Application for Naturalization Form N-400

Application for Naturalization Form N-400

The N-400 form is the initial request that allows lawful permanent residents of the United States (Green Card Holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. Naturalization is a process where a foreign national willing becomes a citizen of a new country. Unlike birth-right citizenship, naturalization requires certain residency requirements, language/culture tests, age, and good character. If applicants meet these requirements then they will file their N-400 form with USCIS. 

General Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must meet the following requirements to become a U.S. citizen before filing a N-400 form and going through the naturalization process. 

• You are at least 18 years of age when you file;

• You have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years;

• You have demonstrated continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years;

• You have lived in the U.S. state or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where you claim residence for at least 3 months before filing;

• You have demonstrated physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months (913 days);

• You demonstrate good moral character;

• You demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution;

• You demonstrate a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (also known as “civics”) as well as an ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic English; and

• You are willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, and you are well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States.

A useful tool from USCIS to assess your eligibility: NATURALIZATION ELIGIBILITY TOOL 

Required Documents for N-400 

The following documents are required to prove the applicant’s eligibility for U.S. citizenship and naturalization. 

• Proof of residency (i.e. green card)

• If you have lost your green card then provide a photocopy of your Form I-90 receipt

• Photographs (if residing outside of the US)

• Two identical photos of applicant following USCIS guidelines
• Lightly print your name on each of the photos using pencil
• Ensure your face is clearly visible for identification

• If applying based on marriage of a U.S. citizen then; 

• Evidence that U.S. spouse has been residing in the U.S. for last three years 
• Evidence of marital status 
• Copies of divorce papers and/or annulments if previously married
• Documents related to you are your spouse (i.e. joint tax statements, children’s documents, rental agreements, etc)

• If you are in the U.S. military and applying based on your service; 

• Provide Form N-426

• If your name is different than what is on your green card; 

• Provide court documents and/or marriage certificates as evidence towards the name change

N-400 Naturalization Filing Process

The following bullet points outline the steps of the naturalization process and what is expected from applicants; 

1. Review eligibility before starting the naturalization process.

1. Gather required documents and check USCIS for current requirements for your specific case.

1. Fill out the N-400 form and submit the application with USCIS, this can be done online or through mail. 

1. After submitting the form you will receive a notice for a date, time, and location for a biometrics appointment. There they will take your photo and fingerprints. 

1. You will then be scheduled for an in-person interview with an USCIS officer. At this interview you will also take the U.S. immigration civics test

1. Finally USCIS will review your case and if approved you will be invited to a formal oath ceremony where you will officially become a U.S. citizen. 

How We Can Help You!

At Blue Lake Law, we have experience guiding clients through the naturalization process through Form N-400. No matter what immigration problems you might be facing, we understand how critical precision and speed are to your case. 

We’ll help you determine your eligibility, gather the required documentation, prepare you for your interview, and prepare your N-400 form, ensuring that your petition is submitted correctly and efficiently. At Blue Lake Law we take pride in clear & effective communication with our clients and U.S. immigration services.

Contact us today to explore whether filing form N-400 is the right path for you.