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Here are some “frequently asked questions” about Naturalization — and the answers.

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Q: Am I eligible to naturalize?

A: When it comes to deciding whether you are eligible, factors to consider are how long you have been a permanent resident (green card holder), how much time you have spent in and outside of the U.S., and how long you have lived in your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district (where you live now and will apply from). This page will outline the two most common cases, but there are also some special situations, especially related to military service or government work. If you believe you might be a special situation, you can contact LUM or access more information here: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/chapter4.pdf

If you are a typical applicant (over 90% of applicants fit this category)

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must be a permanent resident for the past 5 years
• You can not have left the U.S. for 6 months or longer
• You must have spent at least 30 months of the past 5 years in the U.S.
• You must live in your USCIS district for 3 months

If you are not a typical applicant, but are married to a U.S. citizen:

• You must be at least 18 years old
• You must be currently married and living with the citizen
• You must be married and living with that citizen for 3 years
• Your spouse must be a U.S. citizen for 3 years
• You must be a permanent resident for the past 3 years
• You can not have left the U.S. for 6 months or longer
• You must have spent at least 18 months of the past 3 years in the U.S.
• You must live in you USCIS district for 3 months

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Q: Can my child sponsor my citizenship?

A: This is a common and understandable question many immigrants have. Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once your child, who must be a U.S. citizen, turns 21, they may sponsor your green card. You still must be a green card holder for 5 years before you can apply for citizenship.

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Q: How much does naturalizing cost?

A: The application for naturalization, called the Form N-400, costs $725 to file. This is made up of a $640 citizenship application fee and an $85 background check cost ($640 + $85 = $725). The reason this fee exists is because the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) is self-funded, meaning it does not receive money from the U.S. government. 90% of USCIS operating costs are covered by application fees

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Q: Am I eligible for a discount or a fee waiver?

A: There are many different reasons you might be eligible to save some money on the fee. These are the two most simple:

• If you are over 75 years old, you do not need to pay the fee for the background check (save $85)
• If you are in the military, your whole filing fee is waived (save $725)

USCIS gives waivers to those who can not afford the naturalization fees, as well. However, you must request a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 (called Request for Fee Waiver) along with your citizenship application. You may also submit a written request. You are the most likely to become eligible for the fee waivers if you are receiving benefits, like TANF, SSI, LINK, and Medicaid. You are also likely to become eligible for fee waivers if your family earns less than 150% of the federal poverty level. This has to do with how many people are in your family or household. The table on the following page shows 150% of the 2018 poverty level by family/household size.

Persons in family/household	Annual income
1	$18,210
2	$24,690
3	$31,170
4	$37,650
5	$44,130
6	$50,610
7	$57,090
8	$63,570

** For families with more than 8 persons, add $6,480 per person.

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The citizenship test: There are two parts to the test: a civics test and an English test. This document will outline each part of the test and whether you are able to take a simpler version of the test.

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Q: What can I expect on the civics test?

A: The civics test contains questions about U.S. history and government. A USCIS officer will ask you 10 questions from a list of 100 questions in English. You must answer 6 correctly.  It will not be a multiple choice exam, but the list of 100 possible questions can be found online here: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/teachers/educational-products/100-civics-questions-and-answers-mp3-audio-english-version .

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Q: What can I expect on the English test?

A: The English test contains three parts: a speaking test, reading test, and writing test. For the speaking test, a USCIS officer will determine your speaking skills during your Form N-400 interview. If you show you generally understand the officer’s questions and respond to them in a way that makes sense, you will pass this part. For the reading test, you must read one sentence correctly and show that you understand what the sentence means. You have to read the whole sentence without long pauses and you have to read all important words, but you can skip short words that do not affect the meaning. You will not fail for having an accent and you have three tries. For the writing test, you must write one sentence that is read to you. As long as you have the same meaning as what was read to you, it is okay if you have some grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. You can skip short words that don’t affect the meaning and you also have three tries on the writing test. Flashcards to study vocabulary for the reading and writing test can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/learners/study-test .

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Q: Am I eligible to not take the English test?

A: If you are a certain age and have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for a long time, you might be eligible to not have to take the English test.

• If you are 50 years old or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you do not have to take the English test, or
• If you are 55 years old or older and have been a permanent resident for 15 years, you do not have to take the English test.

If you do not have to take the English test for these reasons, you still have to take the civics test. However, you may take the civics test in your native language, as long as you have an interpreter that speaks your native language and English.

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Q: Am I eligible to not take the civics test?

A: In most cases, you will have to take the civics test. However, if you are 65 years old or older and have been a permanent resident for 20 years, you can take an easier version of the civics test in your native language. You will need an interpreter that speaks your native language and English. You still need to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly, but there are only 20 possible questions you need to study. These questions can be found online, click HERE.

Additionally, those with physical or developmental disabilities or mental impairments that prevent them from being able to take the tests may be exempt from the English and civic test. For this, people need to submit a Medical Certification for Disability (Form N-648) with their application and have their disability authorized by a medical professional. It is important to note that people are only exempt if they can prove they wouldn’t be able to take the tests without accommodations.

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Q: Can I be a dual citizen?

A: Many immigrants are concerned that when they become a U.S. citizen, they will have to give up their identity as a citizen of their home county. However, the U.S. allows dual citizenship! It is important to realize that laws are different for each country and that they change frequently, but many other countries also allow dual citizenship. As long as your home country allows it, this means you can be a U.S. citizen and maintain citizenship of your home country as well. The following list tells whether countries with the most immigrants that come to the U.S. allow dual citizenship.

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This page contains information and resources about your rights and safety that will help family become better prepared.

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Safety Planning Binder

Family Preparedness Binder

This “Family Preparedness Binder” is for you, your family, and/or your loved ones to keep informed and plan ahead in case of changes in your immigration situation. We, the LUM Immigration Clinic and the Greater Lafayette Immigrant Allies, have collected these resources and information about your rights, childcare and guardianship, financial preparedness, and other topics to support you as you continue to plan and prepare. Print it, use it, share it—this binder is yours!

Carpeta de Preparación Familiar

Esta “Carpeta de Preparación Familiar” es para que tu, tu familia y/o tus seres queridos se mantengan informados y planifiquen con anticipación en caso de algún cambio en su situación de immigración. Nosotros, la Clínica de Inmigración LUM y los Aliados de los Inmigrantes de Greater Lafayette (Greater Lafayette Immigrant Allies, en inglés), recopilamos estos recursos e información sobre sus derechos, cuido de niños/as y tutela, preparación financiera y otros temas para apoyarte a tí mientras continuas tu planificación y preparación. Imprímela, úsala, compártela—¡esta carpeta es tuya!

Family Preparedness Binder (PDF): English Version HERE | Spanish Version HERE

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Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights: A Guide to Your Rights When Interacting with Law Enforcement

YOU HAVE RIGHTS regardless of your immigration status. You may be at risk of being deported if you are undocumented, if you are a non-citizen with a criminal history, if you are on parole or have a prior deportation order. To protect yourself, your family and your
community you must KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Knowledge is power. Act NOW. Do not wait. Be prepared.

CONOZCA SUS DERECHOS: Guía sobre sus derechos en relación a contacto con oficiales de inmigración o la policía

USTED TIENE DERECHOS sin importar su estado migratorio. Usted podría estar en riesgo de ser deportado si no tiene documentos, si no es ciudadano y tiene antecedentes penales, si está bajo libertad condicional o tiene una orden anterior de deportación.
Para protegerse, a su familia y a su comunidad, usted tiene que CONOCER SUS DERECHOS.
El conocimiento es poder. Actúe AHORA. No espere. Esté preparado.

To View the Know Your Rights Guide (PDF)
Choose a language: English | Spanish | Chinese | Amharic |

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LUM Immigration Clinic
| FAQs | Other Resources | Home | Top of Page |

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Contact information:

Christian Gallo, Immigration Clinic director
cgallo@lumserve.org | 765-423-2691

No workshops are scheduled at this time.

 

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Here are some general “frequently asked questions” about LUM immigration services — and the answers.

• For Naturalization (Citizenship) FAQs, click HERE
• For DACA FAQs, click HERE

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Q: Need to find the contact information for a specific government agency?
A: In the first pages of the USCIS new citizen guide you’ll find contact information for all the federal departments and agencies, a list of the federal holidays observed, and specific information to contact USCIS.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 1-5
• Contact USCIS

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Q: Want to know what research resources are available?
A: This section of the USCIS guide orients you to the purpose of the Guide for New Immigrants and includes free resources to answer further questions you may have on life in America.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 7-11

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Q: Have questions about maintaining your permanent resident status? Want to know your rights?
A: Becoming a US Citizen comes with a lot of perks, but also a few responsibilities. Both are outlined in this chapter with explanations on how to renew your permanent resident card, how to remove the conditions on your permanent resident status, if you have them, how to find legal assistance, and the consequences you may face if charged with a crime as a permanent resident.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 12-25
• Change your address with USCIS
• Get an I-131 form
• Get an I-751 form to remove conditions on residence

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Q: Have social security questions? Want to know what to do if you’re a victim of housing discrimination?
A: This section deals with the fundamental checklist of things you’ll need to do as a permanent resident. This starts with getting a social security number, which is often needed by financial institutions to set up bank accounts or receive aid, schools, and to get a driver’s license. This section also gives options on how to find housing and where to go if you feel you have been a victim of housing discrimination, the best way to look for a job and how to determine if you’re eligible for employment, childcare, and transportation options.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 27-45
• Find a social security office
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (English)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Spanish)

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Q: Need help filling out tax forms or with personal finance?
A: The “taking care of your money” section discusses how to keep you personal finances in order, what the different types of tax are in the U.S. and how to pay them, and how to protect yourself from scams, identity theft, and other fraud.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 47-55
• I-9 form
• Confirm your eligibility to work (English)
• Confirm your eligibility to work (Spanish)
• Find a Taxpayer Assistance Center
• File a complaint if you believe you have been scammed

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Q: Have questions about health care, education, or federal benefits programs?
A: This section provides information on the different forms of education in the U.S., health care, and other federal benefits programs. It includes information on how to enroll your child in school and common questions about transportation to and from school, activities, and school lunch. It also runs through the type of higher education degrees anyone can pursue, regardless of age, and how to apply for federal financial aid. It also talks about federal and state healthcare and federal benefits programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 57-73
• Learn about federal student aid
• Find an ESL program
• Enroll in Medicare
• SNAP information

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Q: Want to know how to protect yourself and your family in an emergency?
A: This section has information on how to prepare for an emergency, like making sure you have working smoke alarms in your home and what to put in a disaster kit. It also includes under what general situation you should call 911 for and what happens when you do and the important government agencies that will issue alerts in the case of a natural disaster.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 75-81
• Find out about safety alerts from the National Terrorism Advisory System
• Prepare for an emergency

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Q: Have questions about American history or the function of the government?
A: This chapter includes a brief history of how the United States came to be and an outline on the three branches of the federal government. It also includes an outline of the fundamental rights of every citizen and the functions of state and local governments.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 83-95

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Q: Do you want to take your permanent resident status a step further and become a United States citizen?
A: The last chapter describes the process of naturalization, or how to turn your permanent residence status to a citizenship. It includes the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen and the requirements for naturalization.

• Read USCIS new citizen guide pages 97-107
• See if you’re eligible for naturalization
• The guide to naturalization
• Take the LUM citizenship class
• Study for the naturalization test

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Find the guide in other languages!

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FAQs for NATURALIZATION, click HERE.

Go back to main LUM Immigration Clinic page, click HERE.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN — Please review the application first and be sure that you have all of the information you need before filling out the form. You will NOT be able to save your work and return to this form at a later time.

When you have the information you need — fill out the form below.

When the form is completed and you’re ready — click SUBMIT.
IMPORTANT — Stay on this page until the form is done processing — otherwise, it may not go through. You will receive an email confirming that LUM has received your form when it is submitted properly. When typing information into this form, please do NOT use only lower case or upper case letter.

Immigration Clinic – main page, click HERE

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Date/times:
Monday-Friday, School-dismissal-time through 6:30 p.m.; August 6, 2025 – May 21, 2026 (dates may change due to changes in LSC calendar)

Location: LUM Ray Ewry Center, 525 N 4th St., Lafayette, IN 47901

Sign Up Your Children TODAY — Click HERE

Important Dates

• FIRST DAY — Wednesday, August 6
• Fall Break — October 20-24
• Winter Break — December 22 – January 2
• FIRST DAY — Wednesday, January 5
• Spring Break — March 23 – 27
• Days Closed — September 1, October 20-24, November 26-28, December 22 – January 2, January 19, February 16, March 23 – 27 (dates may change due to changes in LSC calendar)
• LAST DAY — Thursday, May 21 (date may change due to changes in LSC calendar)
• School Calendar — LUM After School Program always follows the regular Lafayette School Corporation calendar (dates may change due to changes in LSC calendar)
  • LSC Delays — no change to ASP
  • LSC Early Dismissal — ASP canceled
  • LSC Cancels School for any reason — ASP canceled
  • LSC days off — ASP closed — see above “Days Closed”
• Open House
  • Tours of the LUM Ray Ewry Center (525 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN) may be arranged by emailing Kristi Hogue at khogue@lumserve.org.
  • Please come see the facility, meet staff and get answers to any questions that you may have, and learn in detail what your child will experience in the After School Program

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Fees & Payment Information

Sliding Fee Scale – Per Child
Poverty Level	Weekly	Monthly
<127%	Your family may qualify for CCDF vouchers
128 – 175%	$40.00	$128.00
176 – 400%	$50.00	$160.00
400%+	$60.00	$192.00

• PAY WEEKLY or MONTHLY. You choose the payment plan that fits your budget the best.
  • Weekly: $40, $50 or $60 for each child
  • Monthly: $128 or $160 or $192 per month for each child
• Payment due in advance — the last school day of the previous week/month
• Must agree and follow payment schedule
• Due with Application (non-refundable): $10 registration fee
• Late fee: $10.00 each time your fees are not paid on time
  • Repeated lateness could result in removal from the program
• Payment Options — Pay Online -or- Pay in Person -or-  Pay by Mail
  • Indiana CCDF Vouchers accepted
  • Pay Online – through Paypal – click HERE
  • Pay in Person –
    • Pay when you drop off or pick up your child(ren)
    • Stop by the LUM Office (420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901), Monday-Friday: 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Pay by Mail – Make checks payable to Lafayette Urban Ministry; and mail to Lafayette Urban Ministry, 420 N 4th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901
• Payment Expectations, click HERE

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Medical Information:

• Immunization Record — A current shot record with the current year’s date is required before application will be accepted
• Medication and allergy information on the application form

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Attendance, Absence & Pick-Up Information

• Absences
  • If a child is not going to attend ASP for a day or more, parents must let LUM know as soon as possible but no later than noon on the day of the absence.
• Pick Up
  • Children must be picked up by 6:30 p.m. each day
  • Only parents may pick up children; other adults picking up children must be authorized in writing and in advance by parents – no exceptions
• Parking
  • Must park in legal parking spaces at the LUM Ray Ewry Youth Center
  • Handicap Parking is available only in designated area

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Other Information:

• Communication with Families for whom English is a Second Language
  • LUM welcomes children from all backgrounds. Communication with parents is very important for your children’s growth, learning and safety. If you are not able to communicate in English, please have an emergency contact person listed for LUM who speaks English and is authorized to pick up your children.
• Children’s belongings:
  • LUM is not responsible for lost, broken or stolen items
  • Items not allowed in school are not allowed at ASP
  • Children are not allowed to bring anything from home, including but not limited to: toys, electronics, candy, or food.

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Forms & Information:

• Family Guide, click HERE
• Discipline/Guidance Policy, click HERE
• Payment Expectations, click HERE
• Lafayette School Corporation Calendars, click HERE

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Contact information:

Kristi Hogue, LUM Youth Programs director
Email: khogue@lumserve.org
Phone: 765-423-2691

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After School Program Application — Click HERE

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| Other Resources | Home | Top of Page | ASP Home | 5th Quarter Home |

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No LUM Program applicant shall suffer discrimination due to his/her race, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, physical handicap, sexual orientation, political association or belief, or union affiliation or activity.