Applying for U.S. citizenship is a major milestone—but it’s also a process where small mistakes can lead to big consequences. At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we’ve helped hundreds of families navigate the naturalization process, and we’ve seen firsthand how easily preventable errors can delay or derail an application.
The good news? Most mistakes are avoidable with the right guidance and preparation. Here are the most common citizenship mistakes we see—and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Filing Too Early
One of the most common errors is applying for citizenship before you’re actually eligible. USCIS has strict timing requirements:
- 5-year rule: If you received your green card through employment, family petition, or another pathway, you must wait 5 years before applying.
- 3-year rule: If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply after 3 years—but only if you’ve been living in marital union for those 3 years.
The catch: You can file your N-400 up to 90 days before you meet the 3- or 5-year requirement. But if you file even one day too early, your application will be denied, and you’ll lose your filing fee.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Count carefully from the date on your green card (not the date you entered the U.S. or received approval)
- Use USCIS’s online eligibility calculator
- Work with an immigration attorney to confirm your eligibility before filing
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we review each client’s timeline to ensure they file at precisely the right moment.
Mistake #2: Not Disclosing Criminal History
USCIS asks detailed questions about your criminal history on Form N-400, including arrests, citations, and charges—even if they were dismissed, expunged, or occurred decades ago.
Why this matters: Failing to disclose any interaction with law enforcement is considered fraud and will result in automatic denial. Worse, it can jeopardize your green card status and lead to deportation proceedings.
What you must disclose:
- Any arrest, even if charges were dropped
- DUI or DWI convictions
- Domestic violence incidents
- Drug-related offenses
- Traffic citations that resulted in arrest or court appearance
- Any time you were detained by law enforcement
Exceptions: Minor traffic tickets (like speeding tickets under $500 with no alcohol involved) generally don’t need to be disclosed unless they resulted in arrest.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Obtain certified copies of all court records and police reports
- Disclose everything and let USCIS determine if it’s disqualifying
- Work with an attorney to assess whether your criminal history affects eligibility
Even a single DUI or old arrest can complicate your case. At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we carefully review criminal records and prepare explanations and supporting evidence to present your case in the best light.
Mistake #3: Failing to Maintain Continuous Residence
To qualify for citizenship, you must maintain “continuous residence” in the United States during the required period (3 or 5 years). This means:
- Living primarily in the U.S.
- Not taking trips outside the country lasting more than 6 months
- Not abandoning your U.S. residence
The problem: Many green card holders don’t realize that even work-related travel or caring for family abroad can break continuous residence.
Red flags for USCIS:
- Trips lasting 6 months or longer (these create a presumption that you abandoned your residence)
- Spending more time outside the U.S. than inside during the statutory period
- Maintaining a primary home abroad
- Filing taxes as a non-resident
How to avoid this mistake:
- Track all international travel carefully (save boarding passes, passport stamps, and travel itineraries)
- Avoid trips longer than 6 months unless absolutely necessary
- If you must travel for extended periods, apply for a reentry permit or N-470 (to preserve residence for naturalization purposes)
We’ve helped clients overcome travel-related issues by documenting ties to the U.S., such as employment, property ownership, and family connections.
Mistake #4: Incomplete or Incorrect N-400 Application
Form N-400 is long (20+ pages) and asks for detailed information about your residence, employment, travel, family, and moral character. Errors or omissions can lead to delays, requests for evidence, or denial.
Common N-400 mistakes:
- Leaving questions blank instead of writing “N/A”
- Providing inconsistent information (e.g., dates that don’t match your green card application)
- Failing to list all trips outside the U.S.
- Not updating the form if circumstances change after filing (like a new arrest, marriage, or address change)
- Using vague or unclear language
How to avoid this mistake:
- Review your N-400 carefully before submitting
- Double-check dates, addresses, and names for accuracy
- Keep a copy of your completed application so you can review it before your interview
- Update USCIS immediately if anything changes after filing
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we meticulously review every N-400 application to ensure accuracy and completeness before submission.
Mistake #5: Not Preparing for the English and Civics Tests
The English language test and U.S. civics test are mandatory for most applicants—and many people fail on their first attempt because they didn’t prepare adequately.
The English test includes:
- Speaking (demonstrated throughout the interview)
- Reading (you must read 1 of 3 sentences correctly)
- Writing (you must write 1 of 3 sentences correctly)
The civics test includes:
- 10 questions from a list of 100 possible questions
- You must answer at least 6 correctly
Common mistakes:
- Assuming the tests are easy and not studying
- Relying on limited English skills without seeking help
- Not understanding how to study effectively
How to avoid this mistake:
- Start studying early using USCIS’s official study materials
- Practice reading and writing English sentences daily
- Take practice civics tests until you can consistently score 8/10 or higher
- Consider English classes if you’re not confident in your language skills
Exemptions: Some applicants qualify for exemptions based on age and length of permanent residence, or due to disabilities. We can help determine if you’re eligible.
We provide all our clients with comprehensive study guides, flashcards, and practice interviews to ensure they pass on the first try.
Mistake #6: Missing the Interview or Oath Ceremony
It sounds simple, but applicants sometimes miss their citizenship interview or oath ceremony due to:
- Not reading the notice carefully
- Forgetting the date
- Confusing the location
- Failing to reschedule in advance when a conflict arises
The consequences: Missing your interview without rescheduling can result in your case being closed. You’ll have to start the process over and pay the filing fee again.
How to avoid this mistake:
- Mark your interview and ceremony dates on your calendar as soon as you receive your notice
- Arrive early (at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled time)
- If you have a conflict, contact USCIS immediately to request a reschedule
Mistake #7: Not Seeking Legal Help When You Need It
Many applicants believe they can navigate the naturalization process alone—and for straightforward cases, that may be true. But if you have any complications (criminal history, extended travel, prior immigration violations, or tax issues), trying to go it alone can be risky.
When you should seek legal help:
- You have any criminal history, even minor offenses
- You’ve spent significant time outside the U.S.
- You’ve had prior immigration issues (overstays, visa denials, etc.)
- You have tax problems or haven’t filed returns
- You’re not confident in your English skills
- You’re unsure about your eligibility
How legal help makes a difference:
- We assess your eligibility before you file
- We prepare your N-400 accurately and completely
- We identify potential issues and develop strategies to address them
- We prepare you thoroughly for your interview
- We advocate for you if complications arise
Let Us Help You Avoid These Mistakes
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we’ve seen how costly mistakes can be—but we’ve also helped hundreds of families achieve citizenship successfully. Our team of immigrant women understands your journey, and we’re here to guide you with compassion, persistence, and expertise.
Our promise: You are not alone. We will help you navigate the citizenship process with clarity and confidence so you can achieve your American dream without unnecessary delays or denials.
Ready to Apply for Citizenship the Right Way?
Contact the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen today for a consultation.
Call us: 817-330-9734
Email us: info@carrielegal.com
Visit us: 721 N Fielder Rd., Suite C, Arlington, TX 76012
