Complete Step by Step guide with examples and Attorney commentary.
It seems that despite USCIS’s best efforts form N-400 keeps getting longer, more expensive and more complicated.It went up from a 10-page form to 21 pages. Click here to download the latest version of the N-400 form. With the average processing times and backlog substantially increasing, accuracy and completeness of USCIS Form N-400 are critical for a smooth approval process. Most of the questions on the form are very straightforward and self-explanatory, but some questions require careful attention. It is important to provide truthful answers on form N-400 to avoid any legal penalties or even facing deportation for egregious false statement or misrepresentations. In addition to truthfulness, consistency with all previously filed immigration forms is extremely important.
In the following pages, you will find images of various sections followed by explanations and step by step instructions for all the questions.
NOTE: I filled out some sections of the form as an example. The information is fictitious, do not copy it or use it.
Here are some recommendations for completing the application:
- Make sure you download the latest form dated 12/23/16 (see lower left corner) https://www.uscis.gov/n-400
- I recommend typing in the answers on the form using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free application that the form was designed and tested for. Other PDF applications may not work properly.
- I recommend completing this form on a computer so the data you enter will be captured and saved in case you need to make changes later. In addition, USCIS scans the forms into their system and having it typed helps with accuracy and processing of the N-400.
PART 1: Information About Your Eligibility:
Part 1 lists the most common basis for eligibility for naturalization, but there are several other grounds. Note that for unlisted grounds, a statutory citation is required.
Check the box that best applies to your case:
Check “A.” if you qualify because you have been a legal permanent resident for five or more years.
Check “B.” if you have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years and have been married to, and living with the same U.S. citizen. At the naturalization interview you will be required to provide a marriage certificate and documentation of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship, and proof that you are living together, and that you have been living together for the entire time that you have had your green card. You must remain married until the Certificate of Naturalization is received. For fiancées, eligibility starts tolling from the time you received your conditional permanent resident status not from the date conditions were removed. Therefore, spouses (K1/Fiancées) can apply 1 year after conditions were removed and legal permanent residency status was obtained.
NOTE: For both options, (A and B) lawful permanent residents may submit N-400 application (90) calendar days before the required residency eligibility time.
To determine your 90-day early filing date, begin by identifying your 5-year or 3-year date as a permanent resident. For example, if the date on your Permanent Resident Card says “July 4, 2008,” you meet the 5-year permanent resident requirement on “July 4, 2013.” If you have met all other eligibility requirements, you may file your completed Form N-400 90 days before “July 4, 2013.” The earliest date you may apply for naturalization would be “April 5, 2013.” Remember USCIS will deny your Form N-400 if you file more than 90 days prior to your anniversary date.
Check “C.” if you are a permanent resident, are a spouse of a U.S. citizen and your U.S. Citizen spouse is regularly engaged in specific employment listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act. It is advisable to consult with an attorney if you think you qualify based on this requirement.
Check “D.” if you are applying for naturalization based on military service.
Check “E.” if you are applying for naturalization based on other factors, astatutory citation is required. It is advisable to consult with an attorney if you think you qualify based on this requirement.
“If you want to avoid rejections because of mistakes, errors, inconsistencies and omissions, or simply want the peace of mind that an attorney reviewed your forms and documents then my $249 Naturalization Application and Forms review service is perfect for you, no matter where you are. Feel free to email or call me at 212-202-0489 for a no obligations free consultation.” DAVID KOHINA, ESQ.
Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
By David Kohina|2021-07-12T14:08:06-04:00February 27th, 2021|Asylee, Citizenship, DACA, DAPA, Deferred Action, Employment-Based Immigration, family-based immigration, Green Card, Helping Others, Immigrant, Immigrant Life, Immigration, Immigration Reform, International, Non-Immigrant Visa, Path to Citizenship, Temporary or Non-Immigrant Visa, Temporary Protected Status, Travel Documents, USCIS, Working in the U.S.|15 Comments
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15 Comments
GrzegorzNovember 7, 2017 at 5:13 pm - Reply
Hello,
What do I do if I do not have any children? Should I type “0” or “none”? In child information should type “N/A” in each field?
Thank you,
Best Regards,
GregadminNovember 7, 2017 at 5:36 pm - Reply
Applicant must list all sons and daughters alive, deceased, missing, adopted, or stepchildren, even if they are U.S. citizens, adults, married, or live outside the United States. If you do not have any children simply type “0” in Part 11 item number 1 and do not type anything else in part 11. Please consider our attorney document review service. For only $249 an attorney will review your completed N-400 form for eligibility, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and other mistakes.
RamJanuary 28, 2018 at 9:14 pm - Reply
Thank you so much for the sample.My Sister was married to US Citizen and She has stayed in US for 3 years she was in Nepal before she Entered US and never traveled anywhere.Do i need to fill part 9 (Time outside US for past 5 years )? What should be the number of trips then ?
adminJanuary 28, 2018 at 9:38 pm - Reply
Based on the information you’ve provided if the applicant eligibility is based on being married to a US citizen for 3 years and no trips were taken outside the US from the time she received her conditional residence then she should mark 0 in part 9.1 and 9.2. Please keep in mind I am basing this on the information you’ve provided. In order to definitively reply I would have to review the entire application and the underlying eligibility. We provide an affordable application review service where we check for mistakes, omissions and inconsistencies. Feel free to contact our office to discuss this service.
NanaJune 19, 2018 at 5:11 pm - Reply
Hello,
Thanks for very helpful simple.I was divorced before I come to Usa 5 years ago. do I have to make sign on divorce? and need to bring my divorce certificate from my country?
thank you
adminJune 19, 2018 at 5:18 pm - Reply
Unfortunately, I do not have enough information to reply to your question. Please feel free to call me or write me an email detailing your situation and question.
KrissyJune 28, 2018 at 2:52 pm - Reply
I work from home in IL. I file my taxes in IL but I work from a company where the headquarters is based in NJ. Should I write the headquarters as address of my employer? On my income tax return, the address of the employer is different from the headquarter’s address. Should I write the address on the income tax return as my address?
If I note my employer’s address in NJ, can I be denied from US citizenship since I’m filing at IL. But I do file taxes in IL.
Thanks so much for this helpful information!
Krissy
adminJune 29, 2018 at 5:46 pm - Reply
Hi Krissy,
I cannot answer to your specific situation because I would need much more information to provide an accurate individual answer. But in general, a citizenship application will not be denied because of an address of an employer. Some corporations have many locations in different states. It is not a material issue. Please note that just because I answered your question it does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please feel free to email or call me if you have further questions.
KrissyJune 30, 2018 at 11:17 pm - Reply
Thanks so much for your reply! I really appreciate it! I will definitely recommend you guys to my friends and family who needs extra help with their applications.
Shalon PescaliaSeptember 28, 2018 at 1:22 am - Reply
So if I only have 1 child, do i need to just leave blank the rest ( child 2-4). A little of confuse If I have to put N/A on all questions not applicable to me.
adminSeptember 28, 2018 at 3:36 pm - Reply
Yes, if you only have 1 child you leave the remaining sections blank. You do not need to put N/A on all questions not applicable to you. Please feel free to email me if you have further questions or would like me to review your entire application.
LucianaOctober 3, 2018 at 3:17 pm - Reply
Hi, im married with my citzen usa husband more than 5 years an i have my permanent green card for more thand five years as well, i have all the requirements for became citizen. I need help to choose my eligibility in the form N 400. Part 1. Should i choose box “A” or box “B”? Should i go under 5 years lawful permanent resident or under at least 3 years and aditional married at least 3 years?
adminOctober 3, 2018 at 3:25 pm - Reply
Hi, I cannot specifically tell you what option to choose because you are not my client. But in a situation where a permanent resident is eligible for citizenship under both the 3 years married to a US citizen and 5 years permanent resident requirements then choosing the 5-year permanent resident option is better because it does not require to submit marriage related evidence. I hope this answers your question. Please consider my N-400 review service in order to make sure your application is filed properly and avoid any rejections or delays.
LuOctober 3, 2018 at 4:39 pm - Reply
Thank so much for your reply!
LuOctober 3, 2018 at 4:10 pm - Reply
Hi, im married with my usa citzen husband more than 5 years an i have my permanent green card for more thand five years as well, i have all the requirements for become citizen. I need help to choose my eligibility in the form N 400. Part 1. Should i choose box “A” or box “B”? Should i go under 5 years lawful permanent resident or under at least 3 years and aditional married at least 3 years?
