USCIS

Form N-400

Rev. 09/17/19

Application for Naturalization

Apply to become a U.S. citizen. Must be a permanent resident for 3-5 years before applying.

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Plain English

Form N-400 is the application for U.S. citizenship (naturalization). If you've been a permanent resident for 3 years (married to a U.S. citizen) or 5 years (all others), this is the form that starts your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.

Quick Facts

Who: Permanent residents (Green Card holders) who have lived in the U.S. for the required period and meet eligibility requirements.

What: The formal application for naturalization — the process of becoming a U.S. citizen with full rights including voting and a U.S. passport.

When: After 5 years as a permanent resident (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen who has been a citizen for at least 3 years).

Where: Filed with USCIS by mail or online through the USCIS website.

Why: Naturalization grants U.S. citizenship benefits: right to vote, no deportation risk, ability to sponsor more family members, and a U.S. passport.

How: Complete 18+ parts covering eligibility, personal history, residence, physical presence, moral character, and civic knowledge. Submit supporting documents, biometrics, and attend interview.

Common Risks & Mistakes

•Applying too early — must meet the 3-year or 5-year continuous residence requirement exactly
•Excessive travel outside the U.S. — absences over 6 months may break continuous residence
•Not disclosing criminal history — USCIS reviews all arrests, even expunged or sealed records
•Lying or omitting information on the application — leads to denial and potential deportation proceedings
•Missing the citizenship test or interview — must pass English language and civics test
•Failure to pay child support or taxes — USCIS reviews good moral character requirements

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Field-by-Field Guide

Part 1

Eligibility CategoryREQUIREDselect

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

Part 2

Current Legal NameREQUIREDtext

Your name exactly as on your Green Card.

A-NumberREQUIREDtext

Found on your Green Card. Required.

e.g. A-000000000

Part 3

Continuous ResidenceREQUIREDcheckbox

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

Part 5

Physical PresenceREQUIREDtext

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

Part 10

Good Moral Character QuestionsREQUIREDcheckbox

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

Part 12

SignatureREQUIREDsignature

Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.

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Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. We translate legal language into plain English and help you prepare for a conversation with a lawyer.