Guides
Plain-language, no-hype explanations of every part of the N-400 journey. Educational information, kept current.
The N-400 Timeline in 2026: Every Stage, Explained
What actually happens between filing your N-400 and taking the oath — every stage, typical waits, and what varies by field office.
7 min read · Updated 2026-08-12
The 2025 Civics Test: What Changed and How to Pass
The naturalization civics test changed in late 2025 — 128 questions, pass at 12 of 20, early stop. What's different and how to study for it.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-12
The N-400 Interview: What Happens and What to Bring
A stage-by-stage walkthrough of the naturalization interview — documents applicants commonly bring, what the officer does, and how the tests work.
6 min read · Updated 2026-08-12
Why N-400 Processing Times Differ So Much by Field Office
Two applicants file the same day and take the oath a year apart. Why field offices move at different speeds — and how to read your office's data.
5 min read · Updated 2026-08-12
The Oath Ceremony: What Happens and What to Do After
The final step of naturalization — how the oath ceremony works, what to bring, and the practical checklist for your first weeks as a U.S. citizen.
5 min read · Updated 2026-08-12