form n-400
Review the application (Form N-400) instructions
Complete the naturalization application, Form N-400
Pay filing fee
All applicants must send the following 3 items with their N-400 application:
□ Permanent Resident Card
A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration Card or “Green Card”).
If you have lost the card, submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident
Card; and
□ FILING FEE
A check or money order for the application fee and the biometric services fee, as stated in the M-479, Current Naturalization Fees, enclosure in the Guide.(Applicants 75 years of age or older are exempted from the biometrics services fee). Write your A-Number on the back of the check or money order.
You may also pay using a credit card. There is no additional fee when you do so.
The N-400 is the only form that you can
pay for by credit card using the G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transaction. Check www.uscis.gov for more specific
information.
your facial features must still be exposed in the photo for purposes of identification.
IF YOU RESIDE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES
□ 2 identical color photographs, with your name and A – Number written lightly in pencil on the back of each photo.
For details about the photo requirements, see Part 5 of Form M-476, or our post on immigration photo requirements.
DOCUMENTS TO SUBMIT WITH FORM N-400
Attorney
If an attorney or accredited representative is acting on your behalf, send:
□ A completed original Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative.
If Name Is Different Than Your LPR Card
If your current legal name is different from the name on your Permanent Resident Card, send:
□ The document(s) that legally changed your name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document).
If Apply Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following 4 items:
1. Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S
citizen for the last 3 years:
- Birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since birth); or
- Certificate of Naturalization; or
- Certificate of Citizenship; or
- The inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse’s current U.S. passport; or
- Form FS-240, Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America; and
2. Your current marriage certificate; and
3. Proof of termination of all prior marriages of your spouse (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificate(s)); and
4.Documents referring to you and your spouse:
- Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children; or
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past 3 years; or
- An IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.
If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and no charges were filed, send:
An original official statement by the arresting agency or applicant court confirming that no charges were filed.
If you have ever been arrested or detained by any law enforcement officer for any reason, and charges were filed, send:
An original or court-certified copy of the complete arrest record and disposition for each incident (dismissal order, conviction
record or acquittal order).
If you have ever been convicted or placed in an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program (such as a drug
treatment or community service program), send:
- An original or court-certified copy of the sentencing record for each incident; and
- Evidence that you completed your sentence:
a. An original or certified copy of your probation or parole record; or
b. Evidence that you completed an alternative sentencing program or rehabilitative program.
If you have ever had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed, expunged or otherwise removed from your record,
send:
An original or court-certified copy of the court order vacating, setting aside, sealing, expunging or otherwise removing the arrest or conviction, or an original statement from the court that no record exists of your arrest or conviction.
NOTE: If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you may send any countervailing evidence or evidence in your favor concerning the circumstances of your arrest and/or conviction that you would like U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to
consider.
If you were married before, send:
□ Proof that all earlier marriages ended (divorce decree(s), annulment(s), or death certificates(s)).
If you are currently in the U.S. military service and are seeking citizenship based on that service, send:
□ A completed original Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service.
If you have taken any trip outside the United States that lasted 6 months or more since becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident
Send evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work and/or keep ties to the United States, such as:
- An IRS tax return “transcript” or an IRS-certified tax return listing tax information for the last 5 years (or for the last 3 years if
you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen).
- Rent or mortgage payments and pay stubs.
If you have a dependent spouse or child(ren) who do not live with you, send:
- Any court or government order to provide financial support; and
- Evidence of your financial support (including evidence that you have complied with any court or government order), such as:
a. Cancelled checks;
b. Money and receipts;
c. A court or agency printout of child support payments;
d. Evidence of wage garnishments;
e. A letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your child(ren).
If you have ever failed to file an income tax return since you became a Lawful Permanent Resident, send:
All correspondence with the IRS regarding your failure to file.
If you have any Federal, state or local taxes that are overdue, send:
- A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing that you have filed a tax return and arranged to pay the
taxes you owe; and - Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the current status of your repayment program.
NOTE: You may obtain copies of tax documents and tax information by contacting your local IRS offices, using the Blue
Pages of your telephone directory, or through its Web site at www.irs.gov.
If you are applying for a disability exception to the testing requirement, send:
An original Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed less than 6 months ago by a licensed
medical or osteopathic doctor or licensed clinical psychologist.
If you did not register with the Selective Service and you (1) are male, (2) are 26 years old or older, and (3) lived in the United
States in a status other than as a lawful nonimmigrant between the ages of 18 and 26, send:
A “Status Information Letter” from the Selective Service (Call 1-847-688-6888 for more information)
Check For Updates With USCIS
See official document list from USCIS or check uscis.gov/n-400 for any updates.
THE NATURALIZATION INTERVIEW
Speaking
Your ability to speak and understand English will be determined by a USCIS officer during your eligibility interview on Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Reading
You must read aloud one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to read in English. The Reading Test Vocabulary List will help you study for the English reading portion of the naturalization test. The content focuses on civics and history topics.
Writing
You must write one out of three sentences correctly to demonstrate an ability to write in English. The Writing Test Vocabulary List will help you study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. The content focuses on civics and history topics.
Visit our Study for the Test (2008 version) page and search for “English” test materials.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE ENGLISH EXAM
Learn about exceptions to having to take the English Exam.
If You Don’t Pass
You will be given two attempts to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your naturalization application in English. If you fail any of the tests at your initial interview, you will be retested on the portion of the test that you failed (English or civics) between 60 and 90 days from the date of your initial interview. See 8 CFR 312.5(a) and 335.3(b).
Learn more about re-taking the English or Civics exam.
The Interview
Present applicable required documents (certificates of disposition, taxes, proof of bona fide marriage, etc.)
English Exam
Civics Exam
Security Questions
2008 Version
The 2008 version of the civics test is an oral test, and the USCIS officer will ask you up to 10 questions from the list of 100 civics test questions. You must answer 6 questions correctly to pass the 2008 version of the civics test.
- Applicants who filed their Form N-400 before December 1, 2020, will continue to take the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing.
- Applicants who file their Form N-400 on or after March 1, 2021 will also take the 2008 civics test at initial exam, re-exam, or N-336 hearing.
STUDY FOR CIVICS EXAM
The Process
The Application
Form N-400 The Interview
USCIS Field OfficeEnglish Exam
Civics Exam
Security Questions
Ceremony Date
Receive oath ceremony dateCEREMONY DATE BY MAIL
USCIS sends a notice to the address they have on record with the date and time of your swearing in ceremony.
SAME DAY CEREMONY
At some USCIS field office they offer same-day swearing-in ceremonies and you will be told to wait 30-90 minutes or directed to another room for the ceremony.
OATH CEREMONY
Take the oath and get certificateTake Oath
Receive Certificate
You with take the loyalty oath to the United States and receive your certificate of naturalization.
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