U.S. CITIZENSHIP STUDY MATERIALS
CLUES CITIZENSHIP CLASS: GENERAL INFORMATION
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CLUES' Citizenship Class topics include:
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Class Location: Virtually on Zoom. CLUES does NOT currently offer in-person citizenship class.
Want an in-person citizenship class? Check here. Cost of class: Free! Class Schedule: Winter 2026 January 26 - April 20 Mondays, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CST on Zoom See full class calendar |
2025 IMMIGRATION EVENTS
- Free in-person legal clinics at CLUES with Volunteer Lawyers Network. Click HERE for CLUES legal clinic information and registration. If the clinics at CLUES are full, you can find other legal clinics here. No legal clinic will happen in January 2026. The full 2026 calendar will be posted soon.
- Free citizenship appointments at the International Institute of Minnesota for residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul. More information is HERE and on IIMN's website. You can also call 651-377-864 or email [email protected]
- Thank you to students who attended the presentation on November 17, 2025 with immigration lawyer Carrie Peltier. Please click here for a copy of the presentation, the list of doctors to file the N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, the memo about Restoring Good Moral Character, and Carrie's contact information.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT UNITED STATES (U.S.) CITIZENSHIP
Why should I become a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. Many people, for example, become U.S. citizens so they can vote in elections and travel with a U.S. passport. A full list of benefits, rights and responsibilities for U.S. citizens is here.
Am I eligible to be a U.S. citizen?
Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Tool or Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
Where can I find more information about becoming a U.S. citizen?
This page, created by the adult education team at CLUES, is a good resource. You can also visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Citizenship Resource Center
What is the process to become a U.S. citizen?
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
10 Steps to Naturalization
A Guide to the U.S. Naturalization Process
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?
For most people the naturalization process costs $710 when filing the N-400 Application for Naturalization online. If the N-400 is filed on paper, the fee is $760. Click here for information about the Naturalization Filing Fee. Here is the full list of fees for U.S. immigration forms.
Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants and must be requested using the form I-912 Request of Fee Waiver.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?
It is difficult to estimate how much time it takes USCIS to process applications and schedule naturalization interviews. You can check the Processing Times information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. As of June 2025, for the Minneapolis-St. Paul office in Minnesota, 80% of Applications for Naturalization (N-400) are processed within 7.5 months.
Why should I become a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizenship offers many benefits and equally important responsibilities. Many people, for example, become U.S. citizens so they can vote in elections and travel with a U.S. passport. A full list of benefits, rights and responsibilities for U.S. citizens is here.
Am I eligible to be a U.S. citizen?
Complete the Naturalization Eligibility Tool or Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet
Where can I find more information about becoming a U.S. citizen?
This page, created by the adult education team at CLUES, is a good resource. You can also visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) Citizenship Resource Center
What is the process to become a U.S. citizen?
Pathway to U.S. Citizenship
10 Steps to Naturalization
A Guide to the U.S. Naturalization Process
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?
For most people the naturalization process costs $710 when filing the N-400 Application for Naturalization online. If the N-400 is filed on paper, the fee is $760. Click here for information about the Naturalization Filing Fee. Here is the full list of fees for U.S. immigration forms.
Fee waivers are available for eligible applicants and must be requested using the form I-912 Request of Fee Waiver.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?
It is difficult to estimate how much time it takes USCIS to process applications and schedule naturalization interviews. You can check the Processing Times information on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. As of June 2025, for the Minneapolis-St. Paul office in Minnesota, 80% of Applications for Naturalization (N-400) are processed within 7.5 months.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE N-400 APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION
What is the Form N-400?
Form N-400 is officially called the Application for Naturalization. This is the form used to apply for U.S. citizenship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can apply for citizenship through naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and you are a green card holder in good moral standing.
Where do I find the N-400 Application for Naturalization?
It is on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Where do I apply for U.S. citizenship?
To apply for U.S. citizenship online: go to the USCIS website, create an account or sign in to your existing USCIS account, and complete your N-400 Application for Naturalization.
To apply for U.S. citizenship on paper: complete and mail the most current N-400 application to the correct USCIS address.
How do I file my N-400 Application online?
Watch this video to learn about the online application process.
What documents do I need for my N-400 Application for Naturalization?
USCIS Document Checklist
Thinking About Applying for Naturalization? Use This List to Help You Get Ready!
Can CLUES help me complete my Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)?
No, CLUES staff and volunteer citizenship teachers are not immigration lawyers and are not qualified to help students in completing their N-400 applications.
Where can I get help with completing my Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)?
2025 EVENT: Free legal clinics with lawyers at CLUES. Click HERE for information and registration.
CLUES' Legal Services
CLUES' Immigration & Legal Resources List
International Institute of Minnesota's Legal Assistance List
Volunteer Lawyers Network
International Institute of Minnesota
Private Immigration Attorneys
Free and Low-cost Immigration Legal Services
Executive Office for Immigration Review US Department of Justice Pro Bono Legal Service Providers
Immigration Lawyer Carrie Peltier
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
I've submitted my Application for Naturalization (N-400). What's the status of my application?
Check your case status online here.
Where I can get the history of my U.S. arrivals and departures for my N-400 Application for Naturalization (Part 8. Time Outside the United States)?
On the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. This site gives nonimmigrant U.S. visitors access to their I-94 arrival/departure record and their arrival/departure history.
Where do I register for Selective Service System?
If you are an 18-25-year-old immigrant man living in the United States, you are required to register with the Selective Service System. You can register here: https://www.sss.gov/
What is the Form N-400?
Form N-400 is officially called the Application for Naturalization. This is the form used to apply for U.S. citizenship with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can apply for citizenship through naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and you are a green card holder in good moral standing.
Where do I find the N-400 Application for Naturalization?
It is on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Where do I apply for U.S. citizenship?
To apply for U.S. citizenship online: go to the USCIS website, create an account or sign in to your existing USCIS account, and complete your N-400 Application for Naturalization.
To apply for U.S. citizenship on paper: complete and mail the most current N-400 application to the correct USCIS address.
How do I file my N-400 Application online?
Watch this video to learn about the online application process.
What documents do I need for my N-400 Application for Naturalization?
USCIS Document Checklist
Thinking About Applying for Naturalization? Use This List to Help You Get Ready!
Can CLUES help me complete my Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)?
No, CLUES staff and volunteer citizenship teachers are not immigration lawyers and are not qualified to help students in completing their N-400 applications.
Where can I get help with completing my Application for Naturalization (Form N-400)?
2025 EVENT: Free legal clinics with lawyers at CLUES. Click HERE for information and registration.
CLUES' Legal Services
CLUES' Immigration & Legal Resources List
International Institute of Minnesota's Legal Assistance List
Volunteer Lawyers Network
International Institute of Minnesota
Private Immigration Attorneys
Free and Low-cost Immigration Legal Services
Executive Office for Immigration Review US Department of Justice Pro Bono Legal Service Providers
Immigration Lawyer Carrie Peltier
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
I've submitted my Application for Naturalization (N-400). What's the status of my application?
Check your case status online here.
Where I can get the history of my U.S. arrivals and departures for my N-400 Application for Naturalization (Part 8. Time Outside the United States)?
On the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. This site gives nonimmigrant U.S. visitors access to their I-94 arrival/departure record and their arrival/departure history.
Where do I register for Selective Service System?
If you are an 18-25-year-old immigrant man living in the United States, you are required to register with the Selective Service System. You can register here: https://www.sss.gov/
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NATURALIZATION INTERVIEW
Changes to the civics test for the naturalization interview will change for people who apply on or after October 20, 2025!
N-400 Filing Date: Before Oct. 20, 2025
Version of Civics Test: 2008 Naturalization Civics Test
N-400 Filing Date: On or After Oct. 20, 2025
Version of Civics Test: 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
What does a U.S. citizenship interview include?
10 Steps to Naturalization / Naturalization: What to Expect / The Naturalization Interview and Test
1. Interview*: Applicants answer questions about their N-400 application.
2. Civics Test*:
2008 Version: Applicants study 100 questions and must answer 6 of 10 questions correctly. Applicants will be asked questions until 6 correct or 5 incorrect answers have been given. The questions are verbal.
2025 Version: Applicants study 128 questions and must answer 12 of 20 questions correctly. Applicants will be asked questions until 12 correct or 9 incorrect answers have been given the questions are verbal.
3. Reading Test: Applicants are given up to 3 questions to read and must read 1 correctly. These questions are not published publicly. A list of reading vocabulary is available. This process is on an iPad.
4. Writing Test: Applicants are dictated up to 3 sentences and must write 1 correctly. Typically these sentences are the answers to the questions in the reading portion. These sentences are not published publicly. A list of writing vocabulary is available. This process is on an iPad.
*Exceptions and Accommodations. Accommodation requests are made on the electronic N-400 application. If you are filling out the N-400 on paper, use the eRequest tool to request accommodations.
I have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. What form should I file?
You can file a N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Here is a list of doctors in Minnesota who can help you complete the N-648 form.
What happens if I don't pass my interview?
You are given two attempts to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your N-400 naturalization application in English. If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. If you fail any of the portions of the interview a second time, you will need to restart the process - including resubmitting your N-400 application, paying the application fee again, and redoing the interview.
What documents should I bring to my naturalization interview?
Here is a list of common documents needed during the naturalization interview. This list may vary from person to person.
Changes to the civics test for the naturalization interview will change for people who apply on or after October 20, 2025!
N-400 Filing Date: Before Oct. 20, 2025
Version of Civics Test: 2008 Naturalization Civics Test
N-400 Filing Date: On or After Oct. 20, 2025
Version of Civics Test: 2025 Naturalization Civics Test
What does a U.S. citizenship interview include?
10 Steps to Naturalization / Naturalization: What to Expect / The Naturalization Interview and Test
1. Interview*: Applicants answer questions about their N-400 application.
2. Civics Test*:
2008 Version: Applicants study 100 questions and must answer 6 of 10 questions correctly. Applicants will be asked questions until 6 correct or 5 incorrect answers have been given. The questions are verbal.
2025 Version: Applicants study 128 questions and must answer 12 of 20 questions correctly. Applicants will be asked questions until 12 correct or 9 incorrect answers have been given the questions are verbal.
3. Reading Test: Applicants are given up to 3 questions to read and must read 1 correctly. These questions are not published publicly. A list of reading vocabulary is available. This process is on an iPad.
4. Writing Test: Applicants are dictated up to 3 sentences and must write 1 correctly. Typically these sentences are the answers to the questions in the reading portion. These sentences are not published publicly. A list of writing vocabulary is available. This process is on an iPad.
*Exceptions and Accommodations. Accommodation requests are made on the electronic N-400 application. If you are filling out the N-400 on paper, use the eRequest tool to request accommodations.
I have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. What form should I file?
You can file a N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions. Here is a list of doctors in Minnesota who can help you complete the N-648 form.
What happens if I don't pass my interview?
You are given two attempts to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your N-400 naturalization application in English. If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. If you fail any of the portions of the interview a second time, you will need to restart the process - including resubmitting your N-400 application, paying the application fee again, and redoing the interview.
What documents should I bring to my naturalization interview?
Here is a list of common documents needed during the naturalization interview. This list may vary from person to person.
- N-400 Interview Appointment Notice
- U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Passports: Your current passport and any previous passports you have had since becoming a U.S. permanent resident
- Travel permits: Any travel permits issued by USCIS since becoming a U.S. permanent resident
- State-Issued Photo ID
- Birth Certificate
- Name Change Documents: If you have changed your name since becoming a U.S. permanent resident, bring legal documents such as a marriage certificate or court order.
- Evidence of U.S. Citizen Spouse's Citizenship: If naturalizing based on marriage, bring your spouse's birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or passport.
- Tax Transcripts: Federal tax transcripts for the last 5 years, or 3 years if based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- Selective Service Registration: If applicable, proof of registration with the Selective Service.
- Documentation of Residence with U.S. Citizen Spouse: If applicable, documents such as joint tax returns, leases, or utility bills.
- Final Dispositions for any Arrests or Convictions: Original or certified copies, including traffic tickets or other citations.
- List of Trips Outside of the U.S.: Since filing the N-400 application.
U.S. CITIZENSHIP STUDY MATERIALS
All key study materials for the U.S. citizenship test and interview are at the top of this page.
Where can I study for my citizenship test outside of CLUES?
USALearns.org. Enroll with CLUES' class key: 8471fd74
Cell-Ed. Enroll with PIN: 6114
National Museum of American History
USCIS YouTube Channel
More study tools here.
Practice your English with free Duolingo. Join CLUES' class: www.duolingo.com/classroom/jqqvfz
All key study materials for the U.S. citizenship test and interview are at the top of this page.
Where can I study for my citizenship test outside of CLUES?
USALearns.org. Enroll with CLUES' class key: 8471fd74
Cell-Ed. Enroll with PIN: 6114
National Museum of American History
USCIS YouTube Channel
More study tools here.
Practice your English with free Duolingo. Join CLUES' class: www.duolingo.com/classroom/jqqvfz
HELPFUL VIDEOS ABOUT BECOMING A U.S. CITIZEN
Minnesota's Marijuana Law for Non-U.S. Citizens (August 2023) en español
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