Table of Changes

Table of Changes

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Page No.	Old Text	New Text
Page 1 “What Is the Purpose of This Form?” Page 1, “When Should I Use Form N-400?” Page 1 “When Should I Use Form N-400?” Page 1 “When Should I Use Form N-400?” Page 1 “Who May File Form N-400?” Page 2 “Who May Not File Form N-400?” Page 2 “General Instructions”, “Step 1. Fill Out Form N-400” Page 2 “General Instructions”, Part 1, Letters C, D, E, F Page 3 “General Instructions:, Part 3, Letter I Page 3 “General Instructions”, Part 4, Letter B Page 3 “General Instructions”, Part 6, Letter A and B Page 4 “General Instructions”, Part 9, Letter B Page 4 “General Instructions”, Part 11 Page 4 “General Instructions”, Part 11 Page 5 “General Instructions” section, Step 2 ‘General Requirements’ Page 5 “Where To File?” Page 5 “What Is the Filing Fee”? Page 6 “What Is the Filing Fee?” How To Check If The Fees Are Correct? Page 6 “What Is the Filing Fee?” How To Check If The Fees Are Correct? Page 6 “Processing Information” Page 6, USCIS Forms and Information	1. The USCIS website (www.uscis.gov); 2. The USCIS toll-free forms line at I-800-870-3676; or 3. The USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY:1-800-767-1833). You may apply for naturalization when you meet all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen. The section of the Guide called, “Who is Eligible for Naturalization” and the Eligibility Worksheet found in the back of the Guide are tools to help you determine whether you are eligible to apply for naturalization. You should complete the worksheet before filling out the Form N-400 application. If you are applying based on five years as a Lawful Permanent Resident or based on three years as a Lawful Permanent Resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization up to 90 days before you meet the ''continuous residence'' requirement. You must meet all other requirements at the time that you file your application with us. If you are over 50 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, or if you are over 55 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, you do not have to take the English test, but you have to take the civics test in the language of your choice. If you are over 65 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test, but you have to take a simpler version of the civics test in the language of your choice. NOTE: If you are married to a U.S. citizen who is employed or deployed abroad, you may in some circumstances be eligible for expedited naturalization under section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). For further assistance, please please see the Guide. In certain cases, a person who was born outside of the United States to U.S. citizen parents is already a citizen and does not need to apply for naturalization. To find out more information about this type of citizenship and whether you should file a Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, read the Guide. Other permanent residents under 18 years of age may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if their U.S. citizen parent or parents file a Form N-600 application in their behalf. For more information, see ''Frequently Asked Questions'' in the Guide. 3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. State that an item is not applicable with “N/A.” If the answer is none, write “none.” C. Other names you have used - If you have used any other names in your life, write them in this section. If you need more space, use a separate sheet of paper. D. If you have never used a different name, write ''N/A'' in the space for ''Family Name (Last Name)." E. Name change (optional) - A court can allow a change in your name when you are being naturalized. A name change does not become final until a court naturalizes you. For more information regarding a name change, see the Guide. F. If you want a court to change your name at a naturalization oath ceremony, check ''Yes'' and complete this section. If you do not want to change your name, check ''No'' and go to Part 2. If you believe you will need us to modify or change the naturalization process for you, check the box or write in the space the kind of accommodation you need. If you need more space, use a separate sheet of paper. You do not need to send us a Form N-648 to request an accommodation. You only need to send a Form N-648 to request a waiver of the test of English and/or civics. B. Mailing Address – If your mailing address is the same as your home address, write “same.” If your mailing address is different from your home address, write it in this part. If you need separate sheets of paper to complete section A or B or any other questions on this application, be sure to follow the Instructions in "Step 1. Fill Out the Form N-400, Number 2" on Page 2. B. List where you have worked (or, if you were a student, the schools you have attended) during the last five years. Include military service. If you worked for yourself, write “self-employed.” Begin with your most recent job. Also, write the dates when you worked or studied in each place. 3. “Missing” or “dead” – if that son or daughter is missing or dead. After reading the statement in Part 11, you must sign and date it. You should sign your full name without abbreviating it or using initials. The signature must be legible. Your application may be returned to you if it is not signed. NOTE: A designated representative may sign this section on behalf an applicant who qualifies for a waiver of the Oath of Allegiance because of a development or physical impairment (see the Guide for more information). .. All applicants must send certain documents with their application. You must send your Form N-400 application and supporting documents to a USCIS Service Center. To find the Service Center address you should use, read the section in the Guide called ''Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed" or call the NCSC at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) or visit our website at www.uscis.gov and click on "Immigration Forms." All naturalization applicants filing under the military provisions, Section 328 or 329 of the INA, should file their application at the Nebraska Service Center regardless of geographic location or jurisdiction. Please send your application to: Nebraska Service Center P.O. Box 87426 Lincoln, NE 68501-7426 The filing fee for a Form N-400 is $595. NOTE: All naturalization applicants filing under the military provisions, Section 328 or 329 of the INA, do not require a filing fee. An additional biometric fee of $80.00 is required when filing this Form N-400. After you submit Form N-400, USCIS will notify you about when and where to go for biometric services. Applicants 75 years of age or older, are exempt from biometric services fee. You may submit one check or money order for both the application and biometric fees, for a total of $675.00. Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form N-400 and the biometric service fee: 2. Review the Fee Schedule included in your form package, if you called us to request the form; or NOTE: If your Form N-400 requires payment of a biometric service fee for USCIS to take your fingerprints, photograph or signature, you can use the same procedure to obtain the correct biometric fee. Any Form N-400 that is not signed or accompanied by the correct fee will be rejected with a notice that the Form N-400 is deficient. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit the Form N-400. An application or petition is not considered properly filed until accepted by USCIS. Initial processing. Once a Form N-400 has been accepted, it will be checked for completness, including submission of the required initial evidence. If you do not completely fill out the form, or file it without required initial evidence, you will not establish a basis for eligibility and we may deny your Form N-400. Requests for more information or interview. We may request more information or evidence, or we may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview. We may also request that you submit the originals of any copy. We will return these originals when they are no longer required. Decision. The decision on a Form N-400 involves a determination of whether you have established eligiblity for the requested benefit. You will be notified of the decision in writing. As an altenative to waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can now schedule an appointment through our internet-based system, InfoPass.	1. USCIS website (www.uscis.gov); 2. USCIS toll-free forms line at 1-800-870-3676; or 3. USCIS National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY:1-800-767-1833). You may apply for naturalization when you meet all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen. The section of the Guide called, “Who is Eligible for Naturalization” and the Eligibility Worksheet found in the back of the Guide are tools to help you determine whether you are eligible to apply for naturalization. You should complete the worksheet before filling out Form N-400. If you are applying based on five years as a lawful permanent resident or based on three years as a lawful permanent resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization up to 90 days before you meet the ''continuous residence'' requirement. You must meet all other requirements at the time that you file your application with USCIS. If you are over 50 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, or if you are over 55 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years, you do not have to take the English test, but you do have to take the civics test in the language of your choice. If you are over 65 years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years, you do not have to take the English test, but you do have to take a simpler version of the civics test in the language of your choice. NOTE: If you are married to a U.S. citizen who is employed or deployed abroad, in some circumstances you may be eligible for expedited naturalization under section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). For further assistance, please see the Guide. In certain cases, a person who was born outside of the United States to U.S. citizen parents is already a citizen and does not need to apply for naturalization. To find out more information about this type of citizenship and whether you should file Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, read the Guide. Other permanent residents under 18 years of age may be eligible for U.S. citizenship if their U.S. citizen parent or parents file a Form N-600 application on their behalf. For more information, see ''Frequently Asked Questions'' in the Guide. 3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. State that an item is not applicable with “N/A.” If the answer is none, write “None.” C. Other names you have used - If you have used any other names, write them in this section. If you need more space, use a separate sheet of paper. If you have never used a different name, write ''N/A'' in the space for ''Family Name (Last Name)." D. Name change (optional) - A court can allow a change in your name when you are being naturalized. A name change does not become final until a court naturalizes you. For more information regarding a name change, see the Guide. If you want a court to change your name at a naturalization oath ceremony, check ''Yes'' and complete this section. If you do not want to change your name, check ''No'' and go to Part 2. If you believe you will need us to modify or change the naturalization process for you, check the box or write in the space the kind of accommodation you need. If you need more space, use a separate sheet of paper. You do not need to send us Form N-648 to request an accommodation. You only need to send Form N-648 to request a waiver of the test of English and/or civics. B. Mailing Address – If your mailing address is the same as your home address, write “Same.” If your mailing address is different from your home address, write it in this part. If you need separate sheets of paper to complete section A or B or any other questions on this application, be sure to follow the instructions under "Step 1. Fill Out Form N-400" on Page 2. B. List where you have worked (or, if you were a student, the schools you have attended) during the last five years. Include military service. If you worked for yourself, write “Self-employed.” Begin with your most recent job. Also, write the dates when you worked or studied in each place. 3. “Missing” or “Dead” – if that son or daughter is missing or dead. After reading the statement in Part 11, you must sign and date it. You should sign your full name without abbreviating it or using initials. The signature must be legible. Your application will be rejected if it is not signed. NOTE: A designated representative may sign this section on behalf of an applicant who qualifies for a waiver of the Oath of Allegiance because of a developmental or physical impairment (see the Guide for more information)… Photographs .You must submit two identical passport-style color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of the filing of this application. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. The photos must be 2" x 2" and must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1" to 1 3/8" from top of hair to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8" to 1 3/8" from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing a headdress as required by a religious order of which you are a member; however, your face must be visible. Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and Alien Registration Number on the back of each photo. NOTE: Any digital photo submitted needs to be produced from a high-resolution camera with at least 3.5 mega pixels of resolution. Copy of Permanent Resident Card. Applicants who are lawful permanent residents of the United States must submit photocopies (front and back) of Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card). If you have lost your Form I-551, attach a copy of any other entry document or a photocopy of a receipt showing that you have filed Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Other Documents. Depending on the circumstances, some applicants must send certain documents with their application. For naturalization applicants filing under military provisions, section 328 or 329 of the INA, and for eligible spouses of active members of the Armed Forces of the United States filing for naturalization, please refer to the specific filing instructions below the general filing instructions. If you are the applicant and you reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, send your application to the USCIS Lockbox Facility at the following address: USCIS P.O. Box 21251 Phoenix, AZ 85036 For express/courier deliveries, use the following address: USCIS Attn: N-400 1820 E Skyharbor Circle S, Floor 1 Phoenix, AZ 85034 If you are the applicant and you reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, send your application to the USCIS Lockbox Facility at the following address: USCIS P.O. Box 299026 Lewisville, TX 75029 For express/courier deliveries, use the following address: USCIS Attn: N-400 2501 S State Hwy 121, Bldg. #4 Lewisville, TX 75067 All naturalization applications filed under the military provisions, section 328 or 329 of the INA, should be sent to the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) regardless of geographic location or jurisdiction. In addition, spouses of members of the Armed Forces of the United States filing for naturalization should also send their application to the NSC regardless of whether they are filing from within the United States or abroad. Please send your application to: Nebraska Service Center P.O. Box 87426 Lincoln, NE 68501-7426 For express/courier deliveries, use the following address: Nebraska Service Center 850 S Street Lincoln, NE 68508 For further information on where to file, including if you are currently overseas, read the section in the Guide titled "Completing Your Application and Getting Photographed" or call the NCSC at 1-800-375-5283 (TTY: 1-800-767-1833) or visit our website at www.uscis.gov and click on "Immigration Forms." The filing fee for Form N-400 is $595. An additional biometric fee of $80 is required when filing Form N-400. After you submit Form N-400, USCIS will notify you about when and where to go for biometric services. NOTE: All naturalization applicants filing under the military provisions, section 328 or 329 of the INA, do not require a filing fee. Applicants 75 years of age or older are exempt from the biometric fee. Individuals who require fingerprinting and who reside outside of the United States at the time of filing an application or petition for immigration benefits are exempt from biometric fees. You may submit one check or money order for both the application and biometric fees, for a total of $675. Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for Form N-400 and the biometric fee: 2. Review the fee schedule included in your form package, if you called USCIS to request the form; or NOTE: If your Form N-400 requires payment of a biometric fee for USCIS to take your fingerprints, photograph, or signature, you can use the same procedure to obtain the correct biometric fee. Any Form N-400 that is not signed or accompanied by the correct fee will be rejected. Any application that is not completed in accordance with these instructions, is missing pages or otherwise not executed in its entirety, or is not accompanied by the required initial evidence may also be rejected. If your Form N-400 is rejected, the form and any fees will be returned to you and you will be notified why the form is considered deficient. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit Form N-400. An application or petition is not considered properly filed until accepted by USCIS. Requests for more information or interview. USCIS may request more information or evidence, or request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview. USCIS may also request that you submit the originals of any copy. USCIS will return these originals when they are no longer required. Decision. The decision on Form N-400 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the requested benefit. If you do not establish a basis for eligibility, USCIS will deny your Form N-400. You will be notified of the decision in writing. As an alternative to waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can now schedule an appointment through our Internet-based system, InfoPass.