Understanding Form N-400: Application For Naturalization

Becoming a U.S. citizen is the culmination of an immigration journey, and Form N-400 is the key to making it happen. Lawful permanent residents or Green Card holders use this to apply for naturalization. However, applicants, especially those sponsored by family members, may struggle with the details.

Here, it explains the form step by step, offering practical advice on completing and submitting it. If you want to navigate the process smoothly and avoid common mistakes, understanding the N-400 is vital. Explore how to get it right.

Preparing The Necessary Information

Proper preparation makes applicants complete Form N-400 accurately. Gathering all necessary information and documents beforehand can streamline the process. Missing or incorrect details may lead to delays, requests for more information, or even denial.

Personal Information

Applicants must provide detailed personal information, including full legal name, Social Security Number, and USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable. Any name changes, including those due to marriage or legal proceedings, should be disclosed.

Address history for the past five years and specific move-in and move-out dates are required. Applicants must include employment and education history, listing all employers and schools attended within the last five years. For accuracy, each entry should have the correct name, address, and dates.

Travel History

Every applicant must record all international trips taken in the past five years. USCIS requires information on each trip’s departure, return dates, and destination country. Extended trips abroad may affect eligibility, particularly for those who must demonstrate continuous residence.

If an applicant spent more than six months outside the U.S. in a single trip, additional evidence may be required to prove uninterrupted residency. It is advisable to check passport stamps and travel records before completing this section.

Family Information

Marital history is vital in Form N-400, especially for those applying through a spouse. Applicants must provide their current spouse’s full name, date of birth, and citizenship status. Previous marriages must also be disclosed, including marriage and divorce dates.

Failing to report a past marriage or providing incorrect dates can raise concerns during the review process. Additionally, applicants must list all children, regardless of age, residency, or immigration status. It includes biological, adopted, and stepchildren.

Legal & Criminal History

USCIS requires full disclosure of any past legal issues, even if they were expunged or occurred outside the U.S. Applicants must report all arrests, charges, and convictions, regardless of whether they resulted in a dismissal. Failure to disclose can be viewed as misrepresentation, leading to denial.

Some offenses may not affect eligibility, but dishonesty can. Those with a criminal history should seek legal advice before submitting their application. Being upfront about legal matters is always the right approach to avoid complications.

With all the necessary information, you’re ready to proceed to the step-by-step completion of the form.​

Filling Out Form N-400 Step-By-Step

Completing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, is a significant step toward becoming a U.S. citizen. Accurately filling out each section is essential to avoid delays or denials. This guide provides a step-by-step overview to assist applicants in completing the form correctly.​

Part 1: Information About Your Eligibility

Begin by selecting the basis for your eligibility. Options include being a lawful permanent resident for at least five years or three if married to a U.S. citizen. Choose the category that accurately reflects your situation, as this determines the evidence you must provide.​

Part 2: Information About You

Provide your current legal name and any other names used, and indicate if you wish to legally change your name. Include your U.S. Social Security Number, date of birth, country of birth, and country of citizenship or nationality. If applicable, note whether your parents are U.S. citizens, which may affect your eligibility.​

Part 3: Biographic Information

In this section, you must provide personal details, including ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color. USCIS uses this information to verify your identity and ensure accurate naturalization application processing. Complete this section carefully.

Part 4: Information To Contact You

Enter your current mailing address, safe mailing address (if applicable), and contact information, including phone numbers and email address. Ensure this information is accurate, as USCIS will use it to communicate with you about your application.​

Part 5: Information About Your Residence

Provide all addresses where you have lived in the past five years, starting with your current residence. Include the dates you lived at each location. A complete and accurate address history is necessary for USCIS background checks and application verification.

Part 6: Information About Your Parents

If either parent is a U.S. citizen, include their details in this section. This information may impact your eligibility for citizenship. If neither parent holds U.S. citizenship, you may skip this section and proceed with the rest of the application.

Part 7: Information About Your Employment & Schools You Attended

List all employers and educational institutions you’ve attended in the past five years. Include names, addresses, occupations, and dates of employment or attendance. This information helps establish your continuous presence in the U.S.​

Part 8: Time Outside The United States

Document all 24-hour or longer trips outside the U.S. during the past five years. Include departure and return dates and destinations. Extended absences may affect your eligibility, so provide complete and accurate information.​

Part 9: Information About Your Marital History

Detail your marital history, including current and former spouses’ names, dates of birth, marriage, divorce, and citizenship status. If applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, provide evidence of the bona fide nature of the marriage.​

Part 10: Information About Your Children

List all children, including biological, adopted, and stepchildren, regardless of age or place of residence. Include names, dates of birth, and addresses. This information is necessary for background checks and establishing familial relationships.​

Part 11: Additional Information About You

Answer questions regarding your moral character, affiliations, military service, and willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance. Provide truthful responses; misrepresentation can lead to application denial. You may need to provide additional documentation if you answer “yes” to certain questions.​

Part 12: Applicant’s Statement, Certification, & Signature

Read the applicant’s statement carefully. Certify that you understand the application and that all information provided is true and correct. Sign and date the form. If you use an interpreter or preparer, ensure they complete the relevant sections.​

Parts 13-17: Interpreter, Preparer, & Signature At Interview

If you used an interpreter or preparer, they must provide their information, certifications, and signatures. Part 17 is for your signature during the USCIS interview.​ Before submitting, review your application thoroughly for accuracy and completeness. Include all required supporting documents and the appropriate filing fee.

USCIS provides a document checklist to assist you. You can file Form N-400 online or by mail. Filing online allows you to track your application’s status and receive notifications.​ Following these steps and navigating the naturalization process brings you closer to achieving U.S. citizenship.​

Avoiding Common Application Mistakes

Avoiding errors on Form N-400 increases the likelihood of a smooth approval process. One common mistake is leaving sections blank. If a question does not apply, write “N/A” instead of skipping it. Missing answers can cause delays or rejections.

Providing inconsistent or incorrect information is another issue. If previous applications, such as the Green Card petition, contained different details, USCIS may question the accuracy. Always double-check names, addresses, and travel history to ensure consistency.

Another frequent mistake is failing to disclose legal issues. Even minor infractions, such as traffic violations, should be reported. Attempting to hide past offenses can lead to serious consequences, including denial of citizenship. After completing the form, the next step is submitting it with the required documents.

Submitting Your Application To The USCIS

Before submitting Form N-400, applicants should review all responses for accuracy. USCIS requires supporting documents, such as a copy of the Green Card, to accompany the application. If applying based on marriage, include evidence of the relationship, such as joint tax returns.

Applicants must also pay the required fee, which is subject to change. Those eligible for a fee waiver must submit Form I-912 with supporting financial documents. Incorrect payment amounts or missing forms can result in rejection.

USCIS allows online filing or submission by mail. Applicants should keep a copy of the completed form and all supporting documents. Once received, USCIS will issue a receipt notice confirming that processing has begun.

Correct submission of the application ensures a smooth start to the process. The next section answers frequently asked questions to clarify common concerns.

Answering Frequently Asked Questions

Applicants often have concerns about processing times, testing, and potential obstacles. Addressing these common questions provides clarity and helps individuals prepare for their citizenship journey with confidence and peace of mind.