10 words on the N-400 that people misunderstand

Form N-400 asks many yes-or-no questions, and a few small words decide what counts. These ten come up often in the eligibility questions, and each one means more, or something more specific, than it seems. The explanations are ours, in plain English; the form and its instructions are the official wording.

At your interview, the officer goes over these answers with you, in English. Our guide to the N-400 review questions walks through each part of the form.

1. EVER

When "EVER" is in capital letters, it means at any time in your life and anywhere in the world, unless the question says otherwise. A ticket from decades ago, in another country, still counts.

2. Claimed to be a U.S. citizen

Saying you were a U.S. citizen when you weren't, in writing or in any other way. It isn't limited to something you said out loud.

3. Registered to vote

Signing up on an official list of voters. The same question also asks whether you voted. These are separate things, and the form asks about both.

4. Nonresident alien

A tax term, not an immigration status. The form asks whether, since becoming a permanent resident, you called yourself one on a tax return, or didn't file because you thought you were one.

5. Cited

Given a ticket or written notice by an officer for breaking a law, such as a traffic ticket. Being cited isn't the same as being arrested, but the form asks about both.

6. Diversion

A program where someone accused of a crime completes conditions, such as classes or community service, instead of a regular case. The form counts it as alternative sentencing, so it still needs to be reported.

7. Expunged

Removed from your official record by a court order. As the instructions explain, you still report the offense on the form.

8. Sealed

Hidden from public view by a court, although the record still exists. You still report it.

9. Disposition

The final result of an arrest, citation, or charge: for example, no charges filed, charges dismissed, or a conviction. If you were ever arrested or charged, USCIS asks for the court dispositions. Our documents checklist lists them.

10. Public benefit

Help from the government, such as food, housing, or health care assistance. The question that uses this word is about giving false information to get a benefit, not about receiving help.

How to study these words

Our free N-400 vocabulary flashcards cover these and more than 50 other words from the form, with plain explanations in English and Spanish and, for many of them, the kind of question an officer may ask. Practice saying your answers out loud, in short and honest sentences.

If a question doesn't make sense at your interview, you can ask the officer to repeat it or say it another way.