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Form N-470: Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes
USCIS Form N-470 is Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, filed by individuals seeking to maintain their status while applying to become a U.S. citizen. Generally, applicants must have been present in the U.S. for at least one year.
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USCIS Form N-470 - Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes
USCIS Form N-470 is Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, filed by individuals seeking to maintain their status while applying to become a U.S. citizen. Generally, applicants must have been present in the U.S. for at least one year.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit Form N-470 without a valid signature on the application.
- 2Filing without providing your A-Number (if required by USCIS)
- 3Submitting an application that is not properly signed by the applicant or guardian.
- 4Using a typewritten name instead of a legally valid signature on Form N-470.
- 5Not listing all other names used, including aliases and maiden names in Part 2.
Plain English
This form allows an applicant to tell USCIS that they wish to keep their legal residence status active while they go through the naturalization process. Filing Form N-470 ensures that when they apply to become a citizen, their time in the U.S. is counted correctly toward that goal.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Generally, an applicant must have been physically present and residing in the United States for an uninterrupted period without absences for at least one year after admission as a lawful permanent resident before filing Form N-470.
- 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 a lawful permanent resident must leave the United States for employment purposes but wishes to preserve continuous residence for naturalization.
- Do not use Form N-470 if you have never accumulated residency toward naturalization, or if you are already a U.S. citizen.
- Check Form G-1055 instead when confirming specific filing fees applicable to this form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Religious Worker
Religious workers may apply even without meeting the standard prior residency period.
✓ Check that the religious worker status is noted in Part 5.
Moving Outside U.S.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, submit Form N-470 before leaving to preserve residence.
✓ Ensure your new address is updated with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
Assisted Completion
If someone helps complete the form, select the preparer box and provide your contact info.
✓ Verify that the preparer's certification details are included if a translator was used.
Deadline or filing window
Generally, an applicant must file Form N-470 after being physically present and residing in the United States for at least one year following admission as a lawful permanent resident. Religious workers have exceptions to this requirement regarding when they can apply (before, after departing, or upon returning).
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
General Evidence
All supporting documentation listed in the Instructions sections · Various locations within the instruction booklet/form PDF
Translation (if applicable)
Certification from translator (including signature, printed name, date, contact info) · Part 5 of Form N-470 / Instructions p.2
Applicant Signature
Handwritten ink signature by applicant/guardian · Various fields on the form
Preparer Information
Name, date signed, daytime phone, mobile phone (if any), email (if any) · Instructions p.5 / Part 5
Biometric Appointment
Proof/details of scheduled appointment · Not explicitly listed as a standalone document on p.2, but referenced
Before you submit
- 1Complete all required fields on Form N-470.
- 2Ensure the applicant (or parent/guardian) properly signs the application.
- 3If applicable, verify that a translator has signed and certified the English translation.
- 4If someone assisted in completion, select the preparer box and provide full contact details.
- 5Submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Instructions sections.
- 6Confirm you are filing before having been absent from the U.S. for one continuous year (unless a religious worker exception applies).
- 7Verify that any signature submitted is an original handwritten ink impression.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form N-470 by filling in all required information, including providing your daytime phone number, mobile phone number (if any), and email address (if any).
- 2Attach all necessary evidence and supporting documentation as detailed within the Instructions.
- 3Sign the application properly using handwritten ink (or have a legally authorized person sign for you/the applicant).
- 4If applicable, ensure your translator provides their certification in Part 5 and includes their signature and contact details.
Known limitations
- 1The application applies to a lawful permanent resident who must leave the United States for certain employment purposes.
- 2Continuous residency may be preserved even if the applicant resides outside the United States for longer than one year, provided Form N-470 is filed.
- 3Religious workers are not required to have lived in the United States for a specific period of time prior to filing Form N-470.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Eligibility
1 items
Select: 5-year permanent resident, 3-year married to U.S. citizen, or military service.
Personal Info
3 items
Your name exactly as shown on your Green Card.
Found on your Green Card. Required.
MM/DD/YYYY from your Green Card.
Residence
2 items
All addresses for the past 5 years (or 3 years if married to U.S. citizen).
Calculate days outside the U.S. in the past 5 years — must total less than 30 months.
Moral Character
1 items
Answer questions about criminal history, taxes, and immigration violations honestly.
Signatures
1 items
Certifies all answers are true under penalty of perjury.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition of USCIS Form N-470 is dated 04/01/24, and the instructions are valid through 02/28/2027; readers should check www.uscis.gov for the latest version.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 04/01/24.
- Fee — consult Form G-1055 for specific fee amounts, available at www.uscis.gov/forms.
- Mailing address — do not mail to the main processing center listed on p.7; use the website link for current filing locations.
- Signature — ensure the signature is handwritten ink (a scan or copy of handwriting is valid).
- Form Number — confirm the form number reads N-470 and OMB No. 1615-0056.
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1Keep a copy of your completed and filed Form N-470.
- 2If USCIS rejects your application, ensure you provided a complete and valid mailing address so they can return the filing fee.
- 3Once accepted by USCIS, the agency will check the application for completeness to establish eligibility.
- 4If an error is found during initial processing, the applicant may need to correct or resubmit the form.
Sources
- SRCInstructions p.1 — The purpose of Form N-470 is to allow a lawful permanent resident who must leave the U.S. for employment to preserve continuous residence for naturalization.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — USCIS may reject your application if you do not provide your A-Number.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — Generally, one must have been physically present and residing in the U.S. for an uninterrupted period of at least one year before filing Form N-470.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — You must file Form N-470 before you have been absent from the United States for a continuous period of one year.
- SRCInstructions p.3 — Part 2, Item 1 requires the current legal name as it appears on the birth certificate (unless legally changed).
- SRCInstructions p.7 — The mailing address listed is Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs, MD 20588-0009.
- SRCInstructions p.6 — If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence.
Common confusion points
What if my name on my birth certificate isn't exactly what I use now?
Provide your current legal name as it appears on your birth certificate unless a legal action changed it; do not include nicknames.
→ Check Part 2, Item 1.
Do I need to file Form N-470 even if I am still in the U.S.?
Yes, you must file it before having been absent from the United States for a continuous period of one year.
→ Check Instructions p.6.
What is the difference between my A-Number and my OAN?
The A-Number is not the same as the USCIS Online Account Number (OAN).
→ Check Part 2, Item 4 instructions.
When must I file Form N-470 if I am a religious worker?
Religious workers may apply before departing, after departing, or after returning to the United States.
→ Check Instructions p.6.
Where should I mail my completed Form N-470?
Do not mail it to the address listed on page 7; see the website at www.uscis.gov/N-470 for current filing locations.
→ Check Instructions p.6 and p.7.
Workflow map
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Questions about USCIS Form N-470
What is USCIS Form N-470 used for?
This form allows an applicant to tell USCIS that they wish to keep their legal residence status active while they go through the naturalization process. Filing Form N-470 ensures that when they apply to become a citizen, their time in the U.S. is counted correctly toward that goal.
Who must file USCIS Form N-470?
Individuals who are seeking to preserve their residence for naturalization purposes must file USCIS Form N-470.
What information does USCIS Form N-470 require?
The form collects personal details in Part 2, such as current legal name and date of birth (using eight numbers), and gathers eligibility information in Part 1. Additional data is provided in Part 7.
When is USCIS Form N-470 due?
Generally, an applicant must have been physically present and residing in the United States for an uninterrupted period without absences for at least one year after admission as a lawful permanent resident before filing Form N-470.
Where do I file USCIS Form N-470?
Applicants may file Form N-470 by visiting www.uscis.gov/N-470 for current location information, or they can contact the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
How do I complete USCIS Form N-470?
The filer must complete all seven parts of Form N-470, ensuring they select the correct eligibility box in Part 1. The application requires a proper signature from the individual or their signing authority; a stamped or typewritten name alone is not accepted. If translating, the translator must sign a certification.
What happens if USCIS Form N-470 is filed incorrectly?
If the application is not signed by the applicant (or their signing authority), or if the signature is invalid, USCIS will reject the Form N-470. If rejected, USCIS may not return the filing fee if the mailing address is incomplete.
What if my name on my birth certificate isn't exactly what I use now?
Provide your current legal name as it appears on your birth certificate unless a legal action changed it; do not include nicknames. Check Part 2, Item 1.
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