Last updated: August 12, 2025.
By Asel Williams, Esq. · Columbia Law School · Licensed immigration attorney
Many immigrants who have made the United States their home consider obtaining US citizenship to be a significant accomplishment.
The naturalization procedure includes filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
This document is crucial for anyone trying to become US citizens, and it is a lengthy procedure that necessitates careful planning.
In this extensive tutorial, we will go over what Form N-400 involves, a list of required papers, filing addresses, fee reduction and waiver choices, frequent inquiries, and processing times.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the official application form used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to seek US citizenship.
It serves as the starting point for the naturalization process, which is the legal method by which a non-citizen becomes a citizen of the United States.
The form requests specific information on the applicant’s past, address, and eligibility for citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements for Form N-400
To qualify for US citizenship using Form N-400, you must complete the following requirements:
Age: You must be at least 18 years old at the time you file.
Permanent residency: You must have been a permanent resident for at least five years. If you are married to a United States citizen, the time is lowered to three years.
Continuous Residence: You must have resided in the United States for the previous five years (or three years if married to a US citizen) with no significant absences.
Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the United States for at least half of the five (or three) years preceding the date of application.
Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character during the five-year period before applying.
English Language Proficiency: You need to be able to read, write, and speak basic English.
Civics Knowledge: You must pass a civics test covering U.S. history and government.
Form N-400 Checklist
Before filing your Form N-400, make sure you have all of the required documents and information.
- Completed Form N-400: Fill out the form completely and correctly.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Please submit a copy of your green card (front and back).
- Photographs: Include two recent passport-style photos that fulfill USCIS requirements.
- Identification: A photocopy of a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
- Travel History: Detailed records of all journeys outside the United States for the last five years, including departure and return dates.
- Employment History: A list of all employers over the previous five years, including addresses and dates of employment.
- Residency History: Indicates where you have lived in the last five years.
- Selective Service Registration: Proof of registration for males living in the United States between the ages of 18 and 26.
- Marriage and Divorce Documents: Copies of marriage certificates and divorce decrees, when appropriate.
- Criminal Records: Any documentation pertaining to arrests, charges, or convictions, such as police reports and court records.
Form N-400 Filing Address
Whether you are submitting online or through mail, determine the filing address for Form N-400. USCIS maintains specific addresses for various filing sites and methods:
- For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
P.O. Box 21251
Phoenix, AZ 85036
- For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: N-400
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Verify the current postal addresses on the USCIS website to ensure that your application is delivered to the correct location.
Form N-400, Reduced Fee
Fees: USCIS provides a reduced cost option for Form N-400 to applicants whose household income falls between 150% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The regular filing price for Form N-400 is $640, although qualifying applicants can pay a reduced fee of $320. To seek a reduced fee:
Fill out Form I-942: Request for Reduced Fee.
Submit documentation: Please provide proof of household income, such as recent tax returns or pay stubs.
Form N-400 Fee Waiver
For candidates who cannot afford the filing fee, USCIS offers a fee waiver. To qualify for a fee waiver, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Income-based eligibility requires your household income to be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Means-Tested Benefit: You can also qualify if you receive a means-tested benefit, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Request a fee waiver: Complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver.
Submit proof: Please provide proof of your income or evidence of receiving means-tested benefits.
Form N-400 Questions
Form N-400 is made up of several parts and inquiries that are intended to gather thorough information about the applicant. Some significant areas are:
Personal Information: Information such as your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
Residence and Employment: List the addresses where you have resided and the jobs you have held over the last five years.
Travel History: Details about trips taken outside of the United States, including their duration.
Criminal History: Inquiries concerning any arrests or convictions, as well as specific legal difficulties.
Good Moral Character: Questions on your behavior and compliance with US laws.
It is critical to answer all questions truthfully. If you provide inaccurate or misleading information, your application may be delayed or denied.
Form N-400 Processing Time
Form N-400 processing times vary depending on a number of variables, including the volume of applications and the particular USCIS office that is working on your case.
Processing periods typically take eight to twelve months.
Should extra background checks or interviews be necessary, the processing time could be extended.
To keep track of your application’s status:
Look Up Online: To see updates regarding your application, use the USCIS Case Status Online tool.
Projected Processing Durations: For an estimate of the processing times for particular field offices, see the USCIS website.
Form N-400 must be completed precisely and exhaustively in order to proceed with the naturalization procedure effectively.
Gather all essential documentation, thoroughly examine the qualifying conditions, and submit your application on time.
For the most up-to-date information and advice, visit the official USCIS website or speak with an immigration attorney.
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