCIS Application Support Center for fingerprints and photos. This is used for background checks. Bring your appointment notice, green card, and photo ID. The appointment takes about 30 minutes.

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Citizenship Interview & Tests

At the interview, a USCIS officer will:

• English Test: Read a sentence, write a sentence, and answer spoken questions
• Civics Test: Answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly (from 100 possible questions)
• Review N-400: Verify all your application answers under oath
• Bring: green card, state ID, passport, appointment notice, any requested documents

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Take the Oath of Allegiance

Sometimes same-day as your interview, sometimes scheduled separately. You will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, return your green card, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550).

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You Are a U.S. Citizen!

You can now vote, get a U.S. passport, sponsor parents and siblings, run for office, serve on a federal jury, and enjoy all rights of citizenship. Welcome!

100 Civics Questions

Study all 100 official USCIS civics questions with answers and explanations.

Practice Quizzes

Take unlimited practice tests that simulate the real exam format.

Flashcards

Study on the go with interactive flashcards for every question.

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