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Become a US Citizen

Human Service Programs

A hand holding a United States flag and passport

The Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) helps English language learners get ready to take the U.S. naturalization test. To become a U.S. citizen, people need to pass this test. 

Our weekly citizenship class includes:

  • English practice with the 100 civics questions 
  • Referrals for free help to complete the N-400 application for naturalization  
  • Practice with reading and writing in English

To Join the Class:

  • You must live in Cambridge
  • You must have beginner or intermediate level English. We do not have citizenship class for people with advanced English. 
  • You must be eligible to apply for citizenship 
  • You must be at least 18 years old

We give priority for spaces in this class to people who are currently taking English classes at the CLC.

Interested? Contact Whit at whendon@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6366.

Questions and Answers

How long is the citizenship class?

The class is 9 months long, from September to June. Class is 2 hours a week on Wednesday evenings. 

How much does it cost to take CLC’s citizenship class?

Nothing. The class is free.

However, there are costs to apply for citizenship.The application fee for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) is $725 for people 75 years old or younger. The fee for people over 75 years old is $640.

People who have low incomes can apply for citizenship for free.  

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to take classes at the CLC?

No. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Any adult that lives in Cambridge can take classes at the CLC.

Who administers the citizenship test?

You get your citizenship through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. See more details at https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship.

The CLC can help you get ready.

Who can apply for U.S. citizenship?

 To apply, applicants must: 

  • Be at least 18 years of age 
  • Have a permanent residence card (Green Card) for at least 5 years, or for 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen. 
  • Have had physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months, or 912 days, out of the 5 years (18 months/548 days if married to a U.S. citizen). Applicants must have lived in the state or USCIS district in which they are applying for at least 3 months.
  • Have good moral character 
  • Be willing to take an oath to the United States and its Constitution 

After I apply for my citizenship, how long do I need to wait for my interview?

Usually, it takes between 2 months and 1 year.

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