N-400 Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield N-400 facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a benefit of U.S. citizenship regarding social programs compared to permanent residence? → Citizens have access to a broader range of federal benefit programs
2. What is the name of the document that declared U.S. independence? → The Declaration of Independence
3. Which of the following actions could cause USCIS to deny your application based on "Good Moral Character"? → Failing to disclose an arrest, even if charges were dropped
4. How many amendments does the Constitution have? → 27
5. What happens if your case is delayed beyond the average processing time? → You can submit a "Case Inquiry" online to USCIS
6. How many attempts does an applicant get to pass the English reading and writing tests at the initial interview? → 3 attempts for reading and 3 for writing
7. Which government benefit, if granted, allows a permanent resident to preserve their continuous residence during an extended absence abroad? → N-470 approval
8. Which of the following factors could disqualify someone from meeting the "Good Moral Character" requirement? → All of the above
9. What happens at the start of a typical naturalization ceremony before the oath is administered? → USCIS officers review Form N-445 and confirm attendee eligibility
10. What is one responsibility that ALL U.S. citizens share? → Serving on a jury when called
11. Which of the following is a right that U.S. citizenship guarantees that permanent residency does NOT? → The right to run for most federal elected offices
12. Which of the following best describes the speaking portion of the N-400 English test? → It occurs throughout the interview as the officer evaluates conversational responses
13. Which USCIS form is used to request an exemption from the English and civics requirements due to a disability? → Form N-648
14. What happens if a naturalization applicant's circumstances change between the interview and the oath ceremony? → They must inform USCIS immediately as it could affect their eligibility
15. How many total days can you be outside the United States during the eligibility period without breaking continuous residence? → No trips longer than 6 months and no single absence of 1 year or more
16. What happens to the continuous residence requirement if a permanent resident relocates their principal residence outside the United States? → Continuous residence is broken because the applicant has abandoned U.S. domicile
17. What oath must the applicant take at the beginning of the N-400 interview? → An oath to tell the truth during the interview
18. What is the consequence of missing the N-400 biometrics appointment without notifying USCIS? → USCIS may deny the application for abandonment
19. What vocabulary is used in the N-400 English reading and writing tests? → USCIS-approved civics and history vocabulary
20. What type of employment abroad may qualify a permanent resident to preserve continuous residence under N-470? → Working for the U.S. government or certain U.S. firms
21. What is one of the most common mistakes applicants make when completing the N-400 form? → Leaving sections blank or incomplete
22. What should an applicant do if they do not understand a question during the naturalization interview? → Politely ask the officer to repeat or rephrase the question
23. How is the English writing portion of the naturalization interview administered? → The officer dictates one sentence for the applicant to write
24. Which of the following types of absences is most likely to be treated as NOT disrupting continuous residence? → A 5-month vacation outside the U.S.
25. What is the minimum number of civics questions an applicant must answer correctly to pass? → 6 out of 10
26. How long does a typical N-400 naturalization interview last? → 20–30 minutes
27. Can U.S. citizenship acquired through naturalization be revoked? → Yes, under certain circumstances such as fraud or treason
28. What is the responsibility of U.S. citizens with regard to federal taxes? → To pay income taxes on worldwide income each year
29. A disability or impairment may excuse an applicant from which part of the N-400 requirements? → Both the English and civics requirements with a Form N-648
30. What war did the U.S. fight to gain independence from Britain? → The American Revolution