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:

5-year permanent resident (standard applicants)
3-year permanent resident (married to U.S. citizen)
1-year permanent resident (immediate relative of U.S. citizen)
Qualifying parent or child of qualifying service member
Other (specify)

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:

I registered with Selective Service
I did not register but have documentation explaining why
I am required to register but have not

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:

Hold valid green card for required period (5, 3, or 1 year)
Meet continuous residence requirement
Meet physical presence requirement
Can read, write, speak English (or qualify for exemption)
No bars to naturalization
Good moral character during eligibility period
Willing to take oath of allegiance

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:

Notice of approval mailed
Oath ceremony scheduled (within 2-6 weeks typically)
Bring green card to ceremony
Receive Certificate of Naturalization
Can apply for U.S. passport

Request for Additional Evidence (RFE):

USCIS needs more documents
30-87 days to respond
Send original documents or certified copies
Explain or provide additional evidence

Denied:

Notice of denial with reason
Right to appeal within 120 days
Consult immigration attorney
Can reapply after addressing issues

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:

Receive Certificate of Naturalization
Apply for U.S. Passport
Register to vote
May apply for federal jobs
Can sponsor family members for immigration

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

Apply for U.S. Passport
- Use Certificate of Naturalization as proof
- Apply at State Department or local passport office
- International travel document
Register to Vote
- Register with your state or local election office
- Participate in all elections
- Full voting rights
Work in Federal Government
- Eligible for federal jobs requiring citizenship
- No security clearance restrictions due to citizenship
Sponsor Family Members
- Petition for family members to immigrate
- Fiancé(e)s, spouses, parents, siblings, children
Travel Outside U.S.
- Use U.S. passport for international travel
- Consular protection while abroad
- Can be rescued/assisted by U.S. embassy if stranded
Full Constitutional Rights
- Jury duty participation
- Hold most public offices
- Serve in military (or voluntary service)
- Receive government benefits

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.

USCIS Form N-400: Application for Naturalization

USCIS Form N-400: Application for Naturalization

What is the N-400?

Eligibility Requirements

Basic Requirements

Who Cannot Apply

Required Documents

Essential Documents to Submit

Additional Documents by Circumstance

Form N-400 Sections Explained

Part 1: Information About You

Part 2: Summary of Your Naturalization Eligibility

Part 3: Good Moral Character

Part 4: Eligibility Factors

Part 5: Residence and Physical Presence

Part 6: Marital Status

Part 7: Selective Service (Male applicants age 18-26)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility (Months 0-1)

Step 2: Gather Documents (Months 1-2)

Step 3: Complete Form N-400 (Weeks 1-3)

Step 4: Prepare Submittal Package

Step 5: Submit Application

Step 6: Receive Receipts and Wait (6-9 months)

Step 7: Attend Biometric Appointment

Step 8: Prepare for Interview

Step 9: Attend Interview

Step 10: Receive Decision

Step 11: Oath Ceremony and Naturalization

Processing Times and Fees

Current Fees (2025)

Processing Timeline

After Naturalization

What You Can Do Now

Protecting Your Citizenship

Common Questions (FAQ)

Related Forms