Guide to USCIS Form N-400: Required Documents, Cost and Eligibility

autohr img By Vipul Jain
21 Jan, 2025

Form N-400, officially known as the “Application for Naturalization,” and a government-authorized form used in the United States. If you want a green card to become a U.S. citizen it is the first step you take and it's called naturalization. To complete the process of the USCIS Form N-400 candidates need to fulfill some specific requirements. So if you want to become a green card holder and looking forward to filling out Form N-400 then it is a perfect place for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the required documents for form N-400, eligibility criteria, how to fill form N-400 and many more. 

So let's start with the required document because it makes the process easier and faster. It is because if you have all the documents with you then you can fill out an application form N-400 without any interruption or wasting time in collecting the required documents. 

Documents Required to Fill Form N-400

The documents needed for N-400 are required to verify identity, run background checks, and make the process fair for everyone. To become eligible to naturalize, apply for US citizenship, and fill out an application form N-400 applicants need to submit some supporting documents as evidence which are as follows: 

Proof of Residency

To prove your residence you can provide a photocopy of the sides of your green card. Apart from this if your permanent resident card has been lost then you can attach a photocopy of your Form I-90 receipt 

Payment for Fees

Another thing applicants need to submit is the required fees for form N-400 and for that, you can submit a cheque or money order with your A-Number on the back, or use a credit card (Form G-1450).

Photographs

To fill out the form N-400 candidates need two Identical color photos following USCIS guidelines. Additionally don’t forget to write your name and A-number on the back of the photograph and if you wear any religious head coverings then make sure that your face is clearly visible. 

These are some common documents applicants need to attach while filling out the USCIS Form N-400. Apart from all these, some additional documents are required for form N-400. 

Additional Documents for Form N-400

There are some candidates who need to submit some additional documents and it totally depends on their situation. For example, if the applicant's name is different from the green card then they need to attach a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court documents showing the name change.

On the other hand, if the applicant of form N-400 applied based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen then they need to submit the below-mentioned documents.

  • Evidence your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last three years
  • Evidence of your marital status (marriage certificate)
  • Copies of divorce papers, annulment papers, or death certificates if you were previously married
  • Documents related to you and your spouse (e.g., shared tax returns, bank statements, rental agreements, children’s birth certificates)
  • Official joint tax returns from the last three years
  • IRS records of your tax filings for the past three years

The next thing that everyone wants to know about the Application for Naturalization or Permanent resident card is the eligibility criteria. So in the next part of this blog, we will check out the N-400 form eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility Criteria for Form N-400

Let’s discuss the candidates who are qualified to apply for a form N-400 and who are not. 

Candidates Who are Eligible:

When we shed light on the candidates who are eligible to fill out an application form N-400 then people who have satisfied the eligibility requirements for naturalization can file the form. Additionally, it is essential to fill out the form of naturalization that the candidate should be 18 years old and have a green card for five years (or three years if you’re married to a U.S. citizen). 

Who Cannot File a Form N-400:

Applicants who did not meet the eligibility requirements for naturalization are not eligible to file a form N-400. 

“Acquired” or “derived” citizenship through at least one U.S. citizen parent or are a child of a U.S. citizen and live abroad. 

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Steps to Fill an Application Form N-400

So after knowing the eligibility criteria, and required documents for Form N-400 are you ready to fill out a naturalization application form? Also, looking at how to apply for the form N-400? If yes then do not worry now in this section of the bl;og we will learn the step-by-step process to fill out an application Form N-400. 

  • Read the eligibility requirements and make sure to fulfill the age, residency, good moral character, and other requirements.
  • Collect all the supporting documents and go through the USCIS official website for current requirements according to your situation.
  • Fill out Form N-400 carefully. Additionally, make sure to submit accurate and complete information, otherwise you have to face delays or rejections. 
  • Submit your application online or via mail. 
  • After submitting an application form N-400 applicants will get a notification with the date, time, and venue. On the given details candidates need to visit the particular center for biometric verification.
  • After that, the candidate will be called for a personal interview with a USCIS officer. In that interview, candidates must have to attend the U.S. Immigration Civics Test.
  • USCIS will review applicants' whole application carefully and inform them of their decision if approved, then candidates will be invited to a formal oath ceremony to officially become U.S. citizens.

Cost to fill Form N-400.

Every single applicant wants to know the fee for filling out an N-400 form. Are you also looking for the same if yes then now your wait is over. Applicants need to pay $760. It is the government fee for filing an N-400 form.

Apart from this be prepared for additional application fees, application assistance, translation services, photocopying and mailing costs, and potential reapplication costs if your application is denied.

Tips to Fill an Application Form N-400: Do’s and Dont’s:

There are various issue arises while filling out the USCIS application Form N-400 and it becomes the major issue behind the rejection and delays. So to avoid them both you need to keep some crucial things in mind which are as follows. 

Do’s: 

Do use black ink only: While filling a Form N-400 must use a Black ballpoint pen only. It is because it is one of the USCIS guidelines. Using a black pen is the best ink used to complete an application.

Do review your Form N-400 before filing: Another important thing to do before or while filing a USCIS Form N-400 is review it. By doing this candidates will get to know the required documents, help them to answer correctly, and many others. Additionally by doing this the risk of delays and rejection will be minimized. 

Do Provide Translations: If any of your documents are in your regional or any other language then don't forget to attach a certified English translated document. 

Don’ts 

Don’t clutter your form: If you mistakenly filled wrong information, write beyond the space, cross or cut, and more then you will get rejected and need to fill new application again. So if you made any of the above-mentioned mistakes in your Form N-400 then must fill new application otherwise you have to pay the fees again. 

Don’t submit unnecessary paperwork: Before submitting Form N-400 must check the documents you attached. USCIS mentioned the required documents and the original or photocopies you need to attach. If you attach extra documents or originals then you will not get them back and USCIS destroy them immediately after getting your application. 

Don’t forget to sign: If a candidate's signature is missing from the application Form N 4-00 then their form will be rejected by the USCIS. So before submitting your application must cross-check all the details to avoid delays and rejections.

You May Also Like to Read: Alien Registration Number

By going through this blog readers will get to learn the ultimate guide on USCIS form N-400. Above we discuss various things related to this form. Including required documents, instructions on how to apply for naturalization, what to do and not do, fees for Form N-400, and many more. After knowing this much information do you still need guidance? If yes then we highly recommend you to hire Visament. 

It is the greatest immigration service provider that helps its clients in various ways and makes the process of filling out Form N-400 easier. They guide applicants in filling out mistake-free applications for Form N-400, Visa, Passport, OCI, and many more. additionally by choosing them for immigration services candidates will get inexpensive prices, 24*7 client assistance, speedy approvals, and more. So if you want any services related to immigration then you must try to opt for them and enjoy the hassle-free process. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can expedite Form N-400.

The three-year rule for form N-400 says that to fill out the form of permanent residence you need to live in the United States for at least 3 years.

Form N-400 is used to apply for US citizenship through naturalization, while Form N-600 is used to confirm existing citizenship.

You can expect to Take an oath, Test your English skills, Review your application, and Answer questions about your background during your interview after filing Form N-400.

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