USCIS Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
What is the N-400?
The Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the official USCIS form used to apply for U.S. citizenship. It is the primary document in the naturalization process, which grants lawful permanent residents the legal status of U.S. citizen.
What you get upon approval:
- U.S. citizenship
- Passport eligibility
- Right to vote
- Protection from deportation
- Ability to sponsor family members for immigration
- Access to federal jobs
- Full constitutional rights and protections
Eligibility Requirements
Basic Requirements
To be eligible to file Form N-400, you must meet:
1. Lawful Permanent Resident Status
- Hold a valid green card
- Have maintained continuous residence in the U.S.
- Green card must have been obtained legally (not fraudulently)
2. Time Requirements
Standard 5-Year Requirement:
- Most applicants: 5 years of continuous residence as green card holder
- Applies to all general applicants
- Period starts from the date green card was issued
3-Year Requirement:
- Married to and living with U.S. citizen spouse for at least 2 years
- Marriage must be in good faith
- Provides fast-track naturalization
1-Year Requirement:
- Special circumstance: Green card obtained through immediate relative petition
- May apply in some cases
Example timeline for 5-year requirement:
Green card issued: June 15, 2019
Eligible to apply: June 15, 2024 (5 years later)
Can file: Up to 90 days before (April 15, 2024)
3. Continuous Residence
- Must have continuously lived in the U.S. for required period
- Absence of more than 6 months breaks continuous residence
- Absence of 1+ year is presumed to break residence (can be overcome)
- Brief trips abroad are generally acceptable
4. Physical Presence
- Must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years (for standard applicants)
- Must have been in U.S. for at least 18 months out of 3 years (for spouse of U.S. citizen)
- Calculation is automatic based on I-94 records
5. Good Moral Character (GMC)
- Must demonstrate good moral character during the required period
- Crimes involving moral turpitude (theft, fraud, violence) bar naturalization
- Certain crimes prevent naturalization permanently:
- Murder
- Aggravated felony
- Drug trafficking
- Crimes of violence
6. English Proficiency
- Ability to read, write, and speak English
- Tested during interview
- Exceptions for applicants 65+ with 20+ years of permanent residence
7. Civics Knowledge
- Understanding of U.S. history and government
- 100 civics questions possible; typically 10 asked
- Must answer at least 6 correctly (60% pass rate)
- Exceptions for applicants 65+ with 20+ years of residence (simplified test)
Who Cannot Apply
Automatic bars to naturalization:
- ✗ Convicted of aggravated felony
- ✗ Drug trafficker
- ✗ Convicted of murder
- ✗ Terrorist or national security threat
- ✗ Nazi persecutor or torturer
- ✗ Green card obtained through fraud
- ✗ Took up arms against the United States
- ✗ Participated in persecution
Temporary bars (may be overcome with time):
- ✗ Conviction of crime involving moral turpitude (theft, fraud, violence)
- ✗ Polygamy
- ✗ Failure to pay taxes
- ✗ Anarchist beliefs
- ✗ Refusal to support the Constitution
Required Documents
Essential Documents to Submit
Original or Certified Copies Required:
1. Birth Certificate
- Original or certified copy
- If not in English, include certified English translation
- Acceptable formats: Hospital birth certificate, vital records office certified copy
2. Green Card
- Current green card (I-551 or I-797)
- Both sides copied
- Submit copy; USCIS retains original for record
3. State ID/Driver's License
- Proof of identity
- Copy of both sides
- Must be current/valid
4. Passport
- Demonstrate travel history
- Copy of biographical page
- Copy of all visa and entry/exit stamps
- Demonstrates trips outside U.S. for GMC/residence analysis
5. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Original or certified copy
- If not in English, include certified English translation
- Required for 3-year applicants
- Certified by vital records office
6. Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Final decree from divorce/annulment
- Certified copy
- Necessary for accurate marital status
7. Children's Birth Certificates
- For all children, biological or adopted
- Demonstrates family structure
- Important for derivative citizenship questions
8. Tax Returns
- Last 3 years of federal tax returns
- 1040 with all schedules and attachments
- If self-employed: Schedule C
- Demonstrates continuous residence and good moral character
9. Proof of Permanent Residence
- Copies of all I-94 entries and exits
- I-797 receipt notice
- Any travel documents showing admission
10. Police/Court Records
- If you have any arrests, even if dismissed
- Court disposition documents
- Letter from arresting agency
- Demonstrates honesty and GMC analysis
11. Employment History
- Letters from current employer
- Previous employers verifying employment
- Tax records showing employment
- W-2s for verification
12. Spouse's Identification (if applicable)
- Copy of U.S. citizen spouse's birth certificate or passport
- Citizenship evidence
- For 3-year applicants
Additional Documents by Circumstance
For Applicants with Criminal History:
- Complete court record of conviction/acquittal
- Sentencing documents
- Any appeals or post-conviction relief
- Rehabilitation evidence
For Applicants Who Lived Outside U.S.:
- Leases or property deeds for foreign residence
- Foreign tax returns
- Employment records
- Travel documents showing duration of absences
For Medical Examination Exemption:
- Form I-693 (medical exam results) if required
- Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record
For English Proficiency Exemption:
- If age 65+ with 20+ years permanent residence
- No English test required
- Provides simplified civics test
For Dependent Children:
- Birth certificates of minor children
- Derivative citizenship documentation
- Custody agreements if applicable
Form N-400 Sections Explained
Part 1: Information About You
What to include:
- Full legal name exactly as on green card
- Current address
- Immigration number (from green card)
- USCIS number (usually same as Immigration number)
- Social Security number
- Passport number and country
Important notes:
- Use exact legal name; don't use nickname or informal version
- If you've changed name, include both old and new names
- Make sure address is current
Part 2: Summary of Your Naturalization Eligibility
Check applicable box:
State residence:
- Provide state where you've lived the longest
- State where you file application
- Current state of residence
Part 3: Good Moral Character
Disclosure of incidents:
- Have you ever been arrested?
- Ever convicted of crime?
- Ever used false identification?
- Ever failed to file taxes?
- Ever committed fraud?
- Ever been deported/removed?
- Ever participated in persecution?
- Ever used drugs?
Important: Disclose everything even if charges dismissed or conviction overturned. Honesty is crucial.
Part 4: Eligibility Factors
English and Civics:
- Do you speak English?
- Can you read and write English?
- Claiming exemption from English test?
- Claiming exemption from civics test?
Helpful approach:
- Be honest about language proficiency
- Don't overstate abilities; affects interview
- Indicate if you need interpreter
Part 5: Residence and Physical Presence
Required calculations:
- When did you become permanent resident? (Date green card issued)
- Have you left the U.S. for trips abroad? (List dates, length, countries)
- Any absence exceeding 6 months? (Details required)
- Do you understand continuous residence requirement?
Timeline documentation:
Example entry:
Trip to Mexico: January 3-10, 2023 (7 days)
Trip to Canada: June 15-18, 2023 (3 days)
Trip to China: August 1-30, 2024 (29 days - within acceptable limit)
No trips exceeding 6 months - Continuous residence maintained
Part 6: Marital Status
Complete sections for:
- Current marital status
- Spouse name and citizenship
- Previous marriages (if any)
- Dates of marriage, divorce, death
- Children's names, dates of birth, citizenship
Part 7: Selective Service (Male applicants age 18-26)
If male and between ages 18-26:
If you didn't register:
- Explain reason (late arrival to U.S., young at the time, etc.)
- Provide evidence of good faith attempt
- May affect eligibility if unjustified
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility (Months 0-1)
Checklist:
Timeline check:
Example for 5-year applicant:
Green card date: June 15, 2019
Can apply on/after: June 15, 2024
Can apply 90 days early: March 15, 2024
Step 2: Gather Documents (Months 1-2)
Organize by category:
Obtain certified copies:
- Birth certificate from vital records office
- Marriage/divorce decrees from court
- Tax returns from IRS
- Employment verification from employers
- Court records if applicable
Arrange translations:
- Any documents not in English
- Use certified translator
- Include translator certification with documents
Step 3: Complete Form N-400 (Weeks 1-3)
Preparation:
- Download latest Form N-400 from USCIS.gov
- Use black or blue ink; print clearly
- Answer all questions completely
- If question not applicable, write "N/A"
- Don't leave blank sections
- Review for errors before submission
Specific attention to:
- Part 3 (Good Moral Character) - disclose completely
- Part 5 (Residence and Physical Presence) - accurate dates
- Part 6 (Family information) - complete and current
- All dates match supporting documents
Sign and date:
- Form must be signed and dated
- Signature must match legal name
- Sign in ink
- Date of signature crucial (cannot be undated)
Step 4: Prepare Submittal Package
Checklist for filing:
Organization:
- Use clear, organized binder or folder
- Tab sections by document type
- Include index of documents
- Make copy of everything before submitting
Step 5: Submit Application
Filing options:
By Mail:
USCIS Service Center
[Appropriate for your state]
Package contents:
- Form N-400 (original + 2 copies recommended)
- Check or money order for fees
- Supporting documents
- Return address and phone number
Check USCIS.gov for correct address - varies by location
Online Filing (if available):
- Some USCIS offices accept online submission
- Create account on USCIS.gov
- Upload documents
- Pay fees online
- Receive email confirmation
In-Person Filing:
- Some locations accept in-person filing at USCIS office
- Brings backup documents to verify
- Receive receipt immediately
- Verify address and contact info with officer
Step 6: Receive Receipts and Wait (6-9 months)
What to expect:
-
Within 1-2 weeks: Receipt notice (Form I-797) arrives in mail
- Confirms application received
- Gives case number (reference for inquiries)
- Use case number for status checks
-
Within 2-4 weeks: Biometric services notice arrives
- Appointment to get fingerprints/photos
- Can attend nearest USCIS Application Support Center
- Required for background check
-
Within 6-9 months: Interview notice arrives
- Specifies date, time, location
- Indicates what documents to bring
- May include civics test questions for study
Step 7: Attend Biometric Appointment
What happens:
- Fingerprints taken digitally
- Photos taken (for ID purposes)
- Signature captured
- Answers biographical questions
- Takes 5-15 minutes typically
What to bring:
- Notice of biometric appointment
- Valid photo ID
- Green card
- Social Security card (optional but recommended)
Important: Don't miss appointment. Reschedule immediately if conflict.
Step 8: Prepare for Interview
Study materials:
- USCIS civics flashcards (100 questions available)
- Study guide for U.S. history and government
- Practice reading/writing English
- Review your N-400 application thoroughly
Civics study topics:
- U.S. Constitution
- Three branches of government
- Bill of Rights
- Number of states, senators, representatives
- Electoral process
- Amendments
- Citizenship rights and responsibilities
Interview location:
- Local USCIS office
- Typically 15-30 minute interview
- Testing and interview combined
- One officer conducts both
Step 9: Attend Interview
Day of interview:
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Bring appointment notice, green card, ID, passport
- Bring all supporting documents (in case officer asks)
- Bring original documents if available
Interview process:
-
Check-in with receptionist
-
Wait to be called
-
Officer verifies identity
-
Reviews N-400 application:
- Asks clarifying questions
- Verifies information accuracy
- Discusses residence and travel
- Asks about moral character items
-
English test (if not exempt):
- Officer reads sentence, you repeat
- Officer shows document, you read it
- You write sentence officer dictates
- Usually 3 sentences total
-
Civics test (if not exempt):
- Officer asks 10 civics questions
- You must answer at least 6 correctly
- Questions come from USCIS 100-question bank
- Examples:
- "How many stars are on the flag?"
- "What are the first three words of the Constitution?"
- "How many Supreme Court Justices are there?"
- "Name one amendment that guarantees voting rights"
-
Swearing in (if approved):
- May happen same day if no issues
- Officer administers preliminary oath
- Final oath at naturalization ceremony
Step 10: Receive Decision
Possible outcomes:
Approved:
Request for Additional Evidence (RFE):
Denied:
Step 11: Oath Ceremony and Naturalization
What happens at ceremony:
- Bring green card, appointment notice
- Arrive early (ceremonies can be crowded)
- Listen to citizenship rights lecture
- Recite Oath of Allegiance in English
- Receive Certificate of Naturalization (official citizenship proof)
- No green card valid after this point
Oath of Allegiance:
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely
renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign
prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which I
have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support
and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of
America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will
bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I take
this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or
purpose of evasion; so help me God."
After ceremony:
Processing Times and Fees
Current Fees (2025)
| Item | Cost |
|---|
| Form N-400 filing fee | $640 |
| Biometric services fee | $85 |
| Total fees | $725 |
Fee waiver available if annual income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
Payment options:
- Check (payable to "USCIS")
- Money order
- Credit card (for online filing)
- Direct debit from bank account
Processing Timeline
| Stage | Typical Time |
|---|
| Application received | 0 |
| Receipt notice arrives | 1-2 weeks |
| Biometric appointment | 2-6 weeks |
| Interview notice | 4-8 weeks |
| Interview appointment | 2-3 months after appointment notice |
| Decision | 1-2 days after interview (if approved same day) |
| Oath ceremony | 2-6 weeks after approval |
| Total from filing to oath | 6-9 months |
Note: Times vary significantly by location. Some locations 3-4 months; others 12+ months.
After Naturalization
What You Can Do Now
Protecting Your Citizenship
Citizenship is permanent and cannot be easily lost
Citizenship can only be revoked if:
- Obtained through fraud
- Illegal renunciation (formal statement before official)
Citizenship is NOT lost by:
- Marrying foreign national
- Living abroad
- Traveling internationally
- Working for foreign government
- Voting in foreign election
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply before my 5-year eligibility date?
A: No, but you can apply up to 90 days before. If your date is June 15, you can apply March 15.
Q: What if I have a criminal history?
A: Disclose completely. Some convictions bar naturalization; others don't. Consult attorney if unsure.
Q: Do I have to renounce my previous citizenship?
A: Take oath renouncing foreign allegiance, but your home country may not accept renunciation. You could be dual citizen.
Q: What if I don't pass the civics test on first attempt?
A: You can retake it at a later interview, usually within 60-90 days. One failed test doesn't deny application.
Q: How long is the Certificate of Naturalization valid?
A: Indefinitely. It's proof of citizenship for life.
Q: Can I apply if I'm married to a non-U.S. citizen?
A: Yes, but you must meet the 5-year requirement unless one spouse is U.S. citizen (then 3-year requirement applies).
Q: What if I was outside the U.S. for more than 6 months?
A: This breaks continuous residence. You may not be eligible. Consult attorney about your specific circumstances.
Q: Can my green card be revoked if I'm denied naturalization?
A: Generally no, unless denied for fraud or misrepresentation. Simple denial doesn't affect green card status.
Q: How much does naturalization cost?
A: $725 total ($640 filing fee + $85 biometric fee). Fee waiver available if low income.
Q: When can I use my Certificate of Naturalization?
A: Immediately after ceremony. Use it to apply for passport or register to vote.