The USCIS N-400 form, known as the Application for Naturalization, is a critical step for permanent residents seeking to embrace the full rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. Completing this form accurately is crucial since it initiates the applicant's journey towards becoming a naturalized citizen, allowing them to participate fully in the civic life of the nation. To take the first step on this transformative journey, consider filling out the form by clicking the button below.
The journey towards becoming a U.S. citizen is filled with numerous steps, each significant in its own right, culminating in the submission of the USCIS N-400 form, a document pivotal to the naturalization process. This form, essentially an application for U.S. citizenship, is a comprehensive dossier that applicants must navigate with care. It serves multiple critical purposes: from verifying the applicant's eligibility for citizenship to providing a detailed account of their personal and residency history. Moreover, the N-400 form is a testament to the applicant's commitment to the United States, including their willingness to uphold the Constitution and, if required, serve the nation. As the primary document reviewed during the citizenship interview, its accuracy and completeness are paramount. In essence, the N-400 form is the bridge that transforms an eligible permanent resident into a candidate ready to embrace the rights and responsibilities that come with American citizenship.
Application for Naturalization
USCIS
Department of Homeland Security
Form N-400
OMB No. 1615-0052
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Expires 09/30/2022
Date Stamp
For
Use
Only
Remarks
Receipt
Action Block
►START HERE - Type or print in black ink. Type or print "N/A" if an item is not applicable or the answer is none, unless otherwise indicated. Failure to answer all of the questions may delay U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing your Form N-400. NOTE: You must complete Parts 1. - 15.
If your biological or legal adoptive mother or father is a U.S. citizen by birth, or was naturalized before you reached your 18th birthday, you may already be a U.S. citizen. Before you consider filing this application, please visit the USCIS Website at www.uscis.gov for more information on this topic and to review the instructions for Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, and Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322.
NOTE: Are either of your parents a United States citizen? If you answer “Yes,” then complete Part 6. Information About Your Parents as part of this application. If you answer “No,” then skip Part 6. and go to Part 7. Biographic Information.
Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility (Select only one box or your
Form N-400 may be delayed)
1.You are at least 18 years of age and:
Enter Your 9 Digit A-Number:
► A-
A.
B.
C.
Have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years.
Have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 3 years. In addition, you have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for the last 3 years, and your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last 3 years at the time you filed your Form N-400.
Are a lawful permanent resident of the United States and you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen and your U.S. citizen spouse is regularly engaged in specified employment abroad. (See the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 319(b).) If your residential address is outside the United States and you are filing under Section 319(b), select the USCIS Field Office from the list below where you would like to have your naturalization interview:
D.
E.
Are applying on the basis of qualifying military service. Other (Explain):
Part 2. Information About You (Person applying for naturalization)
1.Your Current Legal Name (do not provide a nickname)
Family Name (Last Name)
Given Name (First Name)
Middle Name (if applicable)
2.Your Name Exactly As It Appears on Your Permanent Resident Card (if applicable)
Form N-400 Edition 09/17/19
Page 1 of 20
Part 2. Information About You (Person applying for naturalization) (continued)
A-
3.Other Names You Have Used Since Birth (include nicknames, aliases, and maiden name, if applicable)
4.Name Change (Optional)
Read the Form N-400 Instructions before you decide whether or not you would like to legally change your name.
Would you like to legally change your name?
Yes
If you answered ''Yes," type or print the new name you would like to use in the spaces provided below.
No
5.
U.S. Social Security Number (if applicable)
6. USCIS Online Account Number (if any)
►
7.
Gender
8.
Date of Birth
9.
Date You Became a Lawful
Male
Female
(mm/dd/yyyy)
Permanent Resident (mm/dd/yyyy)
10.
Country of Birth
11. Country of Citizenship or Nationality
12.Do you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from demonstrating your knowledge and understanding of the English language and/or civics requirements for naturalization?
If you answered "Yes," submit a completed Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, when you file your Form N-400.
13.Exemptions from the English Language Test
A.Are you 50 years of age or older and have you lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years at the time you file your Form N-400?
B.Are you 55 years of age or older and have you lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years at the time you file your Form N-400?
C.Are you 65 years of age or older and have you lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years at the time you file your Form N-400? (If you meet this requirement, you will also be given a simplified version of the civics test.)
Part 3. Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments
NOTE: Read the information in the Form N-400 Instructions before completing this part.
1.
Are you requesting an accommodation because of your disabilities and/or impairments?
If you answered "Yes," select any applicable box.
I am deaf or hard of hearing and request the following accommodation. (If you are requesting a sign-language interpreter, indicate for which language (for example, American Sign Language).)
I am blind or have low vision and request the following accommodation:
Page 2 of 20
Part 3. Accommodations for Individuals With Disabilities and/or Impairments (continued)
I have another type of disability and/or impairment (for example, use a wheelchair). (Describe the nature of your disability and/or impairment and the accommodation you are requesting.)
Part 4. Information to Contact You
Daytime Telephone Number
2.
Work Telephone Number (if any)
3.
4.
Evening Telephone Number
Mobile Telephone Number (if any)
5.Email Address (if any)
Part 5. Information About Your Residence
1.Where have you lived during the last five years? Provide your most recent residence and then list every location where you have lived during the last five years. If you need extra space, use additional sheets of paper.
A.Current Physical Address
Street Number and Name
Apt.
Ste. Flr. Number
City or Town
County
State
ZIP Code + 4
-
Province or Region
Postal Code
Country
(foreign address only)
Dates of
From (mm/dd/yyyy)
To (mm/dd/yyyy)
Residence
(USPS ZIP Code Lookup)
B.Current Mailing Address (if different from the address above) In Care Of Name (if any)
Page 3 of 20
Part 5. Information About Your Residence (continued)
C.Physical Address 2
D.Physical Address 3
E.Physical Address 4
Part 6. Information About Your Parents
If neither one of your parents is a United States citizen, then skip this part and go to Part 7.
Were your parents married before your 18th birthday?
Information About Your Mother
2.Is your mother a U.S. citizen?
If you answered "Yes," complete the following information. If you answered "No," go to Item Number 3.
Page 4 of 20
Part 6. Information About Your Parents (continued)
A.Current Legal Name of U.S. Citizen Mother
Mother's Country of Birth
C. Mother's Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Date Mother Became a U.S. Citizen
E. Mother's A-Number
(if known) (mm/dd/yyyy)
(if any)
Information About Your Father
3.Is your father a U.S. citizen?
If you answered ''Yes," complete the information below. If you answered "No," go to Part 7.
Yes No
A.Current Legal Name of U.S. Citizen Father
Father's Country of Birth
C. Father's Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
Date Father Became a U.S. Citizen
E. Father's A-Number
Part 7. Biographic Information
NOTE: USCIS requires you to complete the categories below to conduct background checks. (See the Form N-400 Instructions for more information.)
1.Ethnicity (Select only one box)
Hispanic or Latino
Not Hispanic or Latino
2.Race (Select all applicable boxes)
White
Asian
Black or
American Indian
African American
or Alaska Native
Height Feet
Inches
4. Weight
Pounds
5.Eye color (Select only one box)
Black Blue Brown Gray Green Hazel
6.Hair color (Select only one box)
Bald
Black
Blond
Brown
Gray
Red
(No hair)
Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific Islander
Maroon Pink Unknown/ Other
Sandy White Unknown/ Other
Page 5 of 20
Part 8. Information About Your Employment and Schools You Attended
List where you have worked or attended school full time or part time during the last five years. Provide information for the complete time period. Include all military, police, and/or intelligence service. Begin by providing information about your most recent or current employment, studies, or unemployment (if applicable). Provide the locations and dates where you worked, were self-employed, were unemployed, or have studied for the last five years. If you worked for yourself, type or print "self-employed." If you were unemployed, type or print "unemployed." If you need extra space, use additional sheets of paper.
1.Employer or School Name
Date From (mm/dd/yyyy)
Date To (mm/dd/yyyy)
Your Occupation
2.Employer or School Name
3.Employer or School Name
Page 6 of 20
Part 9. Time Outside the United States
1.How many total days (24 hours or longer) did you spend outside the United States during the last 5 years?
days
How many trips of 24 hours or longer have you taken outside the United States during the last 5 years?
trips
3.List below all the trips of 24 hours or longer that you have taken outside the United States during the last 5 years. Start with your most recent trip and work backwards. If you need extra space, use additional sheets of paper.
Date You Left the
Date You Returned
Did Trip Last
Countries to
Total Days
United States
to the United States
6 Months or
Which You
Outside the
More?
Traveled
Part 10. Information About Your Marital History
1.What is your current marital status?
Single, Never Married
Married
Divorced
Widowed
Separated
Marriage Annulled
If you are single and have never married, go to Part 11.
2.If you are married, is your spouse a current member of the U.S. armed forces?
3.How many times have you been married (including annulled marriages, marriages to other people, and marriages to the same person)?
4.If you are married now, provide the following information about your current spouse.
A.Current Spouse's Legal Name
B.Current Spouse's Previous Legal Name
C.Other Names Used by Current Spouse (include nicknames, aliases, and maiden name, if applicable)
D.Current Spouse's Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
E.Date You Entered into Marriage with Current Spouse (mm/dd/yyyy)
Page 7 of 20
Part 10. Information About Your Marital History (continued)
F.Current Spouse's Present Home Address Street Number and Name
Apt. Ste. Flr. Number
G.Current Spouse's Current Employer or Company
5.Is your current spouse a U.S. citizen?
If you answered ''Yes," answer Item Number 6. If you answered ''No," go to Item Number 7.
6.If your current spouse is a U.S. citizen, complete the following information.
A.When did your current spouse become a U.S. citizen?
At Birth - Go to Item Number 8.
Other - Complete the following information.
B.Date Your Current Spouse Became a U.S. Citizen (mm/dd/yyyy)
7.If your current spouse is not a U.S. citizen, complete the following information.
A. Current Spouse's Country of Citizenship or Nationality B. Current Spouse's A-Number (if any)
►A-
C.Current Spouse's Immigration Status
Lawful Permanent Resident
Other (Explain):
8.How many times has your current spouse been married (including annulled marriages, marriages to other people, and marriages to the same person)? If your current spouse has been married before, provide the following information about your current spouse's prior spouse.
If your current spouse has had more than one previous marriage, provide that information on additional sheets of paper.
A.Legal Name of My Current Spouse's Prior Spouse
B.Immigration Status of My Current Spouse's Prior Spouse (if known)
U.S. Citizen
C.Date of Birth of My Current Spouse's D. Country of Birth of My Current Spouse's
Prior Spouse (mm/dd/yyyy)
Prior Spouse
E.Country of Citizenship or Nationality of My Current Spouse's Prior Spouse
Page 8 of 20
F.My Current Spouse's Date of Marriage G. Date My Current Spouse's Marriage Ended
with Prior Spouse (mm/dd/yyyy)
H.How My Current Spouse's Marriage Ended with Prior Spouse
Annulled
Spouse Deceased
9.If you were married before, provide the following information about your prior spouse. If you have more than one previous marriage, provide that information on additional sheets of paper.
A.My Prior Spouse's Legal Name
B.My Prior Spouse's Immigration Status When My Marriage Ended (if known)
My Prior Spouse's Date of Birth
D. My Prior Spouse's Country
of Birth
My Prior Spouse's Country of
F. Date of Marriage with My Prior
Citizenship or Nationality
Spouse (mm/dd/yyyy)
G.Date Marriage Ended with My Prior Spouse (mm/dd/yyyy)
H.How Marriage Ended with My Prior Spouse
Part 11. Information About Your Children
1.Indicate your total number of children. (You must indicate ALL children, including: children who are alive, missing, or deceased; children born in the United States or in other countries; children under 18 years of age or older; children who are currently married or unmarried; children living with you or elsewhere; current stepchildren; legally adopted children; and children born when you were not married.)
2.Provide the following information about all your children (sons and daughters) listed in Item Number 1., regardless of age. To list any additional children, use additional sheets of paper.
A. Child 1
Current Legal Name
A-Number (if any)
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy) Country of Birth
Page 9 of 20
Part 11. Information About Your Children (continued)
Current Address
What is your child's relationship to you? (for example, biological child, stepchild, legally adopted child)
B. Child 2
Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
C. Child 3
Page 10 of 20
Filling out the USCIS N-400 form is a critical step for individuals seeking to naturalize and become U.S. citizens. This process requires attention to detail and accuracy to ensure all the information provided is correct and complete. The N-400 form, also known as the Application for Naturalization, requires applicants to provide personal information, background details, and evidence of eligibility. The following steps are designed to guide applicants through the process of filling out the form, helping to streamline the application process and avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials.
After submitting your N-400 form, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS, and eventually, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment, followed by an interview. Preparing your application thoroughly from the start can help smooth the path toward achieving U.S. citizenship.
What is the purpose of the USCIS N-400 form?
The USCIS N-400 form, also known as the Application for Naturalization, serves a pivotal role in the process by which a lawful permanent resident (LPR) applies to become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process. This form collects critical information from the applicant, including personal details, background information, and answers to questions that assess eligibility for citizenship based on residency, moral character, and loyalty to the United States. Completion and submission of the N-400 form are the initial steps in the journey towards achieving U.S. citizenship.
How do you know if you are eligible to submit a USCIS N-400 form?
Eligibility to submit a USCIS N-400 form is contingent upon several factors. At a fundamental level, the applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Additionally, the individual must have held the status of a lawful permanent resident (LPR) in the United States for at least five years, or for three years if married to a U.S. citizen. A critical requirement is the establishment of continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S., with specific periods stipulated by the USCIS. Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) and knowledge of U.S. history and government are prerequisites. Furthermore, the applicant must demonstrate good moral character and a commitment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
What supporting documents are required with the N-400 form submission?
The supporting documents required alongside the N-400 form submission are tailored to validate the information provided and confirm eligibility. These typically include photocopies of the permanent resident card (front and back), evidence of current marital status, and documents related to prior marriages if applicable. For those applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, evidence of the spouse’s citizenship and the marriage’s legitimacy is necessary. Applicants also need to include documentation of any name changes, like a marriage certificate or a court order, and may be required to submit records of travel outside the U.S., tax returns, and any relevant criminal history documentation. It should be noted that specific cases may necessitate additional documentation.
How long does the naturalization process take after submitting the N-400 form?
The timeline for the naturalization process, post N-400 form submission, varies by location and individual circumstances. On average, the process can take between 8 to 12 months from submission to oath-taking ceremony. This duration includes time allocated for the USCIS to schedule a biometrics appointment, conduct an interview, and administers a test on English proficiency and U.S. history and government. Delays might occur due to incomplete applications or the need for additional background checks. Applicants are advised to monitor their case status online and maintain updated contact information with the USCIS to facilitate timely communications throughout the process.
Filling out the USCIS N-400 form, which is the Application for Naturalization, is a critical step for individuals seeking United States citizenship. Despite its importance, a number of common errors often occur, leading to delays or even denials. One such mistake is providing incomplete responses. Applicants sometimes leave sections blank when they do not know the answer or think it does not apply to them. This can send red flags to the reviewing officials, as fully completed applications are required. It is recommended to fill out every part, using "N/A" where truly not applicable.
Another error involves not providing the necessary supporting documents. The N-400 form requires various documents to prove the applicant's eligibility. This can include evidence of permanent residency, current marital status, and financial records among others. Some applicants overlook the importance of these documents or submit incomplete sets. An incomplete submission can significantly delay the process and undermines the application's credibility.
Accuracy is paramount when filling out the form, yet mistakes in personal information are all too common. Errors in spelling one's name, date of birth, or other vital information may seem minor but can cause major issues in the naturalization process. Such inaccuracies can lead to questions about the applicant's identity and the authenticity of their supporting documents. Therefore, it is crucial to double-check these details before submission.
Applicants often underestimate the importance of their travel history. The N-400 form asks for specifics about any trips taken outside the United States. Leaving out trips or providing inaccurate dates can be seen as withholding information or, worse, fabricating one's presence within the country. Accuracy and completeness in one's travel history affirm the applicant's physical presence and continuous residence, which are essential for eligibility.
Finally, the failure to correctly calculate and submit the required fees is a frequent oversight. The application process involves specific fees which may vary based on age, military service, or other factors. Submitting the incorrect fee, either too much or too little, can stall the processing of an application. It is essential to verify the current fee requirements directly with USCIS prior to submission to avoid this easily preventable mistake.
Filing for U.S. citizenship through Naturalization is a process that entails more than just completing the USCIS N-400 form. Various other forms and documents are often required to support an application, ensure compliance with immigration laws, and substantiate the information provided. Understanding these additional documents is vital for a smooth application process. Below is a list of other commonly used forms and documents that accompany the N-400 form.
Understanding and organizing these documents are crucial steps towards successfully completing the citizenship application process. It’s not just about filling out the N-400 form but also about compiling a comprehensive package that meets all legal requirements. Applicants are strongly advised to carefully review the instructions for each required document and ensure that nothing is overlooked, as missing or incomplete information can lead to delays or denial of the application.
The USCIS N-400 form, used for applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization, shares similarities with several other immigration and identity-related documents, each designed for specific purposes. These forms collectively facilitate various legal and bureaucratic processes related to immigration, residency, and citizenship status changes.
The USCIS I-90 form, or Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, is akin to the N-400 in that it's used by individuals seeking to update or renew their legal status in the U.S. Whereas the N-400 form is for those applying for citizenship, the I-90 form caters to lawful permanent residents needing a new Green Card due to expiration, loss, or change of personal information.
Similarly, the USCIS I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, resembles the N-400 in its function of altering an individual's legal status in the U.S. The I-130 enables U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to request the immigration of a relative, paving the way for their eventual eligibility for citizenship via the N-400, provided other requirements are met.
The DS-260, Immigrant Visa Electronic Application, is another document with parallels to the N-400. Used in the process of seeking to immigrate to the U.S., the DS-260 is completed by individuals abroad applying for a U.S. immigrant visa. This form is a vital step for those aiming to become permanent residents and, later, citizens through the naturalization process encapsulated by the N-400 form.
The USCIS I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, also shares a common purpose with the N-400. By allowing individuals already in the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent resident status, the I-485 serves as a precursor to the citizenship application process, facilitating a change in legal status that may eventually culminate in the filing of an N-400 form.
The USCIS I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, while primarily focused on employment, indirectly relates to the N-400 by affecting an individual's residency status. This form permits immigrants, who are awaiting the outcome of their permanent residency or citizenship applications, to work legally in the U.S., thereby supporting their livelihood during the transition period.
The USCIS I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence, is designed for conditional residents who obtained their status through marriage to remove those conditions. Like the N-400, the I-751 is a critical step towards solidifying one’s legal status in the U.S., albeit earlier in the legal residency to citizenship continuum.
The Form DS-11, Application for a U.S. Passport, is another document integral to the citizenship process, used after successful naturalization via the N-400. This form is necessary for new citizens to apply for a U.S. passport, enabling them to travel internationally as U.S. citizens and enjoy the rights and privileges thereof.
Lastly, the USCIS I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), shares a procedural resemblance to the N-400. While not leading directly to citizenship, the I-821D allows certain undocumented youths to remain in the U.S. temporarily, potentially paving a pathway towards more permanent solutions, including eventual naturalization for some, through later processes.
Filling out the USCIS N-400 form, which is the Application for Naturalization, is an important step towards becoming a U.S. citizen. Here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
Understanding the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) N-400 form, which is the application for naturalization, is crucial for those seeking U.S. citizenship. However, several misconceptions surround the form and the application process. Here are eight common misunderstandings and the truths behind them:
It's essential for applicants to thoroughly understand the N-400 form and the naturalization process. Misconceptions can lead to mistakes, delays, or even denial of the application. Seeking accurate information and, when needed, professional advice, is key to successfully navigating the path to U.S. citizenship.
Filling out and using the USCIS N-400 form, the application for naturalization, is a significant step towards becoming a U.S. citizen. Below are key takeaways to ensure this process is completed accurately and efficiently.
Thorough preparation and attention to detail when completing and submitting the N-400 form can significantly influence the outcome of the naturalization process. For more assistance, USCIS offers resources and guidance on its website.
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