Instructions for INS Form N 400
The decision to apply for U.S. citizenship is an important, life-changing event. When you decide to take this step, do not be intimidated by the required Form N-400. If you are eligible, and take your time to complete each step carefully, you can be on the path to citizenship.
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Instructions
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Determine whether you are eligible for naturalization. You may only apply using the Form N-400 if you are eligible. As a general rule, lawful permanent resident adults are eligible for naturalization if they have held that status for five years, or have held that status for at least three years while living with a U.S. citizen spouse. If you have questions about your eligibility, you should consult the Department of Homeland Security's Guide to Naturalization, or a professional adviser, for further details.
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Fill in the general information requested on the form. You will need to provide your U.S. Citezenship and Immigration Services number on the top right of each page. You must also fill in your name, Social Security number, birthdate, the date on which you became a permanent resident, country of birth, country of nationality, and current marital status, as well as indicate whether either of your parents is a U.S. citizen.
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Fill in your contact information. You will need to provide your home address -- not a post office box -- your mailing address, and your telephone numbers.
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Fill in the information needed for a criminal background check. For each question, simply check the box that best describes you.
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Fill in the information regarding your history and background. You will need to provide your residence and employment history, details of any time spent outside the U.S., your marital history, and your children, and answer a few additional questions about your background.
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Sign the form. If someone else prepared the form for you, she will need to sign as well.
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Assemble your paperwork. You will need two identical, passport-style photographs. You will also need a copy of your permanent resident card -- your "green card." Individuals who meet certain criteria, such as those who have been arrested or convicted of a crime, will need additional papers. Consult the Guide to Naturalization, or a professional adviser, for more information.
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Prepare your fee payment. As of March 2011, the fees for the Form 400 are a $595 filing fee and an $80 biometric fee. You may pay via a single money order for $675, made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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Send in your form and paperwork. There are three locations to which forms are sent. Generally speaking, current or former members of the U.S. military and their close relatives should sent forms to the Nebraska address; applicants from the Western states and territories should send forms to the Arizona address; and those from the Eastern states and territories should send forms to the Texas address.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need a disability waiver from the tests of English, U.S. government, and/or U.S. history, you may make this request on the form. You will be required to submit additional paperwork.
If you need a disability accommodation, for instance if you use a wheelchair or need a sign language interpreter, you may make this request on the form.
If you live in Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you should make your check out to Treasurer, Guam or Commissioner of Finance of the Virgin Islands.
Some sections of the form are completed later, at your interview. Do not sign the "signature at interview" section, or complete the oath of allegiance.
References
Resources
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