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Form N-400: Application for Naturalization
DHS Form N-400 is the Application for Naturalization, used by individuals seeking to become a U.S. citizen. The form must be filed no earlier than 90 days before completing the required period.
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USCIS Form N-400 - Application for Naturalization
DHS Form N-400 is the Application for Naturalization, used by individuals seeking to become a U.S. citizen. The form must be filed no earlier than 90 days before completing the required period.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit the Form N-400 too early; wait until at least 90 days prior to your required period.
- 2Filing without providing the date of becoming a lawful permanent resident (if applicable).
- 3Submitting the Form N-400 more than 90 days before completing the required period.
- 4Using a stamped or typewritten name instead of a proper signature on the application.
- 5Not including a full English translation for documents in a foreign language.
Plain English
This form allows an individual to formally apply to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. By submitting Form N-400, the applicant certifies their eligibility and begins the process toward receiving U.S. citizenship. The application must be completed accurately for USCIS to begin processing the request.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Applicants should ensure they file Form N-400 no earlier than 90 days before completing the required period for naturalization.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when applying to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
- Do not use it when you are only changing your address or need an interpreter listed for someone else; check the specific parts of Form N-400 instructions.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when seeking information about applicable filing fees.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to apply, but also require a translator?
Part 12 allows for an Interpreter's Contact Information.
✓ Check Part 12 before submitting.
Applying and need to request notification by text or email?
Use this form after filing the N-400 to request specific receipt notifications.
✓ Confirm you have completed Item Number 1. on the N-400.
Need documentation for a reduced fee application?
Reduced fees require completing Item Numbers 1. - 5.b. of Form N-400 and referencing Form G-1055.
✓ Verify your eligibility criteria listed on Page 11.
Deadline or filing window
The trigger event for filing is completing the required period. The applicant must file no earlier than 90 days before that completion date, as indicated by the USCIS Early Filing Calculator instructions.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
General Filing
All evidence and supporting documents · At time of filing (or interview)
Foreign Language Document
Full English translation + Translator's Certification · Submitted with N-400
Income Documentation
Proof showing household income is $le$ 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines · Part 11 (Item Number)
Probation/Parole Status
Answer regarding completion status · Form p.8 (Question 16)
Location History
List of every location lived in during the last 5 years · Part 1 (Item Number 1.)
Before you submit
- 1Signatures — ensure all required signatures are present and handwritten.
- 2Translations — confirm any foreign language documents include a complete, accurate English translation with certification.
- 3Address — verify that a physical address is provided (even if homeless).
- 4Income Claim — check the box/field confirming household income is $le$ 400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (if applicable).
- 5Probation Status — confirm the answer to question 16 on Form p.8 matches your status.
- 6Evidence — ensure all necessary supporting documents are included with the initial filing.
- 7Review — verify that Part 12 (Interpreter) and Part 13 (Preparer, if different from applicant) are complete.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of USCIS Form N-400 using ink, ensuring handwritten signatures where required.
- 2Attach all necessary evidence and supporting documents to the application package at the time of filing.
- 3If submitting foreign language materials, include a certified English translation along with its certification page.
- 4Submit the completed Form N-400 to USCIS via mail or electronically (check specific instructions for preferred method), retaining a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1If an applicant selects more than one box or no boxes under Item Number 1.A.-1.G., their Form N-400 may be delayed or rejected.
- 2For those filing as a spouse, former spouse, or child of a U.S. citizen under VAWA, they must list every location lived during the last 3 years (under Item Number 1.C.).
- 3If filing as a spouse in qualified employment outside the United States, only the current location needs to be listed (under Item Number 1.D.).
- 4If filing based on military service during hostilities or at least one year of honorable military service, only the current location needs to be listed (under Item Numbers 1.E./1.F.).
- 5The application may be rejected if a lawful permanent resident fails to provide the date they became a lawful permanent resident.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Part 1
1 items
Select the basis for eligibility: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to US citizen, military service, etc.
Part 2
2 items
Your name exactly as on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
Part 3
1 items
Have you been a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 if married to US citizen)?
Part 5
1 items
Calculate days outside the US in the past 5 years. Must total less than 30 months.
Part 10
1 items
Questions about criminal history, taxes, immigration violations. Answer all honestly.
Part 12
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of Form N-400 is dated 01/20/25, and the instructions are valid through 02/28/2027. The source does not specify any changes from a previous edition.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 01/20/25.
- Fee — check Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts applicable to this form.
- Mailing address — not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site).
- Signature — ensure all signatures are handwritten originals, even if photocopied or scanned.
- Form Number — confirm the document is USCIS Form N-400, OMB No. 1615-0052.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of the submitted Form N-400.
- 2If filing online, locate your USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) in your account profile; if mailing, find it on the Account Access Notice sent by USCIS.
- 3The form must be signed before sending to be accepted (a stamped or typewritten name is not an acceptable signature).
- 4If filing as a spouse/family member, ensure both the applicant and relevant interpreters sign Parts 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.
- 5Confirm that the revision date on the form reads 01/20/25.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The Form N-400 is officially titled Application for Naturalization and has an OMB No. of 1615-0052.
- SRCInstructions p.2 — The purpose of Form N-400 is to apply to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.
- SRCInstructions p.5 — Part 1 contains the Information About Your Eligibility, which is divided into Item Numbers 1.A. through 1.G.
- SRCInstructions p.7 — If filing as an LPR, both the A-Number and permanent resident date are needed to process Form N-400.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — Part 1, Item Number 3 requires height selection in feet and inches (e.g., '5' for feet, '09' for inches).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — The application may be rejected if an LPR does not provide the date they became a lawful permanent resident.
- SRCInstructions p.10 — Part 1, Item Number 4 requires weight in pounds; use '000' if unknown or outside the range of under 30 lbs or over 699 lbs.
Common confusion points
What is the difference between my A-Number and my OAN?
The A-Number is the USCIS Number; the OAN is only present if a previously filed form had a receipt number starting with IOE.
→ Check Part 1, Item Number 4.
Do I have to list every address on Form N-400?
No, exceptions apply: spouse/VAWA filer lists all 3 years; spouse in qualified foreign employment only needs current location; military service filers only need current location.
→ Check Part 1, Items 1.C., 1.D., and 1.E./1.F.
What format should I use for my height?
Select the values in feet (e.g., '5') and inches (e.g., '09'); do not enter height in meters or centimeters.
→ Check Part 1, Item Number 3.
How should I enter my weight on Form N-400?
Enter it in pounds; if unknown or under 30 lbs/over 699 lbs, enter '000'. Do not use kilograms.
→ Check Part 1, Item Number 4.
When must the application be filed relative to my residency status?
The form must be filed no earlier than 90 days before completing the required period (implied by prompt context/instructions).
What if I don't know my permanent resident date?
Contact the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to obtain this information before filing Form N-400.
→ Check Instructions p.7.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
Current
After
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Not stated in the official source — verify on the agency site (Penalties are listed, but a specific 'error correction' form number isn't given)
Questions about USCIS Form N-400
What is USCIS Form N-400 used for?
This form allows an individual to formally apply to become a naturalized citizen of the United States. By submitting Form N-400, the applicant certifies their eligibility and begins the process toward receiving U.S. citizenship. The application must be completed accurately for USCIS to begin processing the request.
Who must file USCIS Form N-400?
An individual who wishes to become a naturalized citizen files USCIS Form N-400.
What information does USCIS Form N-400 require?
The form collects detailed information including the applicant's contact data (Part 1), interpreter details (Part 2), and personal attributes like height, weight, eye color, and hair color in various parts of the application.
When is USCIS Form N-400 due?
Applicants should ensure they file Form N-400 no earlier than 90 days before completing the required period for naturalization.
Where do I file USCIS Form N-400?
The form can be filed using free versions available on the USCIS website; additional filing instructions and resources are provided via www.uscis.gov/citizenship.
How do I complete USCIS Form N-400?
The applicant must properly complete all sections of Form N-400, including providing current mailing and physical addresses. The final submission requires the applicant (or their signing authority) to sign the application before sending it to USCIS.
What happens if USCIS Form N-400 is filed incorrectly?
USCIS may reject the application if it is submitted too early, or if required information, such as a lawful permanent resident date, is missing.
What is the difference between my A-Number and my OAN?
The A-Number is the USCIS Number; the OAN is only present if a previously filed form had a receipt number starting with IOE. Check Part 1, Item Number 4.
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