N-400: Application for Naturalization

In order to complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, the following documents are required:

1. Valid passport or travel document
2. Two identical passport-style photographs
3. Proof of Permanent Resident Status (Green Card)
4. Copy of marriage certificate, if applicable
5. Documentation of marital history, if applicable
6. Tax returns for the past five years
7. Birth certificate
8. Military service record (if applicable)
9. Employment history for the past five years
10. A copy of your Social Security Card or other proof of Social Security number

What is N-400 Form?

Applicants can use USCIS N-400 Form to become a naturalized United States citizen. Before filing Form N 400, please check on USCIS.gov to see if you are already a U.S. citizen. If your biological or adoptive mother or father were U.S. citizens by birth or naturalized before you turned the age of 18, you may not need to be naturalized.

To file for Form N400, candidates must meet the following requirements:

Applicants must be 18 years or older
Applicants must have been permanent residents for 5 years. For applicants applying through marriage must have been married to a U.S. citizen for 3 years
Applicants must provide records of continuous residence for the past 5 years. For applicants applying through marriage must provide records of residence for the past 3 years.
Applicants must provide records of physical presence in the U.S. in the past 5 years. For applicants applying through marriage must provide records of physical presence for the past 3 years.
Applicants must demonstrate basic understanding of English
Applicants must demonstrate basic understanding of the U.S. history and government.
Applicant must be willing participants of the Oath of Allegiance.
Applicants must be a good character.

How do I file Form N-400?

The information that Form N 400 asks for are all personal and historic information. This includes parental history, residence, education and work history, marital status, criminal record, and travel history. There are also questions about your loyalty to the United States and if you ever participated in acts that would be seen as moves against the country.

Applicants under certain financial circumstances can file a fee waiver form (I-912) to waive the filing and biometric fees. An example of valid circumstance is an individual living at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines.

Naturalization Testing

In addition to submitting Form N-400, all naturalized citizens must take a test to show their basic understanding of the English language and U.S. history and government processes. These are two separate tests and depending on your situation, you may or may not need to take both to become a citizen. There are some exceptions to this requirement including:

If you are at least 50 years old and have lived in the U.S. for at least 20 years, you need to take the civics test in any language of your choice but do not need to take the English language test.
If you are at least 55 years old and have lived in the U.S. for at least 15 years, you need to take the civics test in any language of your choice but do not need to take the English language test.
If you have a mental or physical impairment that has lasted or is expected to last 12 months or more, you may be eligible to be exempt from the English language test or the civics test or both. Please read Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions for further detail.
- Answer “Yes” in Part 2, Item Number 12 of Form N-400 if you are submitting the request for exemption from the English and civics tests due to medical impairment. You must submit Form N-648 along with Form N-400.

What is required when you submit Form N-400

Supporting documents

The form will request specific supporting documents such as proof of employment or criminal records. You must provide all evidence and documentation requested when submitting form N 400
If documents are in a foreign language, they must be accompanied by translations by a certified language translator and proof that he or she can translate the foreign language to English.

Photocopies of supporting documents

Some parts of the form will request original official documentation. For all other questions, you may provide legible photocopies. USCIS may request you submit original documents but they will be returned to you once they are no longer needed in your application process
If documents are in a foreign language, they must be accompanied by translations by a certified language translator and proof that he or she can translate the foreign language to English.

Biometrics services appointment

You may be asked by USCIS to attend a biometrics services appointment at a Application Support Center or if you are abroad, a U.S. embassy or consulate. These appointments will consist of some or all of the following:
- Interview
- Fingerprint collection
- Identity verification
- Background check
- Criminal history review

Filing fee

Form N-400 requires a fee of $640 and if a biometric appointment is request, that costs an additional $85. The form fee must be submitted at the time of the application.

Signature

Each form submission must be completely and accurately filled, signed, and filed. Handwritten signatures are the only ones that the USCIS will accept. For mentally incompetent persons, a legal guardian may sign on his or her behalf.

Who is Eligible for Form N-400?

To be eligible for Form N-400, you must:

– Be 18 years of age or older
– Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years or be a permanent resident for at least 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen
– Have resided continuously in the United States as a permanent resident for at least 5 years prior to filing (3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
– Have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years prior to filing (18 months if married to a U.S. citizen)
– Not have committed any crimes that would make you ineligible for naturalization
– Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
– Have a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics)
– Be a person of good moral character

What is the Latest Form N-400 Edition?

The latest edition of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is edition 09/13/19.

What are the Required Documents for Form N-400?

In order to complete Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, the following documents are required:

How to Submit Form N-400?

Submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is a straightforward process.

1. Gather the required documents.

In order to complete Form N-400, you must gather the following documents: two passport-style photographs, Employment Authorization Document (I-766 or I-688B), a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card or Form I-551), and your birth certificate. You may also need to submit documents that demonstrate your good moral character, as well as forms that demonstrate any military service you have performed.

2. Obtain Form N-400.

You can obtain Form N-400 from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or from an Immigration Services Officer (ISO). The form must be completed in English and signed by the applicant.

3. Complete Form N-400.

Carefully complete the form and make sure to answer all questions accurately and truthfully. If additional space is needed to answer a question on the form, attach a separate sheet of paper with your response.

4. File Form N-400.

Submit Form N-400 with the required documents and filing fee to the USCIS office address listed on the form instructions or online at www.uscis.gov if you are filing electronically. Make sure to include a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card or Form I-551).

5. Attend the interview and biometrics appointment.

Once your Form N-400 has been received, USCIS will send you a notice with instructions for attending the biometrics appointment and interview. The biometrics appointment is used to capture fingerprints, signature, and photograph of the applicant for identity verification purposes. At the interview, an USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions about your application, background, and other related topics. If you pass this interview, you will be scheduled for a swearing-in ceremony and become a U.S citizen.

What are the Filing Tips for Form N-400?

1. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and other evidence required for the application.

2. Make sure to answer all questions completely, accurately and honestly.

3. Gather financial information for the form including bank statements, proof of employment and income, tax returns and other financial documents.

4. Make copies of any documents you submit and keep them for your records in case they are necessary in the future.

5. Fill out the application in English and make sure to sign and date where required.

6. Submit two passport-style photos that meet the specifications outlined in the form instructions.

7. Pay the necessary application fee and/or biometric fee (if applicable).

8. Mail the completed form and all supporting documentation to the address listed in the form instructions.

Are There Special Instructions for Form N-400?

Yes, there are special instructions for Form N-400. These instructions are designed to help applicants complete the form correctly and provide the documents needed for their application.

Instructions for Form N-400 include:
1. Gathering the required documents and information
2. Knowing which eligibility requirements to meet
3. Completing the form accurately and completely
4. Attaching copies of necessary documents
5. Making sure your documents are current
6. Submitting your application and any other required forms or documents
7. Paying the filing fee
8. Attending the biometrics appointment, if one is required
9. Scheduling an interview
10. Appearing at the interview on time
11. Waiting for the decision regarding your application
12. Filing a motion to reopen or reconsider if your application is denied

What is the Form N-400 Fee?

The Form N-400 fee is a fee that must be paid to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when filing for naturalization in the United States. The current fee for Form N-400 is $725, which includes a base filing fee of $640 and a biometrics fee of $85.

Can I Apply for Form N-400 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a Form N-400 fee waiver or reduction. To be eligible, you must show that you are unable to pay the filing fee due to financial hardship. You must also meet certain criteria, such as showing that you receive a means-tested benefit like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). You must also demonstrate that your income is below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. In addition, you must provide evidence of financial hardship, such as a letter from a financial institution or other third-party showing your current financial status. Once you have submitted your Form N-400 fee waiver request, USCIS will review it and make a decision on whether or not to grant the waiver.

What is the Form N-400 Processing Time?

The processing time for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) varies depending on the location of the applicant and the volume of applications that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is processing. Generally, it takes about 6 to 12 months from the time you submit your application until you attend your naturalization interview. USCIS may take longer to process your application if your file requires further review.

Form N-400 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What documents do I need to submit with my Form N-400?

Answer: You must submit two passport-style photographs, a copy of your valid Permanent Resident Card (I-551), copies of documents that show that you have been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months, and any other required documents as specified in the instructions for Form N-400.

2. How long does it take to process my Form N-400 application?

Answer: The processing time for Form N-400 applications varies depending on the workload at the USCIS office where you submitted your application. Generally, it takes between 5 to 11 months to process your application, although the processing time could be longer depending on the number of applications received.

3. How often do I need to update my address with USCIS?

Answer: It is important to keep your contact information up to date with USCIS. You must report a change of address within 10 days of moving by filing Form AR-11 or by filing an online change of address form.