How to Download and Fill Out Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) of the United States and you want to become a U.S. citizen, you need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is used to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. In this article, we will explain what Form N-400 is, how to download it, how to fill it out, how to check its status, and answer some frequently asked questions about it.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is a form that you need to submit to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you want to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Naturalization is the process of granting U.S. citizenship to a foreign national who meets certain requirements.
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The purpose and benefits of Form N-400
The purpose of Form N-400 is to determine your eligibility for naturalization and to collect information about your identity, background, character, and attachment to the United States. By filing Form N-400, you are applying for U.S. citizenship and all the rights and responsibilities that come with it.
Some of the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen are:
Voting in federal and state elections
Traveling with a U.S. passport
Sponsoring family members for immigration
Applying for federal jobs and benefits
Becoming an elected official
Showing your patriotism and loyalty to the United States
The eligibility requirements for Form N-400
To be eligible for naturalization, you must meet the following requirements:
You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing
You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
You must have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
You must be able to read, write, and speak basic English (unless you qualify for an exception)
You must have good moral character and respect for the U.S. Constitution
You must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government (civics)
You must be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
How to download Form N-400?
The easiest and most reliable way to download Form N-400 is to visit the official website of USCIS at . There, you can find the latest version of Form N-400 in PDF format, as well as the instructions, fees, and other information related to the form. You can download the form to your computer or mobile device and print it out, or you can fill it out online using the USCIS online account system.
The official website of USCIS
The official website of USCIS is the best source for downloading Form N-400, as it ensures that you are using the most updated and accurate version of the form. The website also provides you with helpful resources and guidance on how to complete and submit the form, such as:
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The instructions for Form N-400, which explain the purpose, eligibility, evidence, fees, and process of filing the form
The document checklist for Form N-400, which lists the required and optional documents that you need to submit with the form
The naturalization eligibility worksheet, which helps you determine if you meet the basic requirements for naturalization
The naturalization interview and test video, which shows you what to expect during your interview and test with a USCIS officer
The naturalization self-test study tool, which allows you to practice your English and civics knowledge online
The naturalization resources page, which links you to other useful websites and materials for preparing for naturalization
The alternative sources of Form N-400
If you cannot access the official website of USCIS or prefer to use a different source, there are some alternative ways to download Form N-400. However, you should be careful and make sure that you are using a legitimate and updated version of the form. Some of the alternative sources are:
The local USCIS office or application support center, where you can request a paper copy of Form N-400 in person or by phone
The USCIS contact center, where you can request a paper copy of Form N-400 by calling 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
The U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence, where you can request a paper copy of Form N-400 if you are living abroad
The online immigration service providers, such as Boundless or CitizenPath, where you can download Form N-400 and get assistance with filling it out for a fee
How to fill out Form N-400?
After you download Form N-400, you need to fill it out carefully and accurately. Form N-400 consists of 20 parts and 18 pages, and it asks for various information about your identity, background, residence, travel, family, education, employment, membership, criminal history, military service, tax compliance, oath requirements, and signature. You can fill out Form N-400 online using the USCIS online account system, or you can fill out a paper copy by hand or by using a computer.
The general instructions and tips for Form N-400
Before you start filling out Form N-400, you should read the instructions for Form N-400 carefully and follow them closely. The instructions provide detailed explanations and examples for each part and question of the form. They also tell you what documents and evidence you need to submit with the form, how to pay the filing fee, and where to mail the form. You can find the instructions for Form N-400 on the official website of USCIS at .
Some of the general instructions and tips for filling out Form N-400 are:
Use black ink if you are filling out a paper copy of the form
Type or print clearly and legibly if you are filling out a paper copy of the form
Answer all questions truthfully and completely
Write "N/A" if a question does not apply to you
Write "None" if the answer is none or zero
Use additional sheets of paper if you need more space to answer a question
Review your answers carefully before submitting the form
Sign and date the form where indicated
Keep a copy of the form and all supporting documents for your records
The common mistakes and how to avoid them in Form N-400
Filling out Form N-400 can be a complex and lengthy process, and it is easy to make mistakes that can delay or deny your application. Some of the common mistakes and how to avoid them in Form N-400 are:
Mistake: Leaving blank spaces or skipping questions that apply to you
Solution: Answer all questions that apply to you, even if they seem redundant or irrelevant. If a question does not apply to you, write "N/A". Do not leave any blank spaces on the form.
Mistake: Providing inconsistent or incomplete information that does not match your supporting documents or records
Solution: Make sure that your information on Form N-400 is consistent and complete with your supporting documents and records, such as your green card, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, tax returns, etc. Use the same name, date of birth, address, etc. on all documents and forms. If there are any discrepancies or changes in your information, explain them in a separate statement or attachment.
Mistake: Forgetting to sign and date the form or using an electronic signature
Solution: Remember to sign and date the form by hand where indicated. Do not use an electronic signature or a stamp. Your signature must match your name on the form. If someone else helped you fill out the form, they must also sign and date the form as a preparer.
Mistake: Sending the wrong filing fee or payment method
Solution: Check the current filing fee for Form N-400 on the official website of USCIS at . The filing fee may change over time, so make sure you are paying the correct amount. You can pay the fee online using a credit card, debit card, or bank account if you are filing online. You can pay the fee by check or money order if you are filing by mail. Make sure your check or money order is payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" and has your name and A-number on it.
Mistake: Sending the form to the wrong address or service center
Solution: Check the correct address or service center for mailing your form on the official website of USCIS at . The address or service center may vary depending on your state of residence, military status, or special circumstances. Use a reliable mail service that provides tracking and delivery confirmation.
How to check the status of Form N-400?
After you submit Form N-400, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS that confirms the receipt of your application and provides you with a receipt number. You can use this receipt number to check the status of your application online or by other methods.
The online case status tool of USCIS
The online case status tool of USCIS is the easiest and fastest way to check the status of your application. You can access the tool on the official website of USCIS at . There, you can enter your receipt number and click on "Check Status" to see the current status of your application. You can also sign up for email or text alerts to receive notifications about any updates or changes in your case.
The online case status tool of USCIS will show you the following information:
The date USCIS received your application
The name of the office or service center that is processing your application
The current stage of your application, such as "Initial Review", "Testing and Interview", "Decision", etc.
The estimated completion time or date for your application
The next steps or actions you need to take, such as attending a biometrics appointment, an interview, or an oath ceremony
The other ways to check the status of Form N-400
If you cannot access the online case status tool of USCIS or prefer to use a different method, there are some other ways to check the status of your application. Some of the other ways are:
The USCIS contact center, where you can speak to a live representative or use an automated system by calling 1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
The USCIS online account system, where you can view your case history and documents, update your personal information, and communicate with USCIS if you filed online
The e-Request service, where you can submit an online inquiry about your case if you have not received a decision within the normal processing time or if you have not received a notice or document from USCIS
The Case Status Online app, where you can check your case status on your smartphone or tablet by downloading the app from Google Play or Apple App Store
The myUSCIS portal, where you can find general information and resources about immigration and citizenship services and programs
Conclusion
Form N-400 is an important form that you need to file if you want to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. In this article, we have explained what Form N-400 is, how to download it, how to fill it out, and how to check its status. We hope that this article has helped you understand the process and requirements of filing Form N-400 and has answered some of your questions about it.
If you are ready to apply for naturalization, you can start by downloading Form N-400 from the official website of USCIS at . You can also find more information and guidance on the website or by contacting USCIS. We wish you all the best in your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen.
FAQs
How much does it cost to file Form N-400?
The current filing fee for Form N-400 is $725, which includes $640 for the form fee and $85 for the biometric services fee. You can pay the fee online using a credit card, debit card, or bank account if you are filing online. You can pay the fee by check or money order if you are filing by mail. Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver or a reduced fee based on their income or financial hardship.
How long does it take to process Form N-400?
The processing time for Form N-400 varies depending on several factors, such as the volume of applications, the location of the office or service center, the complexity of the case, and the availability of staff. The average processing time for Form N-400 is about 8 to 12 months from the date of receipt. However, some cases may take longer or shorter than the average time. You can check the current processing time for your specific office or service center on the official website of USCIS at .
What documents do I need to submit with Form N-400?
The documents that you need to The documents that you need to submit with Form N-400 depend on your specific situation and circumstances. However, some of the common documents that you need to submit are:
A copy of your green card (both sides)
Two passport-style color photos with your name and A-number written on the back
A copy of your birth certificate or other proof of your identity and nationality
A copy of your marriage certificate or divorce decree if you are married or divorced
A copy of your spouse's green card or citizenship certificate if you are applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen
A copy of your tax returns or transcripts for the past five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen)
A copy of your selective service registration card or proof of exemption if you are a male between 18 and 26 years old
A copy of your military discharge papers or DD Form 214 if you have served in the U.S. armed forces
A copy of any court records or documents related to any arrests, charges, convictions, or citations that you have received
A copy of any evidence of your good moral character, such as letters of recommendation, community service certificates, awards, etc.
You can find the complete list of documents and evidence that you need to submit with Form N-400 in the document checklist for Form N-400 on the official website of USCIS at .
What are the English and civics tests for Form N-400?
The English and civics tests are part of the naturalization process that you need to pass in order to become a U.S. citizen. The English test consists of three parts: speaking, reading, and writing. The civics test consists of 10 questions about U.S. history and government. You will take both tests during your naturalization interview with a USCIS officer.
The English test will assess your ability to communicate in English in everyday situations. The speaking part will be based on your answers to the questions on Form N-400 and the officer's questions. The reading part will require you to read aloud one out of three sentences correctly. The writing part will require you to write one out of three sentences correctly.
The civics test will assess your knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government. You will be asked 10 questions out of a list of 100 possible questions. You need to answer at least six questions correctly to pass the test. You can find the list of 100 civics questions and answers on the official website of USCIS at .
What if I need special accommodations or exceptions for Form N-400?
If you have a disability or impairment that affects your ability to complete Form N-400 or take the naturalization tests, you may request special accommodations or exceptions from USCIS. Special accommodations or exceptions may include:
Using a sign language interpreter, a Braille device, a magnifying glass, or other aids during the interview or test
Taking more time to complete the interview or test
Taking the interview or test at a different location or time
Requesting a waiver of the English test requirement based on a physical or mental disability or impairment
Requesting a waiver of the civics test requirement based on a physical or mental disability or impairment
Requesting a waiver of both the English and civics test requirements based on age and length of residence in the United States
To request special accommodations or exceptions, you need to submit Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, with Form N-400. Form N-648 must be completed by a licensed medical professional who can certify your condition and explain how it affects your ability to learn or demonstrate English and civics. You can find Form N-648 and its instructions on the official website of USCIS at . 44f88ac181
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