What is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization?

For those who are dreaming of switching your nationality to Americans, your dream can come true through naturalization. Talking about becoming a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you should learn about Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. What is Form N-400, Application for Naturalization?

Definition of Form N-400

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization refers to a form that is used by permanent residents or green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. Naturalization is described as the process of becoming a U.S. citizen for those who were born outside of the United States. This one is the most common way to become a citizen of the United States.

Eligibility to File Form N-400

There is a chance of you applying for naturalization when you meet every requirement to become a U.S. citizen, including:

You need to be 18 years or older.
You need to have been a resident of the U.S. for at least 3 months in the state in which you want to apply for citizenship.
You need to serve in the U.S. military or perform necessary services.
You need to be ready and willing to defend the U.S. Constitution.
During your green card waiting period, you are not allowed to take trips longer than 6 months outside of the U.S.
You need to have a good moral character. Besides, you also need to tell the truth during the interview.
You need to pass a two-part naturalization test, which includes a civics test about U.S. history or government and an English language test covering speaking, writing, and reading skills.
For males who are the ages of 18 and 25 who live in the U.S, you need to register with the Selective Service System. It acts as a draft in the case of an emergency.

Time to Process Form N-400

It takes around 6-24 months for Form N-400 to be processed. Actually, the speed of processing depends on the USCIS field office handling the application. It has been known that some applicants can also get a head start on the process.

Cost of Filling Form N-400

According to Boundless, the current government fee for filling an N-400 is $725. It includes $640 for processing and $85 for biometrics services. Keep in mind that both of them are non-refundable whether the application is approved or denied. However, there are some applicants who are eligible for a reduction or waiver of the fees.

Download Fill Out Form N-400 & Instruction File

Download Free Printable Fill Out Form in PDF here (Each consisting of 18 pages).

Way to Fill Out Form N-400

USCIS provides the file that you can download to fill out Form N-400. Aside from that, you can also follow the following guide.

In general, the instructions to fill out Form N-400 include:

First of all, you should remember to type or print answers in blank only.
In case the answer is not applicable, enter “N/A” and if the answer is zero, please enter “NONE”.
If your documents are in a foreign language, make sure to accompany them by a full English-certified translation.
After that, submit your application with the current USCIS filing fee. Feel free to use a personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or use Form G-1450 to pay by credit card.
Do not forget to also submit photocopies for all supporting documents unless the original one is specifically required.

For the specific instructions, check out the following:

Part 1:

Indicate how you are eligible to be a U.S. citizen in the Information About Your Eligibility section. In case you are not sure, read the eligibility requirements.

Parts 2, 3, and 4:

List your current legal name and any other versions of your name from your permanent resident card, maiden name or other documents in the Information About You section. For anyone who is married in the U.S, you can use a marriage certificate as it is a legal name change document. Feel free to start using your married name. This name will be used by USCIS to issue the Certificate of Naturalization. Besides, it will also indicate if you qualify for any of the exemptions. It is also possible for some applicants who have lived in the U.S. for many years to be exempted from the English language portion of the test.
Indicate any disability or impairments for which you would like USCIS to provide accommodation in the Accommodations section. The accommodations will be made by USCIS for you at the same of your biometrics screening and any other appointments.
Provide an email and U.S. phone number in Information to Contact You so USCIS will be able to contact you.

Parts 5, 6, and 7:

Provide a mailing address in the Information About Your Residence section. All notices and appointment information will be sent through this address. Apart from that, you should also provide physical address history based on your requirements.
Prepare Information About Your Parents only if you have at least one U.S. citizen parent. In case you don’t have one, skip this.
Answer how you identify in terms of race and ethnicity in the Biographic Information section. Don’t forget to also indicate other details about your eye color, hair color, weight, and height.

Parts 8 and 9:

List every single employer and school you have attended in the Information About Your Employment section. Aside from that, list also any self-employment or military service. Just attach a separate sheet as an addendum in case the space is not adequate.
List every single trip abroad during your statutory period in time outside the United States section. If you have visited Canada, Mexico, and or Caribbean, you should also list them as they are considered outside the U.S. if you fail to reasonably find the dates of the trips, just estimate the date.

Parts 10 and 11:

Enter all information in Information About Your Marital History. If marriage to a U.S. citizen is included in the basis of your N-400, make sure to be thorough. Be sure to state dates when previous marriages ended.
Provide requested details about each of your children in the Information About Your Children section, regardless of age, status or location.

Part 12:

Answer every single question correctly in Additional Information About You. Try to talk to your attorney in case you are unsure about something.

Parts 13, 14, and 15:

Sign your application with blank ink on the Applicant’s Statement. If you forget to sign or if you sign it in the wrong place, don’t be surprised if your application is rejected.
If you are assisted by an interpreter or preparer, provide information in the Interpreter and Preparer section. It is important for you to fill in and sign Parts 14 and 15 if you are assigned by them.

Parts 16, 17, and 18:

Make sure to leave all these sections empty. Remember not to answer or sign in any of the spaces. The one that is in charge of doing it is USCIS. They will do it at the same time as your N-400 interview and oath ceremony.

Tia Varborough

A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.