Immigration & Naturalization Application

The immigration and naturalization application is N-400.

In 2009, 1,130,818 people gained U.S. citizenship legally, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Becoming a naturalized citizen requires you file a naturalization application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

Form

As of 2010, the USCIS uses form N-400 for naturalization. The latest version of the form, as of November 2010, was released in April 2010.

Requirements

Applicants must have a photocopied version of their permanent resident card, two color photographs with name and permanent registration number on the back and a check for the $675 fee (as of 2010).

Tip

To apply for naturalization, you must be at least 18-years-old and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years or be married to a U.S. citizen for three years, according to Expert Law.

References

• Department of Homeland Security: 2009 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: N-400
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: N-400 Document Checklist
• Expert Law: Applying for U.S. Citizenship