N-400 Form for US Naturalization Citizenship

By Ella Bergquist August 26, 2021 (Updated August 26, 2021) 3 min. read
N-400 Form for US Citizenship

For those who want to become a US Citizen then you will need to fill out the N-400 form, which is the application for naturalization. Naturalization is the process to become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the US. If you meet certain requirements, then you may become a U.S. citizen.

What is an Application for Naturalization?

The Immigration Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is a government form used for current green card holders who are applying to become a US Citizen. Filling out this form is the first step of “naturalization”, which is the process of becoming a United States Citizen.

Do I Need the N-400 Form?

If you are a green card (permanent resident) holder of the US and you meet the requirements to become a US citizen then you will be required to fill out the N-400 form. The N-400 form is for anyone ready to become a US citizen.

Requirements for the N-400 Form

To become a US Citizen, there are a number of factors that will depend on your eligibility.

The table below will help show when you are eligible to apply for US Citizenship.

If you are a…Minimum Time Lived in the USWhen You Can Apply
Member of the military with any period of wartime service0 yearsNow
Widow or widower of a U.S. citizen who died while honorably serving in the military0 yearsNow
Green Card holder with at least 1 year of peacetime military service0 yearsWhile in active duty or within 6 months of honorably separating from the military
Green card holder who is married to a U.S. citizen18 monthsAfter 3 years
Green card holder with less than 1 year of peacetime military service30 monthsAfter 5 years
Green card holder with at least 1 year of peacetime military service and honorably discharged more than 6 months ago30 months After 5 years
Green card holder with no special circumstances30 monthsAfter 5 years

Required Documents for N-400 Form

When you’re applying for naturalization you will be required to provide supporting documents. If you’re applying online then you can provide those documents b a digital copy.

The following are required documents when applying for US Citizenship:

  1. Your current green card (both sides if digital)
  2. The N-400 application fee

Some applicants may be required to provide additional documents depending on their particular case, such as:

  1. Proof of marital status such as a marriage certificate or divorce papers
  2. If you’re living abroad you may be requried to provide 2 inch by 2 inch passport photos
  3. Form N-426 for those applying based on their military service
  4. Form N-648 for those looking to be exempt from the U.S. Citizenship test based on a qualifying medical condition

Learn more about the US Citizenship test, required to pass to become a US Citizen.

What Happens After You File the Form N-400

Once your application has been received by the USCIS, you will receive:

Form N-400 FAQ

How Much Does the N-400 Cost?

$640. (Add the $85 biometric fee for a total of $725, where applicable.) The legal advice for applying for US Citizenship may cost an immigration consultant fee.

What is the Processing Time for the N-400 Form?

Once you’ve submitted the N-400 form and all the supporting documents, it should only take anywhere from 8 to 12 months.

Can You Travel While Your N-400 is Pending?

You will continue to be a permanent resident until you have received a response from your application. You can travel as you did before as a green card holder.

What Happens if my N-400 is Denied?

If you have been denied then you can appeal the decision on your N-400. Typically, if someone has been denied on their N-400 application it means that the application was submitted incorrectly or it was missing information. Hiring an immigration lawyer will help avoid any of these situations.

Can I Renew my Green Card if my Citizenship is Denied?

Yes. If you have been denied citizenship or your green card is about to expire while waiting for citizenship, you will need to renew your green card status.

USCIS N-400 Online Printable Form

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