Your Path to U.S. Citizenship Starts Here

Become a Citizen

Citizenship opens doors. The right to vote, freedom to travel with less treipidation, the ability to bring family members closer, and protection from deportation. The process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Reach out to our team and we can help you navigate the path to citizenship or attend one of our workshops.

• Why Become A Citizen

  U.S. citizenship comes with rights and protections that permanent residency does not. As a citizen, you can vote in federal elections, travel internationally more freely and build a more stable future. Citizens are also eligible for certain federal jobs, financial aid and scholarships, and the ability to serve on a jury.

• Eligibility Requirements & Exemptions

  To apply for citizenship, you generally must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have held a green card for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
  • Have lived in the U.S. continuously during that time
  • Be able to speak, read, and write basic English
  • Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government
  • Demonstrate good moral character

  Exemptions may apply if you are:

  • 50 or older and have held a green card for at least 20 years (English test exemption)
  • 55 or older and have held a green card for at least 15 years (English test exemption)
  • Unable to take the English or civics test due to a qualifying disability (a medical exemption form may be required)

   

  Every situation is different — talk to our team to find out what applies to you.

• The Basics of an Application

  1. File your application using Form N-400 and pay the required fee (or request a fee waiver if you qualify).
  2. Attend your biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints, photo, and signature are collected.
  3. Attend your interview and exam, where USCIS will review your application and administer the English and civics tests.
  4. Receive your decision by mail. If approved, you’ll be scheduled for a naturalization ceremony.
  5. Take the Oath of Allegiance at your ceremony — and officially become a U.S. citizen.

  Connect with our team and we can help establish your eligibility and support you on your pathway.

• Required Documents

  The minimum documents you will need to provide:

  • A copy of both sides of your green card
  • Payment for your application fee (or fee waiver documentation, if applicable)
  • If you are or were married: marriage certificates, divorce decrees, annulment certificates, or death certificates as applicable

  Depending on personal circumstances you may need more documentation; our team can advise you by appointment or at a workshop.

• Costs

  USCIS charges a filing fee to apply for naturalization. Fee waivers may be available if:

  • You or your spouse receive certain public benefits (such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI)
  • Your household income falls below a certain threshold based on federal poverty guidelines

• Resources

  Here are some free resources that may be helpful but may not be the most current and up to date. Ensure you check before making any applications.

  • USCIS Civics Test — 128 Questions and Answers (English)
  • USCIS Civics Test Study Guide
  • Free Online Practice Test
  • Civics Test Questions and Answers (Spanish)
  • Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
  • Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request)
  • Check Your Application Status

Complimentary Community Workshops

Our citizenship workshops bring together our legal team and trained volunteers to help you review your eligibility for citizneship.

Next Workshop

Saturday, September 19, 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm

North Little Rock Library
Laman Branch
2801 Orange St,
North Little Rock, AR 72114

Light refreshements will be served.

Register Now

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• What happens at the workshop?

  Attorneys and trained volunteers from AID Arkansas will help eligible permanent residents review their eligibility and possibly help complete their N-400 Application for Naturalization.

• Am I eligible to apply?

  Generally, you may qualify if you’ve been a green card holder for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), are 18 or older, and meet residency and good moral character requirements. We’ll help confirm your eligibility at the workshop, but it’s worth reviewing the basics beforehand.

• What do I need to bring?

  • Your green card
  • A list of every trip outside the U.S. (with dates)
  • Your current address and home addresses for the past 5 years
  • Employment history
  • Information about your spouse and children if applicable.

  We will review the full list of documents you might need at the workshop with you.

• Who will be there?

  AID attorneys and legal staff, plus trained volunteers helping with intake and application support.

• Will there be bilingual interpreters?

  Yes. We will have Spanish-language interpreters available.

• Does this cost anything?

  The workshop is free to attend and our review of your eligibility is also free.

  Depending on your personal circumstance you may have to pay fees for a post workshop consultation and of course any USCIS filing fees. There are possible exemptions for the fees and we can discuss that at the workshop.