Applying For US Citizenship With N400

Applying for US citizenship with N400 is a complex process that involves meeting certain eligibility requirements and filing Form N-400 Application for Naturalization. Applicants must also submit supporting documentation.

If an applicant can’t afford to pay the fee, they may apply for a waiver using Form I-912. If approved, the application will be processed free of charge.

1. Check Your Eligibility

There are certain eligibility requirements to be a U.S. citizen through naturalization, such as being a lawful permanent resident and meeting military service requirements. The first step is to check your eligibility. You can do this by checking the USCIS website for eligibility information and forms.

You will also need to be able to prove that you have good moral character and a basic understanding of U.S. history and government (civics). Some problems can cause your application to be denied, such as long periods of time spent outside the United States.

Read Form N-400 carefully, and answer all questions correctly. You may need to provide additional documentation or support your answers. For example, you will need to provide the names of all countries where you lived for 5 years (including addresses and dates). You may also be asked to prove your proficiency with English and knowledge of U.S. history and government through tests or certificates of completion.

2. File the Form

N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the official form that you submit to USCIS to apply for citizenship. As you fill out this form, be careful to answer all of the questions truthfully and completely. Lying on the application can have serious consequences, such as having your citizenship revoked years later.

This form asks for your basic information and some details about your past. It also asks if you want to be an active citizen, and if so, how you plan to engage with the government.

If you answer “yes” to the question, you must attend an interview with a government official. Your interview will focus largely on the answers you provided on this form. Be sure to use black ink when answering the questions – USCIS is particular about this. You should also provide translations if any supporting documents are in a language other than English. These must be certified by a translator. The N-400 forms can be filed online or by mail.

3. Pay the Fee

Many of the questions asked by US citizenship officers during your interview are based on information found in your application, particularly Form N-400. You should read over the form carefully and answer the questions truthfully, and accurately. It is helpful to simulate an interview at home by having a friend ask you the questions from the list in the Study Materials for Form N-400, on the USCIS website and in Becoming a U.S. Citizen by Ilona Bray (Nolo). The officer may repeat or rephrase the question to make sure that you understand it, so practice your English before your interview.

If your family income is less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you might be eligible to have some or all of your Form N-400 fee and biometric service fees waived. Complete Form I-912, and submit it along with your completed Form N-400. You can pay the fees by cashier’s check, money order or personal check.

4. Schedule an Interview

After you have filed your N-400 and paid the fee, USCIS will review it and then call you to schedule an interview. This interview, with a citizenship officer, will go over your application and verify that all of the information you have provided is correct. They will also ask questions about your background, travel history, and criminal history.

The interview will also test your ability to read and write in English, as well as test your knowledge of American history and government (civics). You can bring an interpreter or an attorney with you to your interview if needed.

After your interview, the citizenship officer will make a decision on your case. If they approve your application, they will schedule a time for you to take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. If they don’t approve your application, they will let you know why and may continue your case with further requests or require additional evidence.