Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone — and it all starts with getting your documents in order. Before you file Form N-400, it’s important to know exactly what supporting documents USCIS expects based on your individual situation.
Whether you’re applying based on five years as a green card holder or through marriage to a U.S. citizen, this guide walks you through what to submit with your naturalization application — and what to bring to your interview.
You don’t need every document to get started today. Begin your application, gather your records as you go, and confidently take the next step toward U.S. citizenship. Not sure if you qualify?
As of 2026, USCIS accepts Form N-400 edition dated 01/20/25. Always confirm you are using the latest edition of the form before filing your application.
Documents to Submit with Your N-400 Application
Becoming a U.S. citizen starts with submitting the right documents. Before you file Form N-400, make sure you gather all required records that prove your eligibility — based on your immigration history, marital status, and personal circumstances. The checklist below gives you a quick overview of what’s needed, followed by a detailed breakdown to help you prepare with confidence.
N-400 Required Documents at a Glance
Use this checklist to understand which documents should be submitted with your Form N-400 application. The exact documents required may vary depending on your immigration history, marital status, travel history, and personal circumstances.
| Document | Who Must Submit | Supporting Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of Green Card (front and back) | All applicants | Submit a copy of your Permanent Resident Card, even if expired. Include extension proof if available. |
| Filing Fee Payment | Most applicants | Pay using an approved USCIS payment method for online or paper filing. |
| Reduced Fee Request (Part 10 of Form N-400) | Eligible low-income applicants | Complete Part 10 of Form N-400 and include income documentation. |
| Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request) | Applicants requesting a full fee waiver | Include proof of financial hardship or qualifying public benefits. |
| Marriage Certificate | Applicants applying through marriage | Required to prove current marital relationship. |
| Divorce, Annulment, or Death Certificates | Previously married applicants | Required for all prior marriages of both spouses. |
| Proof of Spouse’s U.S. Citizenship | Marriage-based applicants | Examples include U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. |
| Evidence of Bona Fide Marriage | Marriage-based applicants | Examples include joint tax returns, leases, bank accounts, or children’s birth certificates. |
| Two Passport-Style Photos | Applicants filing from outside the U.S. | Photos must meet USCIS passport photo requirements. |
| Form N-426 | Military applicants | Required for applicants applying through qualifying military service. |
| Form N-648 | Applicants requesting disability exceptions | Must be completed by a licensed medical professional. |
| Legal Name Change Documents | Applicants whose name differs from green card | Include marriage certificate, court order, divorce decree, or adoption documents. |
| Form G-28 | Applicants using an attorney or accredited representative | Authorizes representation before USCIS. |
| Proof of Selective Service Registration | Certain male applicants | Required for males who lived in the U.S. between ages 18 and 26. |
| IRS Tax Transcripts | Applicants with tax concerns or marriage-based cases | Helps establish tax compliance and continuous residence. |
| Proof of Child or Spousal Support Payments | Applicants with dependents not living with them | Include court orders, receipts, or payment records. |
| Court and Arrest Records | Applicants with criminal history | Required even if records were sealed, dismissed, or expunged. |
| Certified English Translations | Applicants submitting foreign-language documents | All foreign-language documents must include certified English translations. |
Detailed Breakdown of Required Documents
Proof of Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) Holder Status
Important 2026 Update: USCIS now automatically extends the validity of Permanent Resident Cards for up to 24 months for applicants who properly file Form N-400. Because of this automatic extension, many applicants may not need to file Form I-90 while their naturalization application is pending.
Submit a copy of your Permanent Resident Card, even if it has expired. If your card is expired, include proof of renewal or extension if available.
Check how to renew your green card by filing Form I-90.
Complete Application Package Fee
Current USCIS fees for N-400 are:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online filing | $710 |
| Paper filing | $760 |
| Reduced fee | $380 |
| Fee waiver | $0 (if approved) |
The Form N-400 filing fee already includes biometrics services, if required. USCIS no longer charges a separate biometrics fee for most applicants.
You can pay by:
- Credit, debit, or prepaid card by completing Form G-1450
- Direct payment from a U.S. bank account by completing Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions.
Important Note: Money orders, personal or business checks, and cashier’s checks are generally no longer accepted unless you qualify for a USCIS exemption.
USCIS filing fees vary, so always check the current rates before submitting. And there are no extra charges for credit card payments.
Benefits of Filing Form N-400 Online
USCIS encourages eligible applicants to file Form N-400 online whenever possible. Online filing is typically less expensive than paper filing and allows applicants to:
- Track case status in real time
- Upload supporting documents electronically
- Receive USCIS notices faster
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) online
- Update contact information through their USCIS account
Applicants who file online can also avoid delays caused by mailing issues or incomplete paper submissions.
Fee Waiver or Reduction Requests
If you can’t afford the full filing fee, you have two options:
- Applicants requesting a reduced fee must complete Part 10 of Form N-400 and submit supporting income documentation. USCIS currently allows reduced fees for households earning between 150% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Form I-912 fee waiver – for applicants requesting a full waiver due to low income, public benefits, or financial hardship.
Make sure to include proper documentation (like tax returns or benefit approval letters) to support your request.
Proof of Current Marital Status
If you’re currently or previously married, include copies of:
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce or annulment decrees
- Death certificates (if your spouse has passed)
These documents help USCIS confirm your marital history and eligibility, especially for marriage-based naturalization.
Passport-Style Photos (If Abroad)
Applicants filing from outside the United States must include two identical 2×2 inch passport-style photos with a white background. Photos must meet official U.S. passport photo standards.
Form N-426 – Military Service Certification
If you are applying for citizenship based on qualifying military or naval service, include Form N-426. It must be certified by your commanding officer or the appropriate military office. Check our Citizenship through military guide for more details.
Form N-648 – Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
If a medical disability prevents you from taking the English or civics test, your doctor must complete and sign Form N-648. This must be submitted with your application, not at the interview.
Legal Name Change Documentation
Has your name changed due to marriage, divorce, court order, or adoption? Include official documents such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court-issued name change order
- Adoption records
Your documents must clearly link your current legal name to the name on your green card. Here’s how to change your name on USCIS documents.
Form G-28 – Attorney or Accredited Representative
If an attorney or accredited representative is helping you with your application or interview, submit Form G-28. This authorizes them to communicate with USCIS and appear on your behalf. Learn more about consulting an immigration attorney for your naturalization process.
Don’t Wait to Start
Even if you’re still gathering documents, you can begin your naturalization journey today. ImmigrationDirect’s step-by-step platform helps you complete Form N-400 accurately, with built-in document reminders and attorney review (optional).
Documents If Applying Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide a few extra documents beyond the standard N-400 checklist. These documents help USCIS confirm the legitimacy of your marriage and verify that you meet the 3-year residency and marital union requirements.
Even if your spouse recently became a citizen, you must still show that they have been a U.S. citizen for the entire 3-year period before you apply.
Proof of Your Previous Marriages Have Ended
If you or your spouse were previously married, you must include official documents that show how those marriages ended. These could be:
- Divorce decrees
- Annulment certificates
- Death certificates (if a prior spouse passed away)
Tip: Submit certified copies or official translations if the documents are in a foreign language.
Proof Your Spouse Has Been a U.S. Citizen for 3 Years
To qualify for the 3-year naturalization track, your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for at least three years before you file Form N-400 — and still be a citizen when you apply.
Accepted proof includes:
- U.S. birth certificate (if they were born in the U.S.)
- Valid U.S. passport (copy of the bio and signature pages)
- Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
- Form FS-240 (Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. Citizen)
Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage (3-Year Marital Union)
You must also show that you and your spouse have been living together in a genuine marital relationship for the last three years. USCIS wants to confirm the marriage is real and ongoing.
Examples of acceptable documents:
- Joint bank account statements or credit cards
- Leases or mortgage documents with both names
- Birth certificates of children born into the marriage
- IRS-certified joint tax returns or tax return transcripts for the past 3 years
Tip: The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case will be.
Why These Documents Matter
When applying through marriage, USCIS reviews not just your immigration history — but also the stability and legitimacy of your relationship. Missing or unclear documentation can trigger delays, a request for more evidence (RFE), or even denial.
Ready to Apply?
If you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years and meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for early naturalization. Gather these documents and submit them with your N-400 to fast-track your path to U.S. citizenship.
Additional Required Documents Based on Your Situation
Every naturalization journey is unique. While most applicants submit the same basic documents, certain life circumstances may require you to provide additional records. These documents help USCIS evaluate your complete history and determine your eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Whether you’ve spent time outside the U.S., support dependents, or have had law enforcement contact, use this guide to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Foreign Language Documents and Certified Translations
Any document submitted to USCIS in a foreign language must include a complete English translation. The translator must certify that:
- The translation is complete and accurate
- They are competent to translate from the foreign language into English
USCIS may reject documents that are incomplete, unofficially translated, or missing certification statements.
Extended Trips Outside the U.S.
If you’ve spent 6 months or more abroad during a single trip since getting your green card, USCIS may question whether you abandoned your permanent resident status. You’ll need to prove you kept strong ties to the U.S.
Include copies of:
- Passport pages with entry and exit stamps
- IRS tax return transcripts for the past 3 or 5 years
- Mortgage or rent receipts
- Letters from your U.S. employer confirming employment during travel
Financial Support for Dependents
If you list children or other dependents on your N-400 who don’t live with you, USCIS expects you to show proof of your financial responsibility.
Accepted documents:
- Court orders for child or spousal support
- Cancelled checks, bank transfers, or money order receipts
- Wage garnishment notices
- A signed statement from the custodial parent confirming receipt of support
Tip: Include documents for all dependents — not just children, but also ex-spouses if required.
Proof of Parental Relationship
If you’re claiming children or dependents on your application, you must prove you have a legal relationship with them.
Include:
- Birth certificates (listing you as a parent)
- Adoption papers
- Court-issued custody or guardianship orders
Selective Service Registration (Males 18–26)
If you lived in the U.S. as a male between the ages of 18 and 26 (regardless of immigration status), you were legally required to register for Selective Service.
Provide:
- Proof of registration from Selective Service Verification
- Or, if you didn’t register:
- A Status Information Letter
- A signed personal affidavit explaining why you didn’t register
Note: Applicants applying under the 3-year marriage-based naturalization rule may have different Selective Service considerations than applicants filing under the standard 5-year rule. USCIS reviews each case individually based on age, residency history, and eligibility category.
IRS Tax Records or Overdue Payments
USCIS expects you to be current on your federal, state, and local taxes. If you haven’t filed returns or owe back taxes, show that you’ve taken steps to fix it.
Submit:
- IRS letters related to missed filings
- Signed agreements from the IRS or your state tax agency
- Proof of payments made toward outstanding balances
Law Enforcement or Criminal History
You must report all arrests, charges, and convictions, even if they were dismissed or sealed. Failing to do so could lead to denial.
| Scenario | Required Documents |
| Arrested but not charged | Arrest report + court statement that no charges were filed |
| Charged and prosecuted | Arrest record + court disposition |
| Conviction vacated, expunged, or sealed | Court order showing the conviction was removed or sealed |
| Alternative sentencing (rehab, diversion, probation) | Sentencing documents + proof of completion |
Naturalization Interview Document Checklist
Once USCIS processes your N-400 and determines that you’re likely eligible for citizenship, they’ll schedule your naturalization interview. This is a critical step — during the interview, a USCIS officer will confirm your information, ask questions about your application, test your English and civics knowledge, and verify your eligibility in person.
While many documents are submitted earlier with your application, you’ll need to bring original documents and updated records to your interview — especially if anything has changed since you filed.
Haven’t filed yet? Start here: How to File Form N-400 for U.S. Citizenship.
What to Bring to Your Naturalization Interview
Use this checklist to avoid delays or rescheduling. Many of these documents were submitted earlier as copies — but now, USCIS needs to see the originals:
| Document | Why It’s Needed |
| Green card (original) | Verifies your lawful permanent resident status |
| Government-issued photo ID | Confirms your identity and state residency |
| USCIS interview appointment notice | Required for entry to the field office |
| Valid passport(s) | Helps confirm your travel history and time spent abroad |
| Marriage certificate(s) | Required for marriage-based naturalization |
| Divorce or death certificates (if applicable) | Proves that previous marriages were legally ended |
| IRS tax return transcripts | Verifies your financial responsibility, especially in marriage-based applications |
| Proof of Selective Service registration | Required for males aged 18–26; obtain it at sss.gov |
| Child/spousal support documentation | Shows you’ve met your legal obligations to dependents |
| Certified court records (if any legal issues) | Needed for arrests, charges, convictions—even if sealed or dismissed |
| N-648 Medical Waiver (if applicable) | If you’re seeking an exemption from the English or civics test |
| G-1256 Interpreter Declaration | Required if you bring an interpreter to your interview |
Related: Responding to a USCIS Request for Evidence (RFE)
How This Differs From Your Initial Submission
Even if you uploaded copies online or mailed photocopies with your application, USCIS officers may still request to inspect the original documents during your naturalization interview. Bringing complete original records can help avoid delays or additional evidence requests.
- Marital status
- Address
- Employment
- Travel outside the U.S.
- Legal status of dependents or financial support
Tip: If anything in your life has changed since you filed Form N-400, bring proof of that change with you.
Why Interview Prep Matters
Missing key documents at your interview can lead to delays, a rescheduled appointment, or even denial of your application. Bringing complete and updated paperwork shows that you’re organized, truthful, and ready to become a U.S. citizen.
Also Read: What to Expect at Your Citizenship Interview
FAQs About Documents Required for N-400
1. Can I File Form N-400 With an Expired Green Card?
Yes. Many applicants can still file Form N-400 even if their Permanent Resident Card has expired. USCIS now automatically extends green card validity for eligible naturalization applicants after properly filing Form N-400. However, applicants should still keep proof of their lawful permanent resident status and any extension notices received from USCIS.
2. Do I Need Tax Transcripts for Form N-400?
USCIS commonly requests IRS tax return transcripts during the naturalization process, especially for applicants filing under the 3-year marriage-based rule or applicants with extended trips outside the United States. Tax records help demonstrate continuous residence, good moral character, and compliance with federal tax obligations.
3. Can I Upload Supporting Documents Online for N-400?
Yes. Applicants filing Form N-400 online through a USCIS account can upload supporting documents electronically. This allows applicants to submit evidence faster, respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and track their application progress online.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Confident
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone — and it all starts with being fully prepared. By gathering the right documents now, you can avoid delays, reduce stress, and move through the naturalization process with confidence.
Whether you’re applying through marriage, have special circumstances, or simply want to make sure nothing is missed, this guide helps you stay one step ahead. Learn more about the N-400 timeline in our guide.
If you’re unsure where to begin or need help reviewing your documents, expert support is available every step of the way. Your journey to citizenship starts now — and you don’t have to do it alone.
