What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the application for U.S. citizenship, required for permanent residents (green card holders) seeking to become naturalized citizens. It collects personal information to determine citizenship eligibility, including residency duration, moral character, and understanding of U.S. history and government.
What is Form N-400 used for?
Form N-400 is essential for individuals seeking to change their immigration status. Here's what it's used for:
- To apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
- To demonstrate continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S.
- To confirm an understanding of English and U.S. history and government.
How to fill out Form N-400?
Start by entering your 9-digit A-Number (Alien Registration Number) at the top of the form.
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In Part 1, select only one eligibility category (A through G) that applies to you, such as General Provision, Spouse of U.S. Citizen, or Military Service.
- 2
In Part 2 (Information About You), provide your current legal name, any other names you've used since birth, and indicate if you want to legally change your name. Enter your date of birth, sex, country of birth, country of citizenship, and the date you became a lawful permanent resident. Answer whether a parent was a U.S. citizen before your 18th birthday and whether you have a disability requiring test accommodations.
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In Part 3 (Biographic Information), complete the physical description details, including ethnicity, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
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In Part 4, enter your current physical address first, then list every physical address where you have lived during the last 5 years. In Item 2, answer "Yes" or "No" to whether your current physical address is also your mailing address. If you answer "No," provide your mailing address in Item 3.
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In Part 5, provide your marital history, including current status, number of marriages, and spouse information if applicable.
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In Part 6, indicate the total number of your children under 18 years of age in Item 1, then provide details for each child in Item 2. However, be aware that USCIS instructions require you to disclose all children, including adult, deceased, or estranged children, to demonstrate good moral character. If you have children over 18, review the instructions carefully or consult a lawyer to avoid issues during your interview.
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In Part 7, list all employment and schools attended during the last 5 years.
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In Part 8, list all trips outside the United States during the last 5 years, excluding day trips under 24 hours.
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In Part 9, answer all questions about your background honestly, including questions about crimes, military service, Selective Service registration, and your willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance.
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In Part 10, complete this section only if you are requesting a reduced fee based on household income. If not requesting a fee reduction, skip to Part 11.
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In Part 11, provide your contact information and sign the application.
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Complete Parts 12 and 13 only if you used an interpreter or someone else prepared your application.
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Use Part 14 for any additional information that did not fit in earlier sections.
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Leave Parts 15 and 16 blank—these are completed at your USCIS interview and naturalization ceremony.
Who is required to fill out Form N-400?
Form N-400 is filled out by lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses the completed Form N-400 to assess the applicant's eligibility for citizenship.
When is Form N-400 not required?
Not everyone needs to complete the form N-400. If your mother or father (including adoptive parents) was a U.S. citizen by birth or was naturalized before your 18th birthday, you may have automatically acquired citizenship. In this case, file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, instead of Form N-400.
Children born abroad to U.S. citizen parents may not need this form if their parents have already completed the required legal steps for the child to acquire citizenship.
Additionally, individuals who have already acquired U.S. citizenship through naturalization or derivation do not need to submit this form. It's important for these individuals to consult legal experts or official guidelines to confirm their status and determine any additional documentation they may need.
When is Form N-400 due?
The deadline for the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is not set to a specific date. Instead, it should be submitted when an individual decides they meet all the eligibility requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship.
You can file up to 90 days before completing your continuous residence requirement. For example, if you need 5 years as a permanent resident, you may file after 4 years and 9 months.
Submitting the Form N-400 is a significant step in the naturalization process, and it's important to ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
How to get a blank Form N-400
To get a blank form N-400 issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, visit our platform where the template is pre-loaded in our editor, ready for you to fill out.
Remember, while we help you prepare and download the form, we don't assist in submitting it.
How to sign Form N-400
To sign Form N-400, you can use a wet signature in black ink. For online filing, you will use an electronic signature through the USCIS online system. Check the latest guidelines for the most current information.
PDF Guru supports the creation of simple electronic signatures.
Where to file Form N-400?
The N-400 can be submitted online through the official USCIS website. This method allows for a quick submission process and easy tracking.
Alternatively, it can be sent by mail to the USCIS-designated address, following their specific mailing instructions.
If you are requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee, you cannot file online — you must submit a paper application.
Other forms you may need with Form N-400
- Form N-648 Medical certification that allows applicants with physical, developmental, or mental impairments to request an exception from the English and/or civics test requirements.\ Who uses it: Applicants who can't take the naturalization tests due to a qualifying disability.
- Form I-912 Request for a complete waiver of the Form N-400 filing fee based on means-tested benefits, income at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or financial hardship.\ Who uses it: Applicants who cannot afford the filing fee.
- Form N-600 Application used to obtain a Certificate of Citizenship for individuals who acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through their parents.\ Who uses it: Individuals who may already be U.S. citizens through birth to U.S. citizen parents or through a parent's naturalization before the applicant turned 18.
- Form N-336 Request for a hearing before an immigration officer if your Form N-400 application is denied.\ Who uses it: Applicants appealing a denied naturalization application within 30 days of the denial.
- Form N-565 Application to replace a lost, stolen, damaged, or incorrect Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.\ Who uses it: Naturalized citizens who need a replacement certificate.
- Form G-28 Notice that authorizes an attorney or accredited representative to act on behalf of an applicant.\ Who uses it: Applicants represented by an immigration attorney or accredited representative.
