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USUSCISRev. 09/17/19

Official form guide

Form N-400: Application for Naturalization

USCIS Form N-400 is the application for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Eligible permanent residents use this form to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

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Form Overview

USCIS Form N-400 - Application for Naturalization

USCIS Form N-400 is the application for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Eligible permanent residents use this form to apply for citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Captures personal information, residency history, criminal background, employment details, and family composition to determine naturalization eligibility.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Form edition date errors can lead to rejection even if all information is correct.
  • 2Incomplete or inconsistent personal information
  • 3Failure to disclose all criminal history
  • 4Incorrect calculation of residency period
  • 5Missing required supporting documents

Plain English

Form N-400 is how green card holders become U.S. citizens. You'll share your personal history, background, and current information to show you qualify for naturalization.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Typically filed after being a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), with continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

permanentmeetingfamily

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form if you're a permanent resident seeking to become a U.S. citizen
  • Do not use if you're already a U.S. citizen or have other citizenship pathways
  • Check Form N-600 for citizenship through U.S. citizen parents

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Special circumstances for military service

Required for certain naturalization pathways

✓ Verify eligibility criteria

N-400 Supplement A

Derivative citizenship for children

Children may qualify automatically

✓ Check child's age and citizenship status

N-600 or N-600K

Naturalization based on marriage

Same form but different timeline requirements

✓ Confirm marriage duration and living arrangements

N-400

Deadline or filing window

No formal deadline, but applications should be filed when eligible. Processing times vary, so apply well in advance of any planned international travel. Unknown if there are any statutory deadlines for filing after becoming eligible.

  • —Residency calculation | Current date - date of obtaining green card | Days as permanent resident | Must meet 5-year (or 3-year) requirement
  • —Physical presence in U.S. | Total days physically present in U.S. during residency period | Days in U.S. | Must meet 30 months (or 18 months) requirement

Checklist

What you need before filling it out

1

Part 1 - Personal information

Government-issued photo ID · Current documents

⚠ Name discrepancies✕ High
2

Part 2 - Address history

Utility bills, leases, mortgages · Personal records

⚠ Missing addresses✕ Medium
3

Part 3 - Employment history

Pay stubs, tax returns · Financial records

⚠ Gaps in employment✕ Medium
4

Part 4 - Time outside U.S.

Passport stamps, boarding passes · Travel documents

⚠ Incomplete travel record✕ High
5

Part 5 - Family information

Marriage certificates, birth certificates · Personal records

⚠ Missing family members✕ Medium
6

Part 6 - Criminal history

Court documents, police reports · Legal records

⚠ Failure to disclose✕ High
7

Part 7 - Associations

Organization records, membership cards · Personal records

⚠ Omitting affiliations✕ Low

Before you submit

  1. 1Verify form edition is current
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information
  3. 3Include required photos that meet specifications
  4. 4Prepare copies of all supporting documents
  5. 5Review for consistency across all documents
  6. 6Double-check calculations for residency periods
  7. 7Sign and date the application
  8. 8Include correct payment amount and method

How to file this form

  1. 1Download current N-400 form from USCIS website
  2. 2Complete all sections thoroughly in black or blue ink
  3. 3Make copies of completed form and all supporting documents
  4. 4Send application with fee payment to appropriate USCIS Lockbox
  5. 5Attend biometrics appointment when scheduled
  6. 6Prepare for citizenship interview and tests

Known limitations

  1. 1Form does not guarantee approval even if properly completed
  2. 2Cannot be used for derivative citizenship of children
  3. 3May require additional forms for special circumstances (military service, etc.)
  4. 4Processing times can exceed form estimates
  5. 5USCIS may request additional evidence at any time
  6. 6Changes in personal circumstances during processing may affect eligibility

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

7 fields

Part 1

1 items

Eligibility Category

Select the basis for eligibility: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to US citizen, military service, etc.

Requiredselect

Part 2

2 items

Current Legal Name

Your name exactly as on your Green Card.

Requiredtext
A-Number

Found on your Green Card. Required.

Requiredtext

Part 3

1 items

Continuous Residence

Have you been a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 if married to US citizen)?

Requiredcheckbox

Part 5

1 items

Physical Presence

Calculate days outside the US in the past 5 years. Must total less than 30 months.

Requiredtext

Part 10

1 items

Good Moral Character Questions

Questions about criminal history, taxes, immigration violations. Answer all honestly.

Requiredcheckbox

Part 12

1 items

Signature

Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.

Requiredsignature

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Current form status
USCISRev. 09/17/19

Form N-400 is regularly updated; always verify you have the latest edition before filing, as USCIS rejects outdated forms.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Edition date: Must be current edition (check USCIS website)
  • Fee: $725 (includes $85 biometric fee) subject to change
  • Mailing address: Varies by state of residence
  • Processing time: Typically 8-14 months but varies by location
  • Supporting documents: Must include copies of green card, IDs, and photos
  • Signature: Must be original signature in blue or black ink

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Quick Facts

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet eligibility requirements including residency duration, good moral character, and basic English skills.
Captures personal information, residency history, criminal background, employment details, and family composition to determine naturalization eligibility.
Typically filed after being a permanent resident for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), with continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
Submitted to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox facility based on state of residence, with current mailing address available on the USCIS website.
Mistakes can lead to processing delays, requests for evidence, denial, or even accusations of fraud, potentially jeopardizing your citizenship application.
Complete the form thoroughly, gather required documents, prepare for biometrics appointment, attend interview, and take the English and civics tests.

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After you file

  1. 1Keep copies of everything submitted
  2. 2Track application status online using receipt number
  3. 3Respond promptly to any requests for evidence
  4. 4Prepare for interview and tests
  5. 5Maintain continuous residence and good moral character
  6. 6Notify USCIS of address changes
  7. 7Attend naturalization ceremony if approved

Sources

  • SRCForm N-400 is the official application for naturalization
  • SRCCurrent edition date: 10/26/2020 (as of knowledge cutoff)
  • SRCFiling fee: $725 (including $85 biometric fee)
  • SRCProcessing times vary by USCIS field office
  • SRCRequired documents include green card, photos, and identification
  • SRCBiometrics appointment required after initial submission
  • SRCInterview includes English and civics tests
  • SRCOath ceremony required after approval

Common confusion points

Residency requirements

Different for standard vs. marriage-based applicants

→ Check eligibility timeline carefully

Good moral character

Includes specific offenses that may disqualify

→ Review all past legal matters thoroughly

English and civics tests

Accommodations available for certain disabilities

→ Request accommodations in advance if needed

Oath of Allegiance

Cannot be taken remotely

→ Must attend in-person ceremony

Name changes

Possible during naturalization

→ Complete separate name change forms if desired

Workflow map

Related forms and next steps

7 signals

Before

I-90 (Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card)I-131 (Application for Travel Document)

Current

N-400

After

N-470 (Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes)

Often used with

G-1450 (Authorization for Credit Card Transactions)I-924 (Request for Premium Processing)

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Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
Public DomainCreated by the U.S. federal government. Not subject to copyright (17 USC § 105). Freely copyable without restriction.
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