Civic Skills

Filling Out Form N-400: Application for Naturalization Guide




Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, is the official form used to apply for U.S. citizenship. While the form may seem lengthy, with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can complete it confidently. Here's a step-by-step guide to filling out Form N-400.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you start filling out the form, make sure you have all the necessary documents.

Documents You’ll Need:

  1. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card):
  2. Copy of both sides.
  3. State ID or Driver’s License:
  4. Proof of residency in your current state.
  5. Travel Records:
  6. Dates and destinations for trips outside the U.S. in the last 5 years.
  7. Marriage Documents (if applicable):
  8. Marriage certificate, divorce decrees, or death certificates for prior spouses.
  9. Children’s Information:
  10. Birth certificates, Green Card copies, or citizenship documents for any children.
  11. Selective Service Registration (for males aged 18–26):
  12. If required, proof of registration.

Additional Documents (if applicable):

  • Court or police records for any arrests, even if charges were dismissed.
  • Military service records, if applicable.

Step 2: Download Form N-400

You can download Form N-400 from the USCIS website:
N-400 Form and Instructions.

Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before you start.

Step 3: General Tips for Completing Form N-400?

  1. Use Black Ink (If Filing by Mail):
  2. Type or print neatly in black ink.
  3. Answer Every Question:
  4. Write “N/A” (Not Applicable) or “None” if a question doesn’t apply to you.
  5. Provide Accurate Information:
  6. Double-check all dates, names, and other details for accuracy.
  7. Be Honest:
  8. Discrepancies or false information may lead to denial or penalties.

Step 4: Complete Each Section of Form N-400

Part 1: Information About Your Eligibility

Check the box that applies to your eligibility:
- Example: If you’ve had a Green Card for at least 5 years, check “A”.

Part 2: Your Information

  1. Name:
  2. Provide your full legal name.

  3. If your name has changed (e.g., through marriage), include all previous names.

  4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any):

  5. Found on correspondence from USCIS.

  6. Social Security Number (SSN):

  7. Enter your SSN or leave blank if you don’t have one.

  8. Gender and Date of Birth:

  9. Must match the information on your Green Card.

  10. Country of Birth and Nationality:

  11. Provide the country where you were born and your current nationality.

Part 3: Accommodations for Disabilities or Impairments (Optional)

If you need accommodations (e.g., wheelchair access or interpreter services), check the appropriate box.

Part 4: Information to Contact You

Provide:
- Phone numbers (daytime and mobile).
- Email address (optional, but recommended).

Part 5: Information About Your Residence

List all the addresses where you’ve lived in the past 5 years, starting with your current address.

  • Include dates for each residence.
  • If you’ve lived outside the U.S., explain why (e.g., temporary work assignment).

Part 6: Information About Your Parents

Indicate:
- If either of your parents is a U.S. citizen.

Part 7: Biographical Information

Answer questions about:
- Ethnicity and race.
- Height, weight, and eye color.

Part 8: Information About Your Employment and Schools

List all employment and school history for the past 5 years:
- Include job titles, employer names, and addresses.
- If unemployed, write “Unemployed.”

Part 9: Time Outside the United States

Provide details of all trips outside the U.S. in the last 5 years:
- Include dates, destinations, and length of each trip.
- Ensure no trips exceed 6 months unless you have a reentry permit.

Part 10: Information About Your Marital History

  1. Indicate your current marital status:

  2. Single, married, divorced, widowed, or separated.

  3. Provide details of your spouse, including:

  4. Name, birth date, country of birth, and immigration status.

  5. If applicable, list all prior marriages (yours and your spouse’s).

Part 11: Information About Your Children

Provide details about all your children:
- Names, birth dates, countries of birth, and current addresses.

Part 12: Additional Information About You

This section contains YES or NO questions about your background. Answer honestly!

Topics include:
1. Criminal Record:
- Have you ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime?
2. Immigration History:
- Have you ever violated U.S. immigration laws?
3. Selective Service:
- If you’re a male aged 18–26, indicate if you’ve registered for Selective Service.

Pro Tip: If you answer "YES" to any questions about arrests, provide an explanation and supporting documentation.

Part 13: Your Signature

  • Sign and date the form.
  • If you used an interpreter or preparer, they must complete Part 14 or Part 15.

Step 5: Review Your Application

Before submitting, review Form N-400 carefully:
1. Ensure all questions are answered.
2. Double-check dates, names, and addresses.
3. Attach all required supporting documents.

Step 6: Pay the Filing Fee

The total filing fee for Form N-400 is $725:
- $640 for the application.
- $85 for biometrics (fingerprinting).

How to Pay:

  1. Online Filing: Pay with a credit/debit card or bank account.
  2. Mail Filing: Submit a check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security."

Fee Waivers:

  • If you qualify, submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your application.

Step 7: Submit Your Application

Filing Options:

  1. Online (Recommended):

  2. File through the USCIS online portal: my.uscis.gov.

  3. By Mail:

  4. Mail your completed application and supporting documents to the address listed in the N-400 instructions.

Step 8: After Filing Form N-400

What Happens Next:

  1. Receipt Notice: USCIS will send you a notice confirming they’ve received your application.
  2. Biometrics Appointment: You’ll be scheduled to provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature.
  3. Interview and Civics Test: Prepare for your naturalization interview and test.
  4. Decision Notice: USCIS will approve, deny, or request additional evidence.
  5. Oath of Allegiance: If approved, you’ll attend a ceremony to finalize your citizenship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Leaving questions blank.
  2. Providing incomplete or inconsistent travel information.
  3. Forgetting to include required documents or payment.
  4. Missing deadlines for biometrics or interviews.

Helpful Resources for Form N-400

  1. USCIS N-400 Page:
  2. Form N-400 Instructions and Filing
  3. Naturalization Eligibility Requirements:
  4. USCIS Naturalization Overview
  5. Track Your Application Status:
  6. Case Status Online

Things to Remember

  • Be honest and thorough when completing Form N-400.
  • Attach all required documents and proof of eligibility.
  • Review your application for accuracy before submission.
  • Pay the correct fee and meet all deadlines for biometrics and interviews.
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