What exactly is Form N-400, and what are the necessary criteria for eligibility? How do you go about filling out and submitting this form? The following section provides detailed answers to these questions and more. If you’re a permanent resident, often referred to as a Green Card holder, you can initiate the process of becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization by completing Form N-400, officially known as the Application for Naturalization.

What is Form N-400? 

Form N-400, also known as the Application for Naturalization, is a form issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As indicated by its name, this form is used to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. If you want to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, you must complete and submit this form to USCIS. Filing the N-400 is the initial step in the naturalization process.

Eligibility Requirements for N-400 U.S. Naturalization and Citizenship

To become a U.S. citizen, each applicant must fulfill several requirements. Generally, the applicant must be at least 18 years old, have continuously and physically resided in the U.S. as a green card holder for a minimum of five years (or three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), possess “good moral character,” be proficient in basic spoken and written English, and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Five Years of Permanent Residency (Three Years If Married to and Living with a U.S. Citizen)

Applicants must have continuously resided in the U.S. as green card holders for at least five years; however, those who are married to and living with a U.S. citizen may be eligible to apply after three years. There are two related but distinct rules regarding residency – continuous residency and physical presence – in addition to requirements about living in the same USCIS district and early application.

Continuous Residency

Continuous residency means that the applicant should not have spent an extended period outside the U.S., generally avoiding trips longer than six months. If a green card holder leaves the U.S. for more than six (but less than twelve) months without a valid reason, their continuous residency for naturalization purposes may be considered interrupted. However, it is possible to make a case if USCIS is convinced that the extended stay abroad was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond the applicant’s control and that the applicant did not abandon their U.S. domicile and maintained U.S. ties. The USCIS officer has discretion in determining if the reasons for a 6+ month stay abroad are sufficient.

Green card holders who have spent over 365 days outside the U.S. during a single trip (even with a reentry permit) are considered to have interrupted their continuous residency. In such cases, the continuous residency count resets, and the applicant may need to wait another four to four-and-a-half years (or two-and-a-half years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen) before being eligible to apply again.

There are various strategies to mitigate the impact of extended international travel on U.S. citizenship eligibility, including planning travel dates carefully, applying for a reentry permit, or preserving time spent abroad while working for certain organizations. Details on these options are beyond the scope of this article, but our office can consult on strategies.

Physical Presence

Besides continuous residency, applicants must also demonstrate that they have physically resided in the U.S. for at least half of the five-year eligibility period (three years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen). Applicants must provide their exact travel history for the previous five years and show that they have spent more than 912 days physically in the U.S. (or 548 days if applying under the three-year eligibility period).

This requires applicants to carefully track their international travel dates, especially for those who spend extended time abroad and are close to the cutoff. The calculation is based on the entire five-year term rather than on a calendar year basis.

Three-Month Residency in the Same District

Applicants must also have resided in the state or USCIS district where they will apply for at least three months before submitting their naturalization application. This requirement can be confusing because USCIS has multiple districts within the same state (for example, in California, there are field offices covering San Francisco, Los Angeles, among others). Generally, applicants must reside within the jurisdiction of the same USCIS field office (see this site for ZIP code lookup) for three months before applying. Changing addresses within the same district should not be an issue.

90-Day Early Filing

Applicants who meet the continuous residence, physical presence requirements (or their exceptions), and the three-month residency requirements may be able to apply under the “early filing” provision, which allows submitting a naturalization application 90 days before the fifth anniversary of green card approval (or third anniversary if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen).

Good Moral Character

Applicants must demonstrate “good moral character” throughout the five (or three) year eligibility period and until the naturalization oath takes place. This is assessed case-by-case by the immigration officer and focuses on the applicant’s record and conduct, including activities outside the U.S. Common issues include driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana use (which remains prohibited under federal law despite state legalization), and failure to register for selective service for certain male applicants, in addition to more serious crimes.

Knowledge of English and U.S. Civics and History

During the naturalization interview, the adjudicator will test the applicant’s knowledge of English (reading, writing, and speaking) and civics (U.S. history and government). Some applicants may be exempt based on age and how long they have been green card holders.

For the English test, applicants must handwrite a sentence (e.g., “The President lives in the White House”) and then read a sentence shown by the adjudicator. This process is typically straightforward.

For the civics test, the applicant will be asked up to 10 questions (from a pool of 100) about U.S. history and government and must answer at least six correctly to pass. See details of the 2008 version of the civics test.

Application Process and Timeline

Once eligibility is confirmed and relevant documents are finalized and submitted to USCIS, the applicant will be expected to appear for biometrics (digital photo and fingerprints) within the first month or two after filing. The naturalization interview may take many months, depending on the workload of the local USCIS field office. At the time of this article, the average processing time is between 9 and 18 months for most field offices. Applicants are generally allowed to travel outside the U.S., but extended periods abroad are not recommended, and all eligibility requirements for naturalization must continue to be met.

Applicants can check “normal” processing times on this site by selecting N-400 under “Form” and choosing the nearest USCIS Field Office likely to process the naturalization application.

Who is ineligible to file Form N-400?

You may be unable to file Form N-400 under the following circumstances:

• You do not meet the eligibility criteria required for naturalization.
• You obtained or inherited your U.S. citizenship through at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, or if you are a child of a U.S. citizen living abroad, you may already hold U.S. citizenship. As a result, you cannot apply for naturalization.

Naturalization testing

Along with completing and submitting Form N-400, you are required to take the naturalization test as part of the citizenship process. This test is designed to show USCIS that you can communicate in basic English and have a fundamental understanding of U.S. history and civics.

While all naturalization applicants must take this test, there are exceptions to the English language requirement based on age and residency:

• If you are at least 50 years old at the time of filing Form N-400 and have been a permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 20 years,
• If you are at least 55 years old at the time of filing Form N-400 and have been a permanent resident for at least 15 years,
• If you are at least 65 years old at the time of filing Form N-400 and have been a permanent resident for at least 20 years.

If you qualify for any of these age and residency exemptions, you will be exempt from the English language test but will still need to take the civics test in a language of your choice.

Additionally, if you meet certain medical exceptions, you may be exempt from one or both components of the naturalization test:

• If you have a diagnosed physical or developmental disability,
• If you have a mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.

Required supporting evidence

Along with the completed Form N-400, you must also provide the following supporting documents with your Application for Naturalization:

• Two identical recent passport-style photographs (required only for applicants living abroad).
• A copy of the front and back of your Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card).
• Documentation proving your current legal marital status, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate of a former spouse.
• For Armed Forces members and their spouses, Form N-426 (Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service). If you are currently serving, the form should be certified; if you are no longer serving, you can submit an uncertified Form N-426.
• Evidence of military service for Armed Forces members, such as DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) covering all periods of service.
• For active duty members, a copy of official military orders.
• For spouses of military personnel, additional eligibility requirements must be met, which can be reviewed on the Military page of the USCIS website.

In addition to these documents, you will need to bring the following items to your naturalization interview:

• Your original permanent resident card.
• A valid state-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or a non-driver identification card.
• Valid and/or expired passports.
• Travel documents issued by USCIS.
• Proof of your current legal marital status, including original marriage certificates, divorce decrees, annulment decrees, or death certificates if applicable, along with any other records confirming your marital history and current marriage.
• Evidence of termination of any previous marriage of your spouse (if applicable).
• Documents related to any legal name changes.

Depending on your individual situation, you may also need to provide additional documents at your Form N-400 interview:

• Evidence of marriage to a U.S. citizen.
• Documentation showing joint property ownership and financial interests, such as credit card or bank statements, leases or mortgages, children’s birth certificates, insurance policies, and certified joint income tax returns.
• Proof that your U.S. citizen spouse is employed in the U.S. and works abroad.
• Documents related to any children listed on your Form N-400, such as birth certificates and final adoption decrees.

For more details on additional documents you may need to bring, refer to the N-400 page on the USCIS website.

About the filing fee for Form N-400?

When submitting your Form N-400 application, you are required to pay a $640 filing fee. Additionally, if you are under 75 years old, you must include an $85 biometrics services fee with your application.

You can pay these fees by check or money order, made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Alternatively, you may use a credit or debit card to cover the fees by filling out Form G-1450 . Payments made this way will be processed through the Department of Treasury Pay Collections Control Panel (CCP), an online system that allows U.S. government agencies to handle credit and debit card transactions.

If you believe you qualify for a fee waiver, you can submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver), which is available on the USCIS website. This form should be sent along with your completed Form N-400.

Where to File Form N-400:

You can submit the N-400 form completely online. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows eligible applicants to file the N-400 application for naturalization through their online account. By filing online, you can:

1. Access your application anytime: Filing online allows you to check the status of your application, receive notifications, and communicate directly with USCIS at any time.
2. Upload supporting documents: You can upload electronic copies of your supporting documents, such as a copy of your Permanent Resident Card, proof of marital status, and other required documents.
3. Pay fees online: You can pay the required application fees using a credit card, debit card, or directly from a bank account.
4. Reduce paperwork: Online submission minimizes the need for physical paperwork, reducing the time and cost associated with mailing documents.
5. Increased convenience: The entire process can be faster and more efficient, including receiving quicker confirmation and notifications from USCIS.

However, if you prefer or need to submit by mail, USCIS still accepts paper applications. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to accurately complete the form and include all necessary supporting documents to avoid delays.

Detail for Completing Form N-400:

• Online Access: A free copy of Form N-400 is available for download on the N-400 page of the USCIS website. You can download, print, and fill out the form from your home computer. This is often the quickest method to access the form and any related instructions.
• Mail Request: If you do not have internet access or prefer to receive a physical copy, you can request a free Form N-400 to be mailed to you. Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283, and provide your mailing address to receive the form by postal mail.

Part 1: Eligibility Information:

In this section, you will need to provide details about your eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Ensure you list all relevant eligibility criteria and include your Alien Registration Number (A-number).

Parts 2 and 3

• Information About You: Enter your current legal name along with any other names you’ve used, such as those from your permanent resident card, maiden name, or other documents. If you have married in the U.S., your marriage certificate may serve as a legal name change document, allowing you to use your married name. This name will be used by USCIS to issue your Certificate of Naturalization. The “Resident Since” date on your Green Card indicates when you became a lawful permanent resident. If your parent naturalized before you turned 18, you might also be a U.S. citizen; check if this applies to you through citizenship by descent.
• Social Security Update: Indicate if you want USCIS to notify the Social Security Administration of your new citizenship status. It’s generally recommended to select “Yes” for convenience, avoiding the need to visit the SSA office in person.
• Biographic Information: Provide details about your race, ethnicity, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.

Parts 4, 5, and 6

• Information About Your Residence: Include a mailing address where you can reliably receive correspondence from USCIS. Also, provide a history of your physical addresses for the past five years as needed.
• Information About Your Marital History: Offer comprehensive details about your marital history. If your N-400 application is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, ensure accuracy, especially in providing dates when previous marriages concluded.
• Information About Your Children: List all details regarding your children, regardless of their age, status, or location.

Parts 7 and 8

• Information About Your Employment and Schools: Document each employer and educational institution you’ve attended in the past five years. Include details of any self-employment or military service. If additional space is needed, attach a separate sheet.
• Time Outside the United States: Record each international trip taken during the statutory period (typically five years for most applicants). Include trips to countries like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. If exact dates are uncertain, estimate as accurately as possible. This information will help verify that you meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements.

Part 9

• Additional Information About You: Answer each question carefully, as responses can impact the good moral character requirement for naturalization. Use your best judgment to determine if any answers or affiliations with groups could affect this requirement. Consult an attorney if unsure.

Part 10

• Request for a Fee Reduction: You can request a fee reduction on Form N-400 if your household income is at or below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, based on your household size at the time of filing.

Parts 11, 12, and 13

• Applicant’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature: Provide your phone number(s) and email address. While USCIS primarily communicates via email and postal mail, having a phone number as a backup is beneficial. Remember to sign your application with black ink. Many N-400 rejections occur due to missing or incorrectly placed signatures.
• Interpreter and Preparer: If applicable, include details if someone else prepared or translated your Form N-400. Only sign as the “applicant” if you completed the form yourself. Ensure that Parts 12 and 13 are properly filled out and signed if another person assisted with the form.

Parts 15 and 16

• Instructions: Leave these sections blank. Do not fill in or sign these areas. USCIS will provide instructions to complete these sections during your N-400 interview and oath ceremony.

N-400 Filing Tips

If you choose to mail the paper N-400, you will need to pay attention to the following:

Do’s:

• Use Black Ink Only: USCIS requires the use of black ink for completing applications. For best results, consider filling out the form electronically and then printing it, or use a service like Boundless that handles printing and assembling your documents as preferred by the government. If you choose to fill out the form by hand, make sure to use black ink to avoid any delays.
• Review Your Form N-400 Thoroughly: Before sending your application, double-check that all answers are accurate and that you’ve included all necessary supporting documents. Incomplete or incorrect submissions could delay processing or result in a denial of your application. With USCIS’s new policy emphasizing accurate submissions, errors can lead to having to reapply and pay the filing fee again.
• Provide Certified Translations: If any of your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you must include a certified English translation along with your N-400 application.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Clutter: Do not highlight, cross out, or write outside the designated areas on your form. If you need to make corrections, it’s better to start with a new N-400 form rather than using correction fluid or tape. USCIS scans applications, and any text obscured by correction fluid or tape may cause processing issues or delays.
• Don’t Submit Extra Documents: Follow the Form N-400 instructions carefully regarding which documents need to be submitted as photocopies or originals. Submitting unnecessary original documents not requested by USCIS could result in them being discarded, as USCIS may not return these documents.
• Remember to Sign Your Application: Ensure that your application includes your signature. Without it, USCIS will likely reject your application and require you to submit a new one. Recent USCIS policy changes emphasize the importance of following instructions meticulously; a missing signature or mistake could result in application denial, necessitating reapplication and another $760 fee (unless you qualify for a fee reduction or waiver).

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