Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization

OMB No. 1615-0056; Expires 01/31/2012

Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The Purpose of Form N-470
This form is for a permanent resident alien who must leave the
United States for certain employment purposes and wishes to
preserve his or her continuous residence to pursue
naturalization.
You may be able to preserve continuous residency (previously
accumulated for naturalization purposes) even though you
may be residing outside the United States for longer than 1
year. The time spent abroad may be counted toward your
residency requirement if you file a Form N-470.

Instructions for Form N-470, Application to
Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes
NOTE: Qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens who file Form
N-400 must reside in the United States for 3 years
immediately preceding the date of filing. Those spouses are
required to have been physically present in the United States
for at least 18 months of those 3 years.
Permanent residents who remain outside the United States for
more than 1 uninterrupted year will disrupt their residency
requirement unless they are the beneficiaries of an approved
Form N-470.
Exception for member of the U.S. Armed Forces

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Who Should File This Form

You should file this form if you meet all of the requirements
below:

1. You must have been physically present and residing in the
United States for an uninterrupted period, without any
absences whatsoever, for at least 1 year after your
admission as a permanent resident (except religious
workers);
2. You will be absent from the United States for 1 year or
more;

3. You have qualifying employment in a specific job with the
U.S. Government, private sector, or religious organization;
and
4. You want to preserve your continuous residence for
naturalization purposes.

If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, filing your
Form N-470 will allow you to be considered continuously
physically present in the United States while you are stationed
overseas and serves to preserve your continuous residence.
Exception for spouse of U.S. Citizen employed by the U.S.
Government, American institution of research, or an
American firm engaged in development of foreign trade
with the United States
A spouse of a U.S. citizen who is eligible for naturalization
under Section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(INA) is not required to file Form N-470 to preserve
continuous residence, as such spouses are exempted from
establishing the naturalization residency and physical presence
requirements.

General Instructions

1. Type or print clearly using black ink. Keep all
information within the area provided.

If USCIS approves your Form N-470, your spouse and
dependent unmarried son(s) or daughter(s) will receive the
same benefit. All of them must be members of the same
household and reside with you while you reside abroad.

If extra space is needed to answer any question, attach an
additional sheet(s) of paper. You must provide the
following information on the top of each sheet of paper:

NOTE: You must still apply for a reentry permit in
advance of trips outside the United States that you expect
to last for 1 year or more. Approval of Form N-470 does
not exempt applicants from the physical presence
requirements for naturalization unless they are employed
by, or under contract with the U.S. Government.

B. The date;

Continuous residency requirements for Form N-400
Generally, applicants who file a Form N-400 must reside in
the United States for 5 years immediately preceding the date
of filing. Additionally, USCIS requires applicants to have
been physically present in the United States for at least 30
months of those 5 years.

A. Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number);

C. Question number; and
D. Your signature.
2. Answer all questions fully and accurately. Write “N/A”
if an item is not applicable. Write “None” if the answer is
none.
3. Avoid highlighting, crossing out, or writing outside the
area provided for a response.
If you must make substantial corrections to your Form
N-470, USCIS recommends that you begin with a new
Form N-470 Instructions (Rev. 08/22/11) N

Form N-470 rather than using correction tape or fluid to
white out information. USCIS scanners may see through
the white correction tape or fluid. This may lead to
incorrect information being captured in USCIS systems
which may cause processing delays or a rejection of your
Form N-470.
Ensure that you are using the correct edition of the Form
N-470. The correct edition is available on the USCIS Web
site at www.uscis.gov.
4. Provide your A-Number on the top right corner of each
page. Your A-Number is located on your Permanent
Resident Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration
or “Green” Card). The A-Number on your card consists of
seven to nine numbers, depending on when your record
was created. If the A-Number on your card has fewer than
nine numbers, place enough zeros before the first number
to make a total of nine numbers on the Form N-470. For
example, write number A1234567 as A001234567 or write
number A12345678 as A012345678. You must provide
your A-Number. USCIS may reject your application if
you do not provide your A-Number.
Translations. You must provide a full English translation for
any document written in a foreign language you submit to
USCIS. The translator must certify that the translation is
complete and accurate and that he or she is competent to
translate from the foreign language into English.
Copies. You may submit copies of documents unless USCIS
requests original documents. Original documents submitted
when not required may remain a part of the record.

Specific Form Instructions
This form is divided into five parts.
Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility
Check the box that shows why you are eligible to apply to
preserve residence for naturalization purposes.
Part 2. Information About You
1. Current Legal Name. Your current legal name is the name
on your birth certificate unless it has been changed after
birth by a legal action such as a marriage or court order. Do
not provide a nickname.
2. Your name exactly as it appears on your Permanent
Resident Card (if different from above). Write your name
exactly as it appears on your card even if it is misspelled.
3. U.S. Social Security Number. Print your U.S. Social
Security Number. Write “N/A” if you do not have one.

4. Date of Birth. Always use eight numbers to show your
date of birth. Write the date in this order: Month, Day,
Year. For example, write May 1, 1958, as 05/01/1958.
5. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where
you were born. Write the name of the country even if the
country's name has since changed or the country no longer
exists.
6. Country of Nationality. Provide the name of the
country(ies) where you are currently a citizen or national.
A. If the country no longer exists or you are stateless,
write the name of the country where you were last a
citizen or national.
B. If you are a citizen or national of more than one
country, write the name of the country that issued your
last passport that you currently use to travel.
7. Home address. Provide the address where you now reside.
Do not write your Post Office (P.O.) Box number here
unless it is your ONLY address.
If you reside outside the United States
If you do not have a State or Province, enter the name of
your city again in that box. If you do not have a ZIP or
Postal Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
8. Mailing Address. Provide your mailing address even if it
is the same as your home address. Provide "in care of
name" information, if applicable. You must write
something in every box, except an apartment number or
“C/O” if you do not have one, within “Mailing Address.”
NOTE: USCIS may not be able to contact you if you do
not provide a complete and valid address. If USCIS rejects
your application, USCIS may not be able to return the fee
for the Form N-470 to you if you do not write a complete
and valid address. If USCIS cannot return the fee, USCIS
will cash your check.
9. Telephone Numbers. Provide your current telephone
numbers. If the answer is none, write “None.” If you are
hearing impaired and use a TTY telephone connection,
please indicate this by writing "TTY" after the telephone
number.
10. E-Mail Address. Provide your current e-mail address. If
you do not have one, write “None.”
11. Date You Became a Permanent Resident. Provide the
official date when your permanent residence began, as
shown on your Permanent Resident Card. Write the date in
Form N-470 Instructions (Rev. 08/22/11) N Page 2

this order: Month, Day, Year. For example, write August
9, 1988, as 08/09/1988. USCIS may reject your
application if you do not provide the information.
12. Uninterrupted Residence in the United States. Check
the box to indicate if you have, or have not, resided in and
been physically present in the United States for an
uninterrupted period of at least 1 year since your
admission as a permanent resident.
13. Time Outside the United States. List below all the trips
of 24 hours or more that you have taken outside the United
States since you became a permanent resident. Include
trips to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Begin
with your most recent trip. If you need more space, use an
additional sheet(s) of paper.
14. Employment Position and Length of Employment.
Provide an explanation of your employment position
requiring you to be absent from the United States. Also
state the intended length of time you will be employed
when absent from the United States. If you are a religious
worker filing the N-470 after your return to the United
States from abroad, please provide the entire length of
time of your employment outside the United States in said
capacity.
15. Income Tax. Check the box to indicate if you have, or
have not, ever filed an income tax return as a nonresident
or otherwise claimed or received benefits as a nonresident
alien under U.S. Federal, State, or local income tax laws
since you became a permanent resident.
Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside
With You
1. Residence With You Inside the United States. Check the
box to indicate whether you have permanent resident
family members who reside with you inside the United
States.
2. Residence With You Outside the United States. Check
the box to indicate whether those permanent resident
family members will reside with you outside the United
States.

NOTE: USCIS will reject your Form N-470 if it is not
signed.
Part 5. Signature of Person Who Prepared Form N-470
for You (if applicable)
If you prepared this application by yourself, leave this section
blank. If someone filled out this application for you, he or she
must complete this section.

Processing Information
Any Form N-470 that is not signed or accompanied by the
correct fee, except those accompanied by a fee waiver
request (Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver), will be
rejected. A Form N-470 that is not completed according to
these instructions, is missing pages or otherwise not
executed in its entirety, or is not accompanied by the
required initial evidence may be rejected or delayed. If
USCIS rejects your Form N-470 for any of the reasons
above, the form and any fees will be returned to you if you
provided a complete and valid mailing address. You will
be notified why the form is considered deficient. You may
correct the deficiency and refile Form N-470. 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. USCIS
may also request that you submit the originals of any copies
you previously provided to USCIS with your Form N-470. In
addition, USCIS may request that you appear for an interview.
Decision
The decision on Form N-470 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-470. You will be notified of the
decision in writing.

When To File

Part 4. Your Signature

1. Generally, you must have been physically present and
residing in the United States for an uninterrupted period,
without any absences whatsoever, for at least 1 year after
your admission as a permanent resident before you can file
Form N-470.

Sign the Form N-470 as you normally sign your name. You
may place an “X” mark instead of a signature if you are
unable to write in any language.

2. You do not have to be in the United States to file Form
N-470, but you must file it before you have been absent
from the United States for a continuous period of 1 year.

If you check “Yes,” provide information for your spouse
and all of your children who will reside with you outside
the United States.

Form N-470 Instructions (Rev. 08/22/11) N Page 3

Religious Workers Exception to the 1 Year Absence
Requirement
Religious workers may apply:

If you receive an insufficient funds notice, USCIS will send
you instructions on how to submit your penalty fee. Do not
send a check for the penalty fee to the address where you filed
your Form N-470. It will be returned to you.

1. Before departing from the United States;
How To Check If the Fees Are Correct
2. After departing from the United States; or
3. After returning to the United States.
Religious workers are not required to have lived in the United
States for a specific period of time prior to filing Form N-470.

What Is the Filing Fee
The filing fee for Form N-470 is $330.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check
or money order for your Form N-470 fee:
1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or
other financial institution located in the Unites States and
must be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the check or money order payable to U.S.
Department of Homeland Security.
If you live outside the United States, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin
Islands, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate for
instructions on the method of payment.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do
not write the initials “USDHS” or “DHS."
Notice To Those Making Payment by Check
USCIS will make a copy and convert your original check into
an electronic funds transfer (EFT). This means USCIS will use
the account information on your check to electronically debit
your account for the check amount. This debit usually takes 24
hours and should show up on your regular account statement.
USCIS will not return your original check. USCIS will destroy
it and keep a copy with your file. If the EFT cannot be
processed due to technical reasons, you authorize USCIS to
process the copy of the check. If the EFT cannot be completed
because of insufficient funds, USCIS may try the EFT up to
two times.

The fee on Form N-470 is current as of the edition date
appearing in the lower right corner of this page. However,
because USCIS fees change periodically, you can verify if the
fees are correct by following one of the steps below.
1. Visit our Web site at www.uscis.gov, select "FORMS," and
check the appropriate fee;
2. Telephone the USCIS National Customer Service Center at
1-800-375-5283 and ask for the fee information.
Fee Waiver Request
Individuals may request a fee waiver based on an inability to
pay. Form I-912 provides a standard means for submitting fee
waiver requests. The instructions provide applicants with
guidance on properly completing Form I-912 and submitting
supporting documentation. The instructions also give
information on how USCIS makes a decision on a fee waiver
request. To download a copy of Form I-912, including the
instructions, click on the “FORMS” link on the USCIS Web
site at www.uscis.gov.
Re-filing Form N-470
If USCIS denied your previously filed Form N-470 and you
are filing a new Form N-470, you must pay the full amount.
Otherwise, USCIS will not accept your Form N-470.
USCIS cannot apply a previously submitted filing fee
amount to a newly filed Form N-470.

Where To File
Please see our Web site at www.uscis.gov/N-470 or call the
USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283
for the most current information about where to file this
benefit request.

Form N-470 Instructions (Rev. 08/22/11) N Page 4

Form Revision and Filing Addresses
The filing addresses provided on this form reflect the most
current information as of the date this form was last printed. If
you are filing Form N-470 more than 30 days after the latest
edition date shown in the lower right corner, please visit the
USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov before you file, and check
the “FORMS” page to confirm the correct filing address and
version currently in use. Check the edition date located at the
lower right corner of the form. If the edition date on your
Form N-470 matches the edition date listed for Form N-470
on the online “FORMS” page, your version is current. If the
edition date on the online version is more recent, download a
copy and use it. If you do not have Internet access, call the
USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283
to verify the current filing address and edition date. USCIS
will reject forms with the wrong revision date and return
the fee with instructions to resubmit the entire filing using
the current form.

Address Changes
If you have changed your address, you must inform USCIS of
your new address. For information on filing a change of
address go to the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/
addresschange or contact the National Customer Service
Center at 1-800-375-5283.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the
USCIS Lockbox facilities because the USCIS Lockbox
facilities do not process change of address requests.

USCIS Forms and Information
You can get USCIS forms and immigration-related
information on the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov. You
may order USCIS forms by calling the USCIS toll-free
number at 1-800-870-3676. You may also obtain forms and
information by telephoning the USCIS National Customer
Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
You can schedule an appointment to meet with a USCIS
representative at your local USCIS office through the USCIS
Internet-based system, InfoPass. To access the system, visit
the USCIS Web site. Use the InfoPass appointment scheduler
and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment.
InfoPass generates an electronic appointment notice that
appears on the screen.

Attorney or Representative
You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S.
Government, by an attorney or other duly accredited
representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28,
Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative,
with your Form N-470. If USCIS requests you to appear for an
interview, your representative may also submit the Form G-28
at that time. Form G-28 can be obtained by visiting the USCIS
Web site at www.uscis.gov, calling the USCIS forms line
number at 1-800-870-3676, or by contacting the USCIS
National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material
fact or submit a false document with this Form N-470, USCIS
will deny your Form N-470 and may deny any other
immigration benefit. In addition, you may be subject to
criminal prosecution and penalties provided by law.

USCIS Privacy Act Statement
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this form,
and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act, section 101, et seq.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested
information on this form is to determine if you have
established eligibility for the immigration benefit for which
you are filing. The information you provide will be used to
grant or deny the benefit sought.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary.
However, failure to provide the requested information, and
any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
denial of your form.
ROUTINE USES: The information you provide on this form
may be shared with other Federal, State, local, and foreign
government agencies and authorized organizations following
approved routine uses described in the associated published
system of records notices [DHS-USCIS-007 - Benefits
Information System and DHS-USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index,
and National Filed Tracking System of Records, which can be
found at www.dhs.gov/privacy]. The information may also
be made available, as appropriate, for law enforcement
purposes or in the interest of national security.

Form N-470 Instructions (Rev. 08/22/11) N Page 5

Paperwork Reduction Act
An agency may not conduct or sponsor an information
collection, and a person is not required to respond to a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid
OMB control number. The public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated at 36 minutes per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions and
completing and submitting the form. Send comments
regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this
collection of information, including suggestions for reducing
this burden to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services,
Regulatory Products Division, Office of the Executive
Secretariat, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC
20529-2020; OMB No 1615-0056. Form expires January 31,
2012. Do not mail your completed Form N-470 to this
address.

Form N-470 Instructions (Rev. 08/22/11) N Page 6