Form N-400, Instructions for Application for Naturalization

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Instructions for Application for Naturalization
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form N-400

OMB No. 1615-0052
Expires 02/28/2027

Table of Contents
Form N-400 Instructions

Page

What Is the Purpose of Form N-400?_____________________________________________________________ 2

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List of General Eligibility Requirements__________________________________________________________ 2
Early Filing __________________________________________________________________________________ 3
General Instructions for Filing Form N-400_______________________________________________________ 3
Disability Accommodations/Modifications_________________________________________________________ 5
How to Complete Form N-400___________________________________________________________________ 5
Specific Instructions by Item Number____________________________________________________________ 5
Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility______________________________________________________ 5
Part 2. Information About You (Person applying fornaturalization)_________________________________ 6
Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence_______________________________________________________ 7
Time as a Lawful Permanent Resident____________________________________________________________ 7
Conditional Permanent Residents_______________________________________________________________ 8
Naturalization Testing and Exceptions___________________________________________________________ 8
Legal Guardian, Surrogate, or Designated epresentative_____________________________________________ 9
Part 3. Biographic Information_______________________________________________________________ 9
Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race__________________________________________________ 9
Part 4. Information About Your Residence______________________________________________________ 10
Physical Address____________________________________________________________________________ 10
Mailing Address_____________________________________________________________________________ 11
Part 5. Information About Your Marital History_________________________________________________ 11
Eligibility and Evidence for the Spouse of a Member of the U.S. Armed Forces___________________________ 11
Eligibility Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen____________________________________________________ 12
Eligibility for the Spouse, Former Spouse, or Child of a U.S. Citizen under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)__ 13
Eligibility for the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Working for a Qualified Employer Outside the United States__________ 14
Part 6. Information About Your Children_______________________________________________________ 15
Part 7. Information About Your Employment and Schools You Attended_____________________________ 15
Part 8. Time Outside the United States_________________________________________________________ 16
Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements__________________________________________ 16
Preserving Residence Through Form N-470_______________________________________________________ 18

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3-Month Residency in a USCIS District or U.S. State________________________________________________ 18
Residence of Students_________________________________________________________________________ 18
Physical Presence___________________________________________________________________________ 18
Part 9. Additional Information About You______________________________________________________ 20
Good Moral Character_______________________________________________________________________ 20
Eligibility and Evidence for Current and Former Members of the U.S. Armed Forces______________________ 23
Oath of Allegiance___________________________________________________________________________ 25

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Part 10. Applicant’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature______________________________ 26
Part 11. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature_____________________________ 26
Part 12. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
The Applicant________________________________________________________________________ 26
Part 13. Additional Information_______________________________________________________________ 26
Part 14. Signature at Interview________________________________________________________________ 26
Part 15. Oath of Allegiance___________________________________________________________________ 26
Where to File?________________________________________________________________________________ 27
Address Change______________________________________________________________________________ 27
Processing Information________________________________________________________________________ 27
USCIS Forms and Information__________________________________________________________________ 28
Penalties_____________________________________________________________________________________ 28
USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring_______________________________________________________ 28
DHS Privacy Notice___________________________________________________________________________ 28
Paperwork Reduction Act______________________________________________________________________ 29

What Is the Purpose of Form N-400?
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is an application to become a naturalized U.S. citizen.

List of General Eligibility Requirements
In general, you may apply for naturalization when you meet all the requirements to become a U.S. citizen. The following
general eligibility requirements apply to most naturalization applicants (for more information about each of these
requirements and exceptions, see the Specific Instructions by Item Number below):
1. You are at least 18 years of age when you file;
2. You have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years;
3. You have demonstrated continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years;
4. 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;
5. You have demonstrated physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months (913 days);
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6. You demonstrate good moral character;
7. You demonstrate an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution;
8. 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
9. 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.
Also see the Naturalization Eligibility Tool, available at
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship-resource-center/learn-about-citizenship/naturalization-eligibility.

Early Filing

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If you are applying based on lawful permanent residence for 5 years, you may generally file your application up to 90 days
before meeting the required 5-year period of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident. If you are applying
based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen, you may generally file up to 90 days before meeting the required 3-year period
of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident.
However, applicants filing up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement must still meet all other
requirements for naturalization at the time of filing Form N-400. If these requirements are not met at the 90-day period,
the applicant must wait to file until the requirement is met, otherwise, the application will be rejected or denied. For
example:
1. If you are applying under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 319(a) as the spouse of a U.S. citizen,
you must have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years at the time you file Form N-400. See the Eligibility
Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen section in the Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 5., Item Numbers
5.a. - 5.b. section of these Instructions for information on applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen; or
2. If you request an exception to the English testing requirements, you must meet the requirements for the exception
(age and years as a lawful permanent resident) when you file Form N-400. See the Naturalization Testing and
Exceptions section in the Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 2., Item Number 11. of these Instructions for
more information about exceptions to the English testing requirements.
You can use the USCIS Early Filing Calculator to ensure that you file your Form N-400 no earlier than 90 days before you
complete the required period. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/early-filing-calculator. We will reject your
application if you submit it too early.

General Instructions for Filing Form N-400
We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete our forms, you should use the latest
version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/.
You can find additional helpful resources and free study materials for the English and civics requirements at
www.uscis.gov/citizenship.
Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your application. USCIS will not accept a stamped
or typewritten name in place of any signature on this application. If you are under 14 years of age, your mother, father
or legal guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian, surrogate, or designated representative may
sign for a person who is unable to understand or communicate an understanding of the Oath of Allegiance because of a
physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. If your application is not signed, or if the signature is not
valid, we will reject your application. See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A). If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and
determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS will deny the request.

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Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original, handwritten signature
as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
signature.
Filing Fee. See Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for specific information about the fees applicable to
this form.
Evidence. When you file your application, you must submit all evidence and supporting documents at the time of filing;
however, USCIS may accept evidence you provide at your interview. See each part of the Specific Instructions by Item
Number for the specific evidence required.

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Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require you to appear for an interview and provide biometrics
(fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature) at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct
background and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), before making a decision on your application or petition. If we determine that a biometric services
appointment is necessary, we will send you an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment.
If you are currently overseas, your notice will instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office
outside the United States to set up an appointment.
At your biometrics appointment, you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;

2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.

If you do not attend your biometric services appointment, we may deny your application.
Photograph Requirements for Applicants Residing Outside the United States

Certain applicants for naturalization may be eligible for naturalization even though they reside outside the United States,
including current members of the U.S. armed forces, their spouses, former members of the U.S. armed forces who served
during a designated period of hostilities, and spouses of U.S. citizens working for a qualified employer outside the United
States. If you are applying from outside the United States because you are in one of those categories, you must submit
two identical color passport-style photographs of yourself taken recently.
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 by 2 inches with a full face, frontal view. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8
inches from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, and eye height should measure between 1 1/8 and 1 3/8 inches
from the top of your eyes to the bottom of the photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear required
by your religious denomination. Using a pencil or felt pen to lightly print your name and A-Number (if any) on the back
of the photos.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct you to
submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. If we request an
original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after we
receive them.

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Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and
that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include the
translator’s signature, printed name, the signature date, and the translator’s contact information.
USCIS Contact Center. For additional information on the application and Instructions about where to file, change of
address, and other questions, visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or call 800-375-5283 (TTY
800-767-1833). The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish.
Disability Accommodations/Modifications. To request a disability accommodation/modification, follow the instructions
on your appointment notice or at www.uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.

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How To Complete Form N-400

1. Type or print legibly in black ink.

2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 14. Additional
Information. Type or print your name and A-Number (if any), at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number,
Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question that requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless
otherwise directed.
4. Avoid highlighting, crossing out, or typing or printing outside the area provided for a response. If you must make
substantial corrections to your Form N-400, USCIS recommends that you start a new Form N-400 rather than using
correction tape or fluid to correct the information. Our scanners may see through the white correction tape or fluid.
This may lead to incorrect information being captured in our systems, which may cause processing delays or a
rejection of your Form N-400.
5. Provide your A-Number (if any), on the top right corner of each page. Your A-Number is located on your Permanent
Resident Card (Green Card, formerly known as the Alien Registration Card). The A-Number on your card consists
of a seven- to nine-digit number, depending on when your record was created. If the A-Number on your card has
fewer than nine digits, place enough zeros before the first number to make a total of nine digits on Form N-400. For
example, type or print number A1234567 as A001234567 or type or print number A12345678 as A012345678. The
A-Number may be located on the front or back of your card, depending on when the card was issued.
6. Your application must be properly completed, signed, and filed. You must include all pages when you file Form
N-400, even if the pages are blank. A photocopy of the original application is acceptable as long as all signatures on
the application are handwritten. USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature.

Specific Instructions by Item Number
This application is divided into 15 parts.
Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility
Item Numbers 1.A. - 1.G. Select the box of naturalization eligibility that applies to you. Select only one box to identify
your eligibility. If you select more than one box or if you do not select any boxes, your Form N-400 may be delayed or
rejected.
1.A. General Provision. Select this box if you have been a lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States for at
least 5 years.
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1.B. Spouse of U.S. Citizen. Select this box if you seek to naturalize based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Generally, to qualify for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, you must have been a lawful permanent
resident for at least 3 years. For more information see Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 5., Item Numbers
5.a. - 5.b.
1.C. VAWA. Select this box if you are a person who obtained LPR status as the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen who was
subjected to battery or extreme cruelty and seek to naturalize under the spousal provision without having to live in marital
union for at least 3 years. For more information see Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 5., Item Numbers
5.a. - 5.b.
1.D. Spouse of U.S. Citizen in Qualified Employment Outside the United States. Select this box if you seek to
naturalize based on your U.S. citizen spouse working for a qualified employer outside the United States (INA section
319(b)). For more information see Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 5., Item Number 8.

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If your residential address is outside the United States and you are filing under this option, select the USCIS field office where
you would like to have your naturalization interview. You can find your USCIS district at www.uscis.gov/field-offices.
1.E. Military Service during Period of Hostilities. Select this box if you seek to naturalize based on honorable service
in active duty or in the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve of the U.S. armed forces during a designated period
of hostilities. If you were in the United States or certain other specified areas at the time of enlistment, reenlistment,
extension of enlistment, or induction, you may apply for naturalization without LPR status. See Eligibility and Evidence
for Current and Former Members of the U.S. Armed Forces in Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 9., Item
Numbers 23. - 29. for more information.
1.F. At Least One Year of Honorable Military Service at Any Time. Select this box if you seek to naturalize based on
at least 1 year of honorable service in the U.S. armed forces at any time. See Eligibility and Evidence for Current and
Former Members of the U.S. Armed Forces in Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 9., Item Numbers 23. - 29.
for more information.
Part 2. Information About You (Person applying for naturalization)

Item Number 1. Your Current Legal Name (do not provide a nickname). Your current legal name is the name on your
birth certificate unless it changed after birth by a marriage, divorce, or court order.
Required Evidence - Name Change

Provide documentation if your name changed - for example, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Item Number 2. Other Names You Have Used Since Birth. Provide all other names you have ever used, including
aliases, maiden name, family name at birth, assumed names, nicknames, and alternate spellings or variations of names.
Include any names used in previous immigration applications, petitions, or removal proceedings; any names provided
to immigration officers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and any
names used in any Federal, state, or local criminal arrests, citations, or proceedings. Include the first, middle, and last
name for each additional name used. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 13.
Additional Information.
Item Number 3. Name Change (Optional). A court can allow you to change your name when you naturalize. Any
name change you request on this application will not be final until you are naturalized by the court. If you want the court
to change your name at your naturalization ceremony, select “Yes” and provide the requested information to complete this
section. You do not need to request a name change if your legal name has already changed through marriage, divorce, or
other court order.
We cannot process name change requests for members of the military, or their spouses, who are seeking naturalization
outside of the United States.

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Item Number 4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). You will only have a USCIS Online Account Number
(OAN ) if you previously filed a form that has a receipt number that begins with IOE. If you filed the form online, you
can find your OAN in your account profile. If you mailed us the form, you can find your OAN at the top of the Account
Access Notice we sent you. If you do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE, you do not have an OAN. The
OAN is not the same as an A-Number.
Item Number 5. Sex. Indicate whether you are male or female as provided on your birth certificate issued at the time of
birth or issued closest to the time of birth or in secondary evidence you provided to USCIS, if applicable.
Item Number 6. Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy). In addition to providing your actual date of birth, include any other dates
of birth you have ever used, including dates used in connection with any legal names or non-legal names in the space
provided in Part 13. Additional Information. Provide your date of birth in this order: Month, Day, Year. Use eight
numbers to show your date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format. We will reject your Form N-400 if you do not provide
your date of birth.

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Item Number 7. Date You Became a Lawful Permanent Resident. If you are a lawful permanent resident, provide the
official date when your permanent residence began, as shown on your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, formerly
known as the Alien Registration Card). Provide the date in this order: Month, Day, Year. Use eight numbers to show
the date you became a lawful permanent resident in the mm/dd/yyyy format. We may reject your application if you are a
lawful permanent resident and do not provide the date you became a lawful permanent resident.
We need both your A-Number (USCIS Number) and your permanent resident date (if applicable) to process your
application. Where applicable, if you do not have this information, you should contact the USCIS Contact Center at
www.uscis.gov/contactcenter to obtain this information before you file your Form N-400.
Lawful Admission for Permanent Residence

In general, you must show that you have been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence in
accordance with all applicable provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) in effect at the time of your
admission or adjustment. This requirement applies to your initial admission as a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or
adjustment to LPR status, as well as all subsequent reentries into the United States.
In addition, you must show that you have not abandoned your LPR status. If you leave the United States and demonstrate
you no longer intend to reside in the United States, that is abandoning LPR status.
Time as a Lawful Permanent Resident
In general, you must be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years before applying for naturalization unless you are:
•

A U.S. noncitizen national (person born in American Samoa or Swains Island) (not required to be a lawful permanent
resident);

•

Applying for naturalization based on service in the U.S. armed forces (see the Specific Instructions by Item
Number, Part 9., Item Numbers 23. - 29. in these Instructions for more information);

•

Applying for naturalization based on being a spouse of a U.S. citizen (see the Specific Instructions by Item Number,
Part 5., Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.b. in these Instructions for more information), including the spouse of a U.S. citizen
in qualified employment outside the United States (see the Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 5., Item
Number 8. in these Instructions for more information); or

•

Applying for naturalization under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) based on being a spouse or child of a
U.S. citizen who battered you or subjected you to extreme cruelty (see the Specific Instructions by Item Number,
Part 5., Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.b. in these Instructions for more information).

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Conditional Permanent Residents
If you are a conditional permanent resident, you must file Form I-751, Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence,
or Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, within 90 days before your
conditional permanent resident status expires, unless you can establish good cause and extenuating circumstances for
failing to file Form I-751 or Form I-829 during that time period. In most cases, you must have an approved Form I-751 or
Form I-829 before we can approve your application for naturalization.
Military members applying under INA section 329 and certain spouses of U.S. citizens employed outside the United
States by qualified organizations under INA section 319(b) do not need an approved Form I-751 or Form I-829.

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Item Number 8. Country of Birth. Type or print the name of the country in which you were born. Use the name of the
country at the time of your birth, even if the name of the country has changed.
Item Number 9. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Type or print the current name of the country of which you are
currently a citizen or national. If the country’s name has changed, type or print the current name of the country. If you are
stateless, type or print the name of the country, as it currently exists, where you were last a citizen or national. If you are a
citizen or national of more than one country, type or print the name of the foreign country that issued your last passport in
this Item Number. Provide information about additional countries of citizenship or nationality using Part 13. Additional
Information.
Item Number 11. Disability Exceptions to Testing. Select “Yes” if you are requesting an exception to the English
language test or civics test or both based on a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you
from complying with the English language or civics requirements for naturalization.
Naturalization Testing and Exceptions

Almost all applicants for naturalization must take a naturalization test to demonstrate that they are able to read, write,
speak, and understand English, and that they have a basic knowledge of civics (U.S. history and government). You do not
have to take the English reading, writing, speaking, and understanding test, and you can take the civics test in a language
of your choice if at the time you file your application:
•

You are 50 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years; or

•

You are age 55 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 15 years.

If you are 65 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you may take a
simplified version of the civics test. For additional information about the test, please visit www.uscis.gov/citizenship.
You may be eligible for an exception to the English language test or civics test or both if you have a physical or
developmental disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more. If you are
requesting a medical exception to the English language and civics tests, answer “Yes” to Part 2., Item Number 11.
in Form N-400 and submit a completed Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (available at
www.uscis.gov/N-648) with your Form N-400.
If you need an interpreter and you qualify for an exception to the English part of the test, you must bring an interpreter
to the interview. For additional information on who may qualify as an interpreter, see Policy Manual Volume 12,
Citizenship and Naturalization, Part B, Naturalization Examination, Chapter 3, Naturalization Interview (available at
www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-b-chapter-3).
Required Evidence - Disability Exceptions
If you answer “Yes” to Part 2., Item Number 11., you must provide a completed Form N-648, Medical Certification
for Disability Exceptions (available at www.uscis.gov/N-648) when you file your Form N-400. Submitting Form
N-648 does not guarantee we will exempt you from the testing requirements.

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Legal Guardian, Surrogate, or Designated Representative
If you cannot undergo any part of the naturalization process because of a physical or developmental disability or
mental impairment, you may have a legal guardian, a surrogate, or an eligible designated representative complete the
naturalization process for you.
Required Evidence - Legal Guardian, Surrogate, or Designated Representative
1. Provide a court order authorizing the legal guardian or surrogate to exercise authority over the applicant’s
affairs. In the absence of a court ordered legal guardian or surrogate, an authorized designated representative
who is the primary custodial caregiver and who takes responsibility for the applicant can serve as the designated
representative. The family member must provide documentation to establish a familial relationship between the
applicant and the designated representative, as well as proof that the designated representative is the primary
custodial caregiver and takes responsibility for the applicant.

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2. If unable to take the Oath, you may provide a completed and signed Form N-648, Medical Certification for
Disability Exceptions. Alternatively, you may provide a written evaluation by an authorized medical professional.
Item Numbers 12.a. - 12.c. Social Security Update. If you want the Social Security Administration (SSA) to issue
you an original Social Security card or issue a replacement Social Security card and update your immigration status, then
answer “Yes” to both Item Numbers 12.a. and 12.c., which gives your consent for USCIS to provide your information to
the SSA. If you want a replacement card, you must enter the SSN from your card in Item Number 12.b. If you provide
your Consent for Disclosure in Item Number 12.c., then if USCIS approves your application and you take the Oath of
Allegiance, we will provide information from your application and USCIS systems, including your immigration status, to
the SSA. The SSA may assign you an SSN and issue you an original or replacement Social Security card. The SSA will
also update your immigration status to that of U.S. citizen after you take the Oath of Allegiance.
If you request a name change as part of Form N-400, USCIS will send your updated name to the SSA.
You are not required to request a Social Security card using this application. However, you must have a Social Security
Number (SSN) properly assigned in your name to work in the United States.
If your employer uses E-Verify to confirm new employees’ eligibility to legally work in the United States, the information
you provide on Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, will be compared to data in SSA and Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) databases. Employees must have an SSN in order for E-Verify to confirm their eligibility to
legally work in the United States. For information about privacy, see the Social Security Administration Privacy Act
Statement in the DHS Privacy Notice section of the Instructions.
Part 3. Biographic Information
Provide the biographic information requested in Item Numbers 1. - 6. of this part. Providing this information as part of
your application may reduce the time you spend at your USCIS ASC appointment as described in the Biometric Services
Appointment section of the General Instructions for Filing Form N-400.
Item Numbers 1. - 2. Ethnicity and Race. Select the boxes that best describe your ethnicity and race.
Categories and Definitions for Ethnicity and Race
1. Hispanic or Latino. A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture
or origin, regardless of race. (NOTE: This category is only included under Ethnicity in Part 3., Item Number 1.)
2. American Indian or Alaska Native. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South
America (including Central America), and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
3. Asian. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian
subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine
Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
4. Black or African American. A person having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa.
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5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii,
Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
6. White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
Item Number 3. Height. Select the values that best match your height in feet and inches. For example, if you are five
feet and nine inches, select “5” for feet and “09” for inches. Do not enter your height in meters or centimeters.
Item Number 4. Weight. Enter your weight in pounds. If you do not know your weight or need to enter a weight under
30 pounds or over 699 pounds, enter “000.” Do not enter your weight in kilograms.
Item Number 5. Eye Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your eyes.

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Item Number 6. Hair Color. Select the box that best describes the color of your hair.
Part 4. Information About Your Residence

Based in part on the information you provide in this Part 4. Information About Your Residence, Part 7. Information
About Your Employment and Schools You Attended, and Part 8. Time Outside the United States of Form N-400,
USCIS will determine whether you meet the requirements for continuous residence, physical presence, and 3-month
residency in a USCIS district or U.S. state.
In Part 4., list every location where you have lived during the last 5 years if you are filing based on general provision,
under Item Number 1.A. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility.
•

If you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, under Item Number 1.B. in Part 1. Information About Your
Eligibility, list every location where you have lived during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing as the spouse, former spouse, or child of a U.S. citizen under the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA), under Item Number 1.C. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility, list every location where you
have lived during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen in qualified employment outside the United States, under Item
Number 1.D. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility, you do not have to list every location where you have
lived, only the current location.

•

If you are filing based on military service during a period of hostilities, under Item Number 1.E. in Part 1.
Information About Your Eligibility, you do not have to list every location where you have lived, only the current
location.

•

If you are filing based on at least one year of honorable military service at any time, under Item Number 1.F. in Part
1. Information About Your Eligibility, list every location where you have lived during the last 5 years.

•

If you are filing based on another reason for filing not listed above, under Item Number 1.G. in Part 1. Information
About Your Eligibility, list every location where you have lived during the last 5 years.

Item Number 1. Physical Addresses
You must provide a physical address so that USCIS can schedule your biometric and interview appointments at the correct
location.
If you are currently homeless, you can indicate “homeless” in the Physical Address field; however, you will need to
provide the city or town, state, ZIP code, and province and country (if you live outside the United States) where you live.
You can then use Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to request notification by text or email
confirming receipt of your Form N-400.

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If you are a victim of domestic violence, you are not required to disclose the confidential address of a shelter or safe
house. If you are currently residing in a shelter or safe house or have resided in a shelter or safe house for part of the
reporting period, you may provide just the name of the city and state of residence for the shelter or safe house in Part 4.,
Item Number 1. If we need further clarification, we will ask at the interview.
Item Numbers 2. and 3. Mailing Address
If your mailing address is not the same as your current physical address or if you did not provide a complete physical
address, you must provide a current mailing address. We will use your mailing address to mail notices. If you do not
provide a current, complete, and valid mailing address, we may reject your Form N-400.
If you are residing in a shelter or safe house at the time of filing this application or you otherwise do not feel safe
providing your current mailing address, you may provide a “safe address” where you are able to receive mail in Part 4.,
Item Number 3. You may provide a post office box (P.O. Box) or the address of a friend, your attorney, a communitybased organization that is helping you, or any other address where you can safely and timely receive mail.

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If you reside outside of the United States, are applying under INA section 319(b), and you want us to collect your
biometrics in the United States, you must provide an address in the United States. We will send a letter to your U.S.
mailing address notifying you when and where to go for your biometric services appointment.
Part 5. Information About Your Marital History

See the Eligibility Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen section in the Specific Instructions section of these
Instructions.
Item Number 1. Current Marital Status. Select the box that best describes your marital status.

Item Number 2. Military Spouses. Select “Yes,” if your spouse is a current member of the U.S. armed forces or “No,”
if your spouse is not a current member of the U.S. armed forces.
Eligibility and Evidence for the Spouse of a Member of the U.S. Armed Forces

If you are the lawful permanent resident spouse of a member of the U.S. armed forces, you are authorized to accompany
the member and reside abroad with him or her on official orders, and you are residing outside the United States with
your spouse in marital union, you may be eligible to complete the entire naturalization process outside the United States.
Provide the following evidence:
1. Documentation you are authorized to accompany the member under his or her official orders; and
2. Documentation of his or her military service with the U.S. armed forces.
Item Number 3. Marriages. Your response should include your current marriage, any marriages before or during
your current marriage, marriages in the United States, marriages in other countries, annulled marriages, civil marriages,
and customary or religious marriages, whether or not the marriage was registered with a government. If you have been
married more than once to the same person, count each marriage separately. Type or print the number of times you have
been married.
Item Numbers 4.a. - 4.d. Enter the legal name, date of birth, date of marriage of your current spouse, and whether your
spouse’s physical address is the same as your physical address.

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Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.b. Enter when your current spouse became a U.S. citizen.
Eligibility Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
In addition to the general eligibility requirements listed above, you must meet certain requirements if you seek to
naturalize based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen. If you or your spouse were previously married, you must demonstrate
that all of your and your spouse’s previous marriages were lawfully terminated. Please see Part 5. Information About
Your Marital History of Form N-400 for what information we require about your marital history.
Generally, to qualify for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, you must meet these requirements at the time
you file your application:

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1. You must be legally married to a U.S. citizen who resides in the United States, and you must remain legally married to
the U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance;
2. You must have been living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse for at least 3 years;
3. Your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years; and

4. You must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years (see the Early Filing section of these Instructions
for additional information).
Required Evidence - Eligibility Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Provide a copy of the following if you are applying for naturalization based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen:
1. Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years at the time you file your Form N-400. For
example:
A. Your spouse’s U.S. birth certificate (if your spouse has held U.S. citizenship since birth);
B. Your spouse’s Certificate of Naturalization;
C. Your spouse’s Certificate of Citizenship;

D. Your spouse’s Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad; or
E. The biographical page of your spouse’s U.S. passport;

2. Current marriage certificate and any divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate showing that your and
your spouse’s prior marriages were terminated (if applicable); and
3. Evidence that you and your spouse have lived in marital union for at least 3 years before the time you file your
Form N-400. Some examples include:
A. Joint bank or credit card statements;
B. Leases or mortgages;
C. Birth certificates or adoption decrees (as applicable) for any children born or adopted during the marriage by
either spouse;
D. Insurance policies; and
E. IRS tax transcripts for you and your spouse for the past 3 years.

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Eligibility for the Spouse, Former Spouse, or Child of a U.S. Citizen under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Any person who obtained LPR status as the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen who subjected the person to battery or
extreme cruelty may naturalize under the spousal provision without having to live in marital union for at least 3 years. To
qualify you must:
1. Have obtained LPR status based on:
•

An approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (www.uscis.gov/i-360) as the selfpetitioning spouse, intended spouse, or child of an abusive U.S. citizen;

•

An approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (www.uscis.gov/i-360) as the selfpetitioning spouse, intended spouse, or child of an abusive LPR, if the abusive spouse naturalizes after the petition
has been approved;

•

Special rule cancellation of removal for abused spouses and children in cases where the applicant was the child,
spouse, or intended spouse of a U.S. citizen, who subjected him or her to battery or extreme cruelty;

•

An approved Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (www.uscis.gov/i-360) as the derivative
child of a self-petitioning spouse of a U.S. citizen who was battered or subjected to extreme cruelty by a U.S.
citizen spouse; or

•

An approved Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (www.uscis.gov/i-751), for a conditional permanent
resident, filed as a waiver of the joint filing requirement, if the marriage was entered into in good faith and the
spouse, intended spouse, or child was subjected to battery or extreme cruelty by the petitioning citizen spouse or
parent.

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2. Be at least 18 years of age;

3. Continuously reside in the United States for at least 3 years after obtaining lawful permanent residence;
4. Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months during the 3 years immediately before filing your
application;
5. Live in the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over your place of residence for at least 3 months before filing
your application; and
6. Demonstrate good moral character for at least 3 years before filing your application.

NOTE: Evidence of the spouse's U.S. citizenship, marriage to the U.S. citizen, divorce or separation, or marital union is
NOT required if you obtained LPR status as the spouse, former spouse, or intended spouse of a U.S. citizen who subjected
you to battery or extreme cruelty.
Item Number 7. Spouse’s Marriages. Your response should include your spouse’s current marriage, any marriages
before or during your spouse’s current marriage, marriages in the United States, marriages in other countries, annulled
marriages, civil marriages, and customary or religious marriages whether or not the marriage was registered with a
government.
Item Number 8. Current Spouse’s Current Employer or Company. Answer this question only if you are filing as a
spouse of a U.S. citizen in qualified employment outside the United States.

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Eligibility for the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Working for a Qualified Employer Outside the United States
In addition to some of the general eligibility requirements listed above, you must meet certain requirements if you seek
to naturalize based on your U.S. citizen spouse working for a qualified employer outside the United States (INA section
319(b)).
1. You must be legally married to a U.S. citizen who is working outside the United States for a qualified employer;
2. Your U.S. citizen spouse’s qualified employment outside the United States must be scheduled to last for at least 1 year
after the time you file Form N-400;

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3. You must be a lawful permanent resident when you file your application for naturalization;

4. You must declare in good faith an intention to reside in the United States immediately after your spouse’s qualified
employment outside the United States ends;
5. You must be present in the United States when you take the Oath of Allegiance; and

6. You must establish that you will join your U.S. citizen spouse within 30 to 45 days after you are naturalized.
If you meet these requirements, you are not required to show any prior residence or period of physical presence within
the United States or any state or USCIS district. You must be present in the United States at the time of your interview
and naturalization. In Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility of Form N-400, type or print the name of the USCIS
field office where you would like to have your naturalization interview or select a USCIS field office from the drop-down
menu. Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/field-offices to find a USCIS field office.
For a list of qualifying employers, see Item C. in Item Number 3. below.

Required Evidence - Eligibility for the Spouse of a U.S. Citizen Working for a Qualified Employer Outside the
United States
1. Evidence that your spouse is a U.S. citizen at the time you file your Form N-400. For examples, see Required
Evidence - Eligibility Based on Marriage to a U.S. Citizen in the Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part
5., Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.b. section of the Instructions.
2. Current marriage certificate and any divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate showing that your and
your spouse’s prior marriages were terminated (if applicable); and
3. Evidence demonstrating your U.S. citizen spouse’s qualified employment outside the United States. For example:
A. The employer’s name and nature of the employer’s business;
B. The nature of the work the U.S. citizen spouse is performing; and
C. Documentation to establish the employing entity is:
(1) The U.S. Government;
(2) An American institution of research recognized as such by the Attorney General (see www.uscis.gov/air);
(3) A public international organization in which the United States participates by treaty or statute;
(4) An American firm or corporation that is engaged in whole or in part in the development of U.S. foreign
trade and commerce; or
(5) A religious denomination or an interdenominational mission organization and your spouse is performing
the ministerial or priestly functions of the religious denomination or is serving as a missionary, brother,
nun, or sister for the religious denomination or interdenominational mission.
D. In addition, provide the following:
(1) If applicable, your U.S. citizen spouse’s travel orders which include your name;

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(2) Documentation to establish your spouse’s qualified employment outside the United States is scheduled to
last for at least 1 year from the date you file Form N-400; and
(3) A typed or printed statement of your intent to reside outside the United States with your spouse and to live
in the United States immediately after your spouse’s qualified employment outside the United States ends.
Part 6. Information About Your Children
Item Number 1. Indicate your total number of children under 18 years of age. You must indicate ALL children
under 18 years of age, including: children born in the United States or in other countries; children living with you or
elsewhere; current stepchildren; legally adopted children; missing children; and children born when you were not married,
when you were in a civil marriage (whether or not your son or daughter’s other parent was your spouse), or when you
were in a customary or religious marriage (whether or not your son or daughter’s other parent was your spouse).

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An applicant who willfully failed or refused to support his or her dependents during the statutory period, even if there is
no court-ordered child support, cannot establish good moral character (GMC) unless the applicant establishes extenuating
circumstances.
Required Evidence - Child and Spousal Support

Provide evidence that you have complied with any child and spousal support obligations. If you have dependent
children living apart from you, provide evidence that you support each dependent son or daughter and that you have
complied with any child support obligations. If a court has ordered you to provide financial support for a spouse,
former spouse, or children, provide the court or government order and evidence that you have complied with the
order. For example:
1. Cancelled checks or money order receipts;

2. A court or agency document showing child support payments;
3. Evidence of wage garnishments; or

4. A notarized letter from the parent or guardian who cares for your children.
Part 7. Information About Your Employment and Schools You Attended

In Parts 7. and 8., you will provide more information about your continuous residence and physical presence in the
United States for the required period.
In Part 7., list where you have worked or attended school full time or part time during the last 5 years in the table
provided if you are filing based on general provision, under Item Number 1.A. in Part 1. Information About Your
Eligibility.
•

If you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, under Item Number 1.B. in Part 1. Information About Your
Eligibility, list where you have worked or attended school full time or part time during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing as the spouse, former spouse, or child of a U.S. citizen under the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA), under Item Number 1.C. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility, list where you have worked or
attended school full time or part time during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen in qualified employment outside the United States, under Item
Number 1.D. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility, list where you have worked or attended school full
time or part time during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing based on military service during a period of hostilities, under Item Number 1.E. in Part 1.
Information About Your Eligibility list where you have worked or attended school full time or part time during the
last year.

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•

If you are filing based on at least one year of honorable military service at any time, under Item Number 1.F. in Part
1. Information About Your Eligibility, list where you have worked or attended school full time or part time during
the last 5 years.

•

If you are filing based on another reason for filing not listed above, under Item Number 1.G. in Part 1. Information
About Your Eligibility, list where you have worked or attended school full time or part time during the last 5 years.

Part 8. Time Outside the United States
In Part 8., list all the trips that you have taken outside the United States during the last 5 years if you are filing based on
general provision, under Item Number 1.A. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility.

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•

If you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, under Item Number 1.B. in Part 1. Information About Your
Eligibility, list all the trips that you have taken outside the United States during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing as the spouse, former spouse, or child of a U.S. citizen under the Violence Against Women Act
(VAWA), under Item Number 1.C. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility, list all the trips that you have
taken outside the United States during the last 3 years.

•

If you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. citizen in qualified employment outside the United States, under Item
Number 1.D. in Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility, you do not have to list any trips that you have taken
outside the United States.

•

If you are filing based on military service during a period of hostilities, under Item Number 1.E. in Part 1.
Information About Your Eligibility, you do not have to list any trips that you have taken outside the United States.

•

If you are filing based on at least one year of honorable military service at any time, under Item Number 1.F. in Part
1. Information About Your Eligibility, list all the trips that you have taken outside the United States during the last 5
years.

•

If you are filing based on another reason for filing not listed above, under Item Number 1.G. in Part 1. Information
About Your Eligibility, list all the trips that you have taken outside the United States during the last 5 years.

Continuous Residence

If you are required to demonstrate lawful permanent residence, you must establish that you did not break the continuity of
your residence in the United States. You can see what information we require about your travel in Part 8. Time Outside
the United States.
“Continuous residence” means that you have not been outside the United States for a long period of time. Generally:
1. If you are applying based on being a lawful permanent resident, the continuous residence requirement is at least 5
years; or
2. If you are applying based on being a spouse to a U.S. citizen, or if you are applying based on obtaining status as
a lawful permanent resident as the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen who battered you or subjected you to extreme
cruelty (INA section 319(a)), the continuous residence requirement is at least 3 years.
To establish continuous residence in the United States, you must demonstrate that you have maintained your residence in
the United States for the entire time within the 3- or 5-year period.
The USCIS officer will review your travel history and documents during your naturalization interview to determine if you
meet this requirement. You will not meet the continuous residence requirement if you left the United States, without our
approval, for a continuous period of 1 year or more during your required continuous residence period or after you filed
your Form N-400. (See the Preserving Continuous Residence table and the Preserving Residence Through Form
N-470 section below.)
If you were absent for more than 6 months but less than 1 year, you must demonstrate that you did not break the continuity
of your residence in the United States.

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Some factors indicating that you did not break the continuity of your residence are:
1. You did not terminate your employment in the United States or work while outside the United States;
2. Your immediate family remained in the United States during your absence; or
3. You retained full access to your home residence in the United States.
Residence in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on or after November 28, 2009, is considered
continuous residence within the United States for naturalization purposes.
Required Evidence - Continuous Residence

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If you have taken any trips outside the United States that lasted more than 6 months but less than 1 year, provide
evidence that you maintained your continuous residence in the United States. For example:
1. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax transcripts listing tax information relevant to your absence for the last 5 years
(or 3 years if you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen);
2. Rent or mortgage statements, or pay statements;

3. Bank, credit card, or loan statements showing regular transactions;
4. Proof of car registration and insurance;

5. Your passport showing entry and exit stamps; or

6. Any other document that shows that you maintained your residence in the United States.

The Preserving Continuous Residence table below lists some common circumstances under which you may be
eligible to count time residing outside the U.S. as residence in the United States for naturalization purposes.
Preserving Continuous Residence

Your Employer or Vocation

Continuous Residence Requirement

U.S. Government employee or contractor outside the
United States.

You may preserve your continuous residence by filing
Form N-470.

Employee or contractor of an American institution of
research.

You may preserve your continuous residence by filing
Form N-470.

Qualified American firm or corporation.

You may preserve your continuous residence by filing
Form N-470.

Employee of a public international organization of which
the United States is a member by a treaty or statute and
by which the applicant was not employed until after
becoming a lawful permanent resident.

You may preserve your continuous residence by filing
Form N-470.

Employee of a U.S. nonprofit organization that principally
promotes the interests of the United States outside the
United States through the communications media.

You are exempt from the continuous residence
requirement.

Interpreter, translator, or security-related position
(executive or manager) employed by or under contract
with the Chief of Mission (Department of State) or U.S.
armed forces.

Your entire period outside the United States may count as
continuous residence in the United States if you engaged
in qualifying employment for any portion of the period
outside the United States.

Employed in religious duties outside the United States.

The time you resided outside the United States in a
religious vocation may count as residence in the United
States if you file Form N-470 at any time before you file
the N-400, even after you return to the United States.

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NOTE: Approval and use of a Reentry Permit or Refugee Travel Document for extended absences does not preserve
continuous residence for naturalization purposes.
Preserving Residence Through Form N-470
If you were absent for 1 year or more during the period when continuous residence is required while working in qualified
employment outside the United States, you generally must have an approved Form N-470, Application to Preserve
Residence for Naturalization Purposes, to preserve your continuous residence. For additional information, see the Form
N-470 Instructions at www.uscis.gov/N-470.
3-Month Residency in a USCIS District or U.S. State
In general, you must have resided in the same USCIS district or the same U.S. state for at least 3 months before filing
Form N-400. Please refer to Part 4. Information About Your Residence of Form N-400 for what information we
require about your address history.

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You can find your USCIS district at www.uscis.gov/field-offices.
Residence of Students

Lawful permanent resident students who are eligible for naturalization may apply for naturalization either in the USCIS
district where they go to school or in the USCIS district where their parents live if they are still financially dependent on
their parents.
Physical Presence

Certain applicants must meet physical presence requirements in the United States. Physical presence refers to the number
of days you must be physically present in the United States during the period of continuous residence required before you
file Form N-400.
In general, you must have been physically present in the United States for a period or periods totaling at least half of the
required continuous residence period. We will count the day that you depart from the United States and the day you return
as days of physical presence within the United States for naturalization purposes.
The table below lists some common bases of eligibility for naturalization, and if applicable, how long a person eligible
under those provisions must have been present in the United States. Please refer to Part 8. Time Outside the United
States of Form N-400 regarding what information we require about your travel history.
Physical Presence Requirements

Basis of Eligibility for Naturalization

Physical Presence Requirements

You have been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years
(general provision).

30 months (913 days) during the past 5 years.

You are the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

18 months (548 days) during the past 3 years.

You were a member of the U.S. armed forces for at least
1 year, but did not serve during a designated period of
hostilities and separated from service more than 6 months
before applying for naturalization.

30 months (913 days) during the past 5 years.

NOTE: Time spent outside the United States in the U.S.
armed forces counts as time spent in the United States.

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Basis of Eligibility for Naturalization

Physical Presence Requirements

You are a U.S. Government employee or contractor
outside the United States.
NOTE: You are exempt from this requirement if you
have an approved Form N-470. You must have had 1 year
of uninterrupted physical presence before you filed Form
N-470.

30 months (913 days) during the past 5 years.

You are employed outside the United States in a religious
vocation.

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NOTE: Time outside the U.S. with an approved Form
N-470 counts as time in the United States. You must have
1 year of uninterrupted physical presence in the United
States before you file Form N-400.
You are employed by or under contract with the Chief of
Mission (Department of State) or the U.S. armed forces as
an interpreter, translator, or in a security-related position
(executive or manager).
NOTE: Your entire period outside the United States may
count as physical presence in the United States if you are
engaged in qualifying employment for any portion of the
period outside the United States.

30 months (913 days) during the past 5 years.

30 months (913 days) during the past 5 years.

You are a U.S. national.

NOTE: Time in American Samoa or Swains Island counts 30 months (913 days) during the past 5 years.
as time in the United States.
There is no physical presence requirement (and no requirement to file Form N-470) if you are applying as:
1. A currently serving member of the U.S. armed forces or a former service member who separated from service within 6
months of applying for naturalization;
2. A former service member who served in an active-duty status in the U.S. armed forces or as a member of the Selected
Reserve of the Ready Reserve during a designated period of hostilities;
3. The spouse of a U.S. citizen currently residing outside the United States, if your spouse is employed outside the U.S.
in a religious vocation or by the U.S. Government, an American institution of research, certain American firms or
corporations, or certain public international organizations; or
4. An employee of a U.S. nonprofit organization that principally promotes the interests of the United States outside the
United States through the communications media.
Required Evidence - Tax Transcripts
You should bring your IRS tax transcripts to your interview, especially if you have traveled outside the United States
for a period that lasted more than 6 months.

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Part 9. Additional Information About You
Your answers to the questions in this Part of Form N-400 will help to determine whether you meet the standards for good
moral character. Some of the questions in this Part also relate to national security, your attachment to the principles of the
U.S. Constitution, and other requirements for naturalization.

Good Moral Character
Good Moral Character (GMC) means character that measures up to the standards of average citizens of the community
in which the applicant resides. In general, an applicant must show that he or she has been and continue to be a person of
GMC during the required period (for example, 5 years if you are applying based on 5 years as a lawful permanent resident
or 3 years if you are applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen) prior to filing and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance.

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Item Numbers 1. - 2. You may not qualify for naturalization if you previously claimed you were a U.S. citizen or you
unlawfully voted in the United States in a Federal, state, or local election. However, voting in a local election will not
render an applicant ineligible for naturalization if the applicant was eligible to vote under the relevant law.
Item Numbers 3. - 4. If you have failed to pay taxes as required, we may determine that you lack good moral character.
See www.irs.gov to determine whether you were required to file a tax return.
Required Evidence - Taxes

Tax transcripts are not required for every case. If you have any Federal, state, or local taxes that are overdue, provide:
1. IRS tax transcripts for the past 5 years, or 3 years if filing for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S.
citizen;
2. A signed agreement from the IRS or state or local tax office showing you have filed a tax return and have arranged
to pay the taxes you owe; and
3. Documentation from the IRS or state or local tax office showing the current status of your repayment program.
NOTE: Go to www.irs.gov for information on how to obtain copies of your tax documents.

Item Numbers 5.a. - 5.b. Current or previous membership in certain organizations may indicate lack of good moral
character, unlawful admission, or lack of attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution or indicate that you are not
well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States. The term “world communism” means a revolutionary
movement, the purpose of which is to establish eventually a Communist totalitarian dictatorship in any or all the
countries of the world through the medium of an internationally coordinated Communist political movement. The term
“Communist Party” includes the organization now known as the Communist Party of the United States of America, the
Communist Party of any state or foreign state or subdivision thereof, and any unit or subdivision of any such organization
Item Numbers 15.a. - 16. Committing certain crimes may make you ineligible for naturalization. Report all offenses that
you have committed, including any offenses involving solicitation, domestic violence, or driving under the influence, any
offenses that have been expunged (removed from your record) or for which you received a pardon, and any offenses that
happened before you reached 18 years of age. If you do not tell us about these offenses, you may be denied naturalization
even if the original offense was not a crime for which we would deny your application.
We will not approve a naturalization application while you are on probation, on parole, or under a suspended sentence.
You should provide court evidence showing that your probation, parole, or suspended sentence has ended.
Crimes and Offenses Evidence
If any of the required records listed below are unavailable, provide original or certified confirmation that the record is
not available from the applicable law enforcement agency or court. Note that unless a traffic incident was alcohol or
drug related, led to an arrest, or seriously injured another person, you do not need to submit documentation of traffic
incidents.
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You may provide photocopies with your application. You must bring originals or court-certified copies to your
interview.
Crimes and Offenses Evidence
If You Have EVER:
Been arrested or detained for any reason anywhere in the
world and NO CHARGES WERE FILED.

You Must Provide:
1. An arrest report; and
2. An official statement from the arresting agency or
applicable court confirming that no charges were filed.

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Been convicted or placed in an alternative sentence
1. The sentencing record for each incident; and
program (such as diversion, deferred prosecution, withheld
2. Evidence that you completed your alternative
adjudication, deferred adjudication) or rehabilitative
sentencing or rehabilitative programs.
program (including a drug treatment or community service
program).
1. Documentation of all arrest reports, charging
documents, court dispositions, sentencing reports, and
any other relevant documents; and

Been arrested or detained for any reason anywhere in the
world and CHARGES WERE FILED.

2. Any additional evidence that you would like us to
consider concerning the circumstances of your arrests
or convictions.
NOTE: If you were sentenced to jail or prison or received
an alternative sentence or probation, you must also provide
evidence to show that you completed your period of jail,
prison, alternative sentence, or probation.

Been convicted or placed in an alternative sentence
1. The sentencing record for each incident; and
program (such as diversion, deferred prosecution, withheld
2. Evidence that you completed your alternative
adjudication, deferred adjudication) or rehabilitative
sentencing or rehabilitative programs.
program (including a drug treatment or community service
program).
Been convicted and sentenced (including if your sentence
was suspended, or you were placed on probation or
parole).

Had any arrest or conviction vacated, set aside, sealed,
expunged, or otherwise removed from your record, or
received a pardon.

1. The sentencing record for each incident; and
2. Evidence that you completed your sentence, such as
probation or parole records.
1. A motion to vacate and court order vacating, setting
aside, sealing, expunging, or otherwise removing the
arrest or conviction from your record;
2. An application or petition for a pardon and final
decision granting your application or petition for a
pardon; or
3. A statement from the court that no record exists of
your arrest or conviction.

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If You Have EVER:

You Must Provide:
Documentation of traffic incidents only if the incident:

Been in a traffic incident.

1. Involved alcohol or drugs;
2. Led to an arrest; or
3. Seriously injured another person.
1. Documentation of the order to pay a fine, restitution,
or garnish wages; and

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Been ordered to pay a fine, make restitution, or have your
wages garnished.

2. Documentation that you have paid the required sum or
evidence of current payment.

Item Numbers 20. - 21. If you were placed in removal, recission, or deportation proceedings or were removed or
deported from the United States, you must provide: Name, Port of Entry (POE) of removal, if you departed by plane or
land border, and reason for removal.
Item Numbers 22.a. - 22.c. Almost all persons born as male who are either U.S. citizens or immigrants and are between
18 and 26 years of age must register with the Selective Service System. You may visit www.sss.gov/register/immigrants/
for information on your registration.
If you refused to or knowingly and willfully did not register for the Selective Service when required, you may be unable to
establish an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, good moral character, and a willingness to bear arms on
behalf of the United States.
If you answer “No” to Item Number 22.b. and you are:
Under 26 years of age

26 years of age - 31 years of age (or 26 years of age - 29
years of age or above if you are applying based on being
the spouse of a U.S. citizen)
31 years of age or above (or 29 years of age or above
if you are applying based on being the spouse of a U.S.
citizen)

Then you:

Must register before you apply for naturalization, and then
answer Item Numbers 22.b. and 22.c.
Must explain why you did not register in Part 13.
Additional Information; and
Provide a status information letter from the Selective
Service.
Do not need to provide a statement explaining why you
did not register or a status information letter from the
Selective Service.

Required Evidence - Selective Service System
1. If you were required to, but did not register with the Selective Service System before you turned 26 years of age,
you must provide a status information letter from the Selective Service; and
2. A statement regarding your reasons for failing to register.
You may visit www.sss.gov/verify/sil/ for more information about a status information letter.
Item Numbers 23. - 29. Provide required information about your service in the U.S. armed forces. If you were
ever convicted of desertion from the U.S. armed forces during a time of war, you do not qualify for naturalization. If
you applied for and received an exemption or discharge from the U.S. armed forces because you did not have lawful
immigration status to serve in the military, you may not be eligible for naturalization.

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Eligibility and Evidence for Current and Former Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
Some applicants may qualify for naturalization based on current or previous military service. If you are or were a
member of the U.S. armed forces, certain naturalization requirements may not apply to you. See table below for specific
requirements based on the type of military basis for eligibility.
Military Basis for
Eligibility
INA section 328

Age

Lawful Permanent
Resident (LPR)
Status

Good Moral Character
Requirement

Continuous Residence and
Physical Presence

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•

At least 1 year of
honorable service
in the U.S. armed
forces at any time.

•

If separated, all
separations were
under honorable
conditions.

18
years of
age or
older

LPR at the time
of interview on
the naturalization
application.

5 years before filing the
application until the time
of your naturalization.

Exempt from physical
presence requirements if
still serving in the U.S.
armed forces or within 6
months of separation. Must
demonstrate continuous
residence during any
period when you were not
serving within the 5 years
immediately preceding the
date of filing.
If you file 6 months or more
after you separate from the
U.S. armed forces, you must
show 5 years of continuous
residence and 30 months
of physical presence in
the United States out of
the 5 years immediately
preceding the date of filing
the application.
Honorable military service
during the 5-year period
meets the continuous
residence and physical
presence requirements in the
United States.

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Military Basis for
Eligibility
INA section 329
•

•

Lawful Permanent
Resident (LPR)
Status

Age

Honorable service
in active duty or
in the Selected
Reserve of the
Ready Reserve
of the U.S. armed
forces during a
designated period of
hostilities.

Any
age

Either you are an
LPR or you were
physically present at
the time of enlistment,
reenlistment, extension
of service, or induction
into the U.S. armed
forces:

Good Moral Character
Requirement

Continuous Residence and
Physical Presence

1 year before filing the
application until the time
of your naturalization.

Exempt from the general
naturalization requirements
of continuous residence and
physical presence.

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If separated from
qualifying period of
service, separated
under honorable
conditions.

•

In the United
States or the Canal
Zone, American
Samoa, or Swains
Island; or

•

On board a public
vessel owned or
operated by the
United States for
noncommercial
service.

You are still required to comply with the English and civics requirements.

If you are a current member of the U.S. armed forces, you may be eligible to complete the entire naturalization process
outside the United States. Visit www.uscis.gov/military/naturalization-through-military-service for more information.
Designated Periods of Hostilities

September 1, 1939

-

December 31, 1946

June 25, 1950

-

July 1, 1955

February 28, 1961

-

October 15, 1978

August 2, 1990

-

April 11, 1991

September 11, 2001

-

Present

Required Evidence - Eligibility for Current and Former Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
1. All current members of the U.S. armed forces who are applying for naturalization based on their military service
must submit an original or a copy of a completed Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval
Service.
Visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/N-426 for more information about Form N-426.
2. If you are currently serving in an active-duty status, whether inside or outside the United States, you should
submit a photocopy (not the original) of your official military orders. Do not submit an original DD Form 214,
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
3. If you are currently separated from the U.S. armed forces and you are applying for naturalization based on your
military service, provide copies of your DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or other official discharge document for all
periods of service.
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For additional information on eligibility requirements visit www.uscis.gov/military. If you are a current or former
member of the U.S. armed forces or are a family member of a person in the U.S. armed forces, you may contact the Military
Help Line for information at 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645) or visit www.uscis.gov/military/military-help-line. Call
the Help Line if you are transferred to a new duty station after you file your Form N-400, including if you are deployed
outside the United States or to a vessel.
Item Numbers 30.a. - 30.b. Hereditary Titles and Orders of Nobility. Most people do not have a foreign hereditary
title or order of nobility. If you do have a hereditary title or order of nobility, the law requires you to renounce this title
as part of your naturalization ceremony to become a U.S. citizen. In Item Number 30.b. of Form N-400 you must affirm
you are ready to do so.

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Item Numbers 31. - 37. Answer questions about the Constitution, form of Government of the United States, and the Oath
of Allegiance to the United States.

Oath of Allegiance

If USCIS approves your application, you must take the Oath of Allegiance to become a U.S. citizen. In limited cases, you
may take a modified Oath.
Modification to the Oath

You may request a modification to portions of the Oath requiring you to bear arms on behalf of the United States or
perform noncombatant service in the U.S. armed forces if you have a religious or conscientious objection to those
portions. You may not request a modification to the portion of the Oath requiring you to perform work of national
importance under civilian direction. You may provide, but we do not require, an attestation from an organization, a
witness statement, or any other evidence to support your objection to bear arms or perform noncombatant service.
Affirmation

You may request to substitute the words “solemnly affirm” for the words “on oath” and omit “so help me God.” You may
request this affirmation instead of an Oath for any reason without documentation.
Oath Waiver

You may receive a waiver of the Oath of Allegiance if you are unable to understand or to communicate an understanding
of the meaning of the Oath because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment.
If you indicate that you are unable to take the Oath because of a physical or developmental disability or mental
impairment, see the Legal Guardian, Surrogate, or Designated Representative section in Specific Instructions by
Item Number, Part 2., Item Number 11. of these Instructions.
For additional information on the Oath of Allegiance, see Policy Manual Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part
J, Oath of Allegiance (available at www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-j).
Part 10. Applicant’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1. - 4. You must sign and date your application and, if applicable, provide your daytime telephone
number, mobile telephone number, and email address. If you cannot undergo any part of the naturalization process
because of a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment, you may have a legal guardian, a surrogate, or
an eligible designated representative sign the naturalization application for you. See the Legal Guardian, Surrogate, or
Designated Representative section in Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 2., Item Number 11. for additional
information. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.

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Part 11. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1. - 6. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to
you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section and sign and date the application.
Part 12. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
the Applicant
Item Numbers 1. - 6. The person who completed your application, if other than the applicant, must sign this section. If
the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, then that person should complete both Part 11. and Part
12. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.

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Part 13. Additional Information

Use this space to add information that could not fit in the space provided for answers to questions throughout the form.
Part 14. Signature at Interview

Do not complete this part. The USCIS officer will ask you to complete this part at your interview.
Part 15. Oath of Allegiance

Do not complete this part. The USCIS officer will ask you to complete this part at your interview.

See the Oath of Allegiance section in the Specific Instructions by Item Number, Part 9., Item Numbers 31. - 37.
section of these Instructions. Your signature in this part only indicates that you have no objections to taking the Oath of
Allegiance. It does not mean that you have taken the Oath or that you are naturalized. If USCIS approves your Form
N-400 for naturalization, you must attend a naturalization ceremony and take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States.
We recommend that you review your copy of your completed application before you go to your biometric
services appointment at a USCIS ASC. At your appointment, USCIS will allow you to complete the application
process only if you are able to confirm, under penalty of perjury, that all of the information in your application is
complete, true, and correct. If you are not able to make that attestation in good faith at that time, we will require you to
return for another appointment

Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/N-400 for the most current information about where to file this application.

Address Change
You must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous residence. For information on
changing your address, go to our website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange, or call the USCIS Contact Center.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox.
Current Members of the U.S. Armed Forces
Call the Military Help Line at 877-247-4645 if you are transferred to a new duty station after you file your Form N-400,
including if you are deployed outside the United States or to a vessel.

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Processing Information
USCIS will reject any Form N-400 that is not signed or accompanied by the correct filing fee. Form N-400 will
also be rejected if you use an incorrect payment method or pay more than you are required to pay. We may also
reject 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. If you do not provide a
complete and valid mailing address, USCIS may not be able to return the fee if your Form N-400 is rejected. If
we reject your Form N-400, we will return the application and any fees to you and notify you why the application
is considered deficient. You may correct the deficiency and refile Form N-400. An application is not considered
properly filed until USCIS accepts it.

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Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not properly
complete this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and we may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We will request that you appear for an interview based on your application. During your
interview, USCIS may require you to provide your biometrics to verify your identity and update background and security
checks.
Decision. The decision on Form N-400 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of our decision in writing.

USCIS Forms and Information

To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit www.uscis.gov.

Penalties

If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form N-400,
we will deny your application and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties
provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

USCIS Compliance Review and Monitoring
By signing this application, you have stated under penalty of perjury (28 U.S.C. section 1746) that all information and
documentation submitted with this application are complete, true, and correct. You also authorize the release of any
information from your records that USCIS may need to determine your eligibility for the immigration benefit you are
seeking and consent to USCIS verifying such information.
DHS has the authority to verify any information you submit to establish eligibility for the immigration benefit you are
seeking at any time. Our legal authority to verify this information is in INA sections 103, 316, 319, 325, 328, 329, 332,
335, and 336; and 8 CFR Parts 103, 316, 332, 335, and 336. To ensure compliance with applicable laws and authorities,
we may verify information before or after your case is decided.

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Agency verification methods may include, but are not limited to: reviewing public records and information; contacting
through written correspondence; using the internet, fax, other electronic transmission, or telephone; making unannounced
physical site inspections of residences and locations of employment; and interviewing people. USCIS will use the
information we obtain to assess your compliance with the laws and to determine your eligibility for an immigration
benefit.
Subject to the restrictions under 8 CFR 103.2(b)(16), USCIS will provide you with an opportunity to address any adverse
or derogatory information that may result from a compliance review, verification, or site visit before a decision is made
on your request. For a visit after your request is approved, USCIS will provide you with an opportunity to address any
adverse or derogatory information which may result in revocation or termination of an approval.

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DHS Privacy Notice

AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this application, and the associated evidence, under the INA sections
103, 316, 319, 325, 328, 329, 332, 334, 335, and 336.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you have
established eligibility for naturalization. DHS uses the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit
you are seeking. DHS may also use the information you provide to determine your eligibility for any public recognition
program at the discretion of the agency. For this purpose, your information will not be made public without your consent.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application and any additional requested
evidence with other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows
approved routine uses described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File,
Index, and National File Tracking System, DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System, and DHS/USCIS-018
Immigration Biometric and Background Check System and the Privacy Impact Assessments DHS/USCIS/PIA-003
Integrated Digitization Document Management Program, DHS/USCIS/PIA-056 USCIS Electronic Immigration System
(USCIS ELIS), and DHS/USCIS/PIA-071 myUSCIS Account Experience], which you can find at www.dhs.gov/privacy.
DHS may also share this information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
Social Security Administration Privacy Act Statement
SSA Privacy Act Statement Sections 205(c) and 702 of the Social Security Act authorizes SSA to collect information
to assign you an SSN and issue a Social Security card. The information you furnish on this application is voluntary.
However, failure to provide the requested information may prevent SSA from issuing you an SSN and Social Security
card. SSA will maintain the information used to assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card in SSA’s system
of records [Master Files of Social Security Number (SSN) Holders and SSN Applications, 60-0058]. Complete lists of
approved routine uses for the information used to assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card are available in
the System of Records Notice 60-0058, available at www.ssa.gov.
FBI Privacy Notice

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USCIS may use your biometrics to obtain the criminal history records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
for identity verification, to determine eligibility, to create immigration documents (for example, Permanent Resident
Card, Employment Authorization Document), or any purpose authorized by the Immigration and Nationality Act.
You may obtain a copy of your own FBI record using the procedures outlined at 28 CFR 16.30-16.34. For more
information, please visit: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/compact-council/guiding-principles-noncriminaljustice-applicants-privacy-rights. For information regarding how the FBI will use your fingerprints, please visit
https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/compact-council/privacy-act-statement.

Paperwork Reduction Act

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We may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and you are not required to respond to a collection of
information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 8.547 hours per response, including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing
statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated
to require 1 hour and 10 minutes. 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, Office of
Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs,
MD 20588-0009; OMB No. 1615-0052. Do not mail your completed Form N-400 to this address.

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