Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
TITLE: Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
WHAT IT IS: Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen if you were born outside the United States. Form N-400 is the application you submit to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ask for citizenship. You file it when you believe you meet all the requirements to become a citizen.
WHO NEEDS IT: You need this form if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) who was born outside the U.S. and you meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization. If your eligibility is based on being a permanent resident for at least 5 years, or at least 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may file your application up to 90 calendar days before you complete the continuous residence requirement.
HOW TO FILE:
1. Gather your supporting documents. You will typically need:
• A copy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Proof of your current marital status (marriage certificate) and, if any prior marriage ended, the divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate.
• If you have any arrests or legal incidents, you must include arrest reports, official statements from the arresting agency or court showing no charges were filed, sentencing records, and evidence of completed alternative or rehabilitative programs if they exist.
• If a physical, developmental, or mental impairment prevents you from meeting the English language or civics requirements, include a completed Form N-648 (the medical certification for disability exceptions).
2. Check the filing fee on the official USCIS Fee Schedule page (the exact amount is not given here). Decide if you want to apply for a reduced fee or fee waiver. Important: You cannot file online if you are requesting a reduced fee or fee waiver—you must file a paper application and include the required waiver request form and evidence.
3. Choose your filing method:
• Online: Create a USCIS online account and file your Form N-400 through that account. You can pay the fee online, track your case, receive updates, and manage your contact information. Attorneys and accredited representatives can use a representative account to file for clients.
• By mail (paper): Download and print the current form. Make sure the edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of every page and that all pages come from the same form edition. Send your completed form, supporting documents, and payment (or fee waiver request) to the correct direct filing address (find it on the USCIS “Direct Filing Addresses for Form N-400” page). If you file on paper, USCIS will mail you an account notice so you can still create an online account to track your case.
4. If you include any documents in a language other than English, attach a full English translation and a signed certification from the translator stating the translation is complete and accurate and that the translator is competent to translate from that language into English.
5. Do not send original documents unless the form instructions or regulations specifically ask for them. Send copies instead.
FEES: The filing fee for Form N-400 is listed on the USCIS Fee Schedule page (check the official fee schedule for the current amount). You may be able to request a reduced fee or a fee waiver. Fee waiver and reduced-fee requests cannot be submitted online; you must mail a paper application with the appropriate request and required evidence.
CURRENT EDITION & DEADLINES: The edition date shown on the official page is 01/20/25. You must use a form with that edition date and ensure all pages are from the same edition. There is no fixed application deadline, but you may file up to 90 calendar days before you meet the continuous residence requirement (if you qualify under the 5-year or 3-year rule). Always confirm the current edition on the official page before you prepare your application.
COMMON MISTAKES:
• Mixing pages from different form editions or using an outdated form. All pages must show the same edition date, or USCIS may reject your application.
• Forgetting to include a complete English translation and the translator’s certification for any foreign-language documents.
• Trying to file online when requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee. Those requests must be mailed on paper with the correct forms.
WHERE TO GET THE FORM: Always download the most current form from the official USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/n-400. Do not use forms from unofficial websites, as they may be outdated or incorrect.
SOURCE: https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
DISCLAIMER: General info from USCIS, not legal advice — always verify on the official page and consult a licensed immigration attorney for your case. English is authoritative.