What Is an N-400 Form?
The N-400, or the “Application for Naturalization” formally known, is a form used to apply for U.S. citizenship. Just make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. You can find information on eligibility in the coming sections.
The first step in “naturalization,” the process of becoming an American citizen, is to file this form with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
How Much Does It Cost to File the N-400 Form?
The current amount for filing the N-400 form is $640. There’s also an additional $85 for biometric services (capturing your fingerprints).
Applicants 75 years or older do not need to pay the biometric fee, only the processing fee.
Military applicants are exempt from paying any fee under sections 328 and 329 of the INA (immigration and nationality act).
The filing and biometric fees are non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the N-400 Form?
Before you can file the N-400 form, you need to have satisfied the eligibility requirements for naturalization. These requirements include:
- You must be 18 years or older
- You must have had a green card for 5 years or 3 years (if you’re married to a U.S. citizen). The only exception is if you’re applying after serving in the military.
- You must not have taken any six-month or longer trips outside the United States during the three- or five-year wait period.
- You must have been a state resident where you plan to apply for citizenship for at least three months.
- You must be willing to serve in the U.S. military or perform civilian service for the United States if called upon to do so.
You can find the N-400 form on this page and quickly fill it out online.
Information/Documents needed to fill out the N-400 form
- A copy of both sides of your green card (Form I-551, or “Permanent Resident Card”)
- Payment of the application fee (by check or money order, with your A-Number written on the back, or by credit card using Form G-1450)
- Depending on their circumstances, some candidates must present additional supporting documents with their N-400, such as:
- If you're married or were previously married, you'll need proof of your current marital status (marriage certificate, divorce papers, annulment certificate(s), or death certificate(s) for former spouses).
- If you live and are applying from another country, two 2-inch-by-2-inch passport-style pictures are required.
- If you're seeking citizenship based on your military service, you'll need to fill out Form N-426, which is technically known as the “Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.”
- If you're applying for a citizenship exemption based on a qualifying medical condition, you'll need to fill out Form N-648, also known as the “Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.”
Tips on Filling Out The N-400 Form
The clarity and care with which you prepare your documents can impact how your application is evaluated. It's critical to:
Make sure you handle any inappropriate questions appropriately. Instead of leaving the section blank, put “N/A” (not applicable) if you know a question on Form N-400 does not apply to your case. Consult an attorney if you're not sure how to respond to a query.
Be truthful. Lying to USCIS can land you in more trouble than the problem you're trying to hide. Even if no one notices the lie right away, it could lead to your citizenship being withdrawn later—even years later. Again, if you're unsure how to handle a situation, seek legal advice.
Keep in mind what you've said in earlier applications for immigration. Check your files for earlier applications or documents you've submitted to US immigration authorities, and double-check that the information you're inputting now matches what's there, unless the previous applications had typos or small errors, of course. Fill out your N-400 correctly, but be prepared to explain the earlier error and offer proof of the true situation.
If necessary, use more pages. Your response may be lengthier than the form allows in a few areas. If this is the case, write “Please see attachment” in the appropriate field on the form and then attach a piece of paper to it. Print your name, A-number, and the words “Attachment to Form N-400” at the top of the attachment page. Then specify the questions you're answering from which sections of the form.
The barcode should not be stapled or punctured in any way. This may make it difficult for USCIS to complete your application.
Expect extra questions from USCIS if your employment history, address history, or travel history contain gaps or discrepancies. If they discover evidence that you lied, you could face delays, outright refusal, or, in the worst-case scenario, deportation.
Additional N-400 Renewal Resources
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400.pdf
https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/annotated_n-400.pdf
