Instructions for Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Table of Contents

Form N-400 Purpose

If you are applying for U.S. citizenship, you must complete Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, which consists of 18 different sections and 20 pages. Before applying for naturalization check whether you meet all the general eligibility requirements to become a U.S. citizen. Properly filling out this form is essential for a successful application to become a U.S. citizen. To help you complete Form N-400 correctly, we have provided step-by-step instructions and filing tips.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Form N-400, Citizenship Application

How do I fill out N-400?

Follow the below general and specific instructions to complete your application for naturalization successfully.

General Instructions for Form N-400

  • You should type or print answers in black ink.
  • Answer all the questions accurately which is applicable to you. Fill “N/A” if not applicable and “NONE” if zero.
  • If required an additional sheet to answer the question you can use it and attach along with the application. Mention your A-Number, Page Number, Part Number and Item Number in that particular sheet.
  • You need to complete your application properly without any mistakes and should be signed in the required places. Signature is most important part in the form.
  • Appropriate filing fee and biometrics fee should be attached.
  • Necessary supporting documents should be attached. (Check our guide for the N-400 document checklist)
  • USCIS may schedule biometrics appointment to capture your fingerprints, photograph and signature to verify your identity, conduct background verification.
  • You need to submit English document translations if you provide the information in foreign language.

Specific Instructions for Form N-400

In this section the form has 18 different parts as below:

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility
Part 2. Information About You
Part 3. Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities and/or Impairments
Part 4. Information to Contact You
Part 5. Information About Your Residence
Part 6. Information About Your Parents
Part 7. Biographic Information
Part 8. Information About Your Employment and Schools You Attended
Part 9. Time Outside the United States
Part 10. Information About Your Marital History
Part 11. Information About Your Children
Part 12. Additional Information About You
Part 13. Applicant’s Statement, Certification, and Signature
Part 14. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Part 15. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant
Part 16. Signature at Interview
Part 17. Renunciation of Foreign Titles
Part 18. Oath of Allegiance

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility

The first and most important part of the N-400 form is your citizenship eligibility. There are 5 category to select your eligibility and you need to select or tick only one option best fits you. Please remember you should not select two options for this question.

Part 2: Information About You

The second part of the form primarily focuses on providing basic details, including your name, social security number, USCIS online account number, gender, date of birth, the date you obtained permanent residency, country of birth, as well as your country of citizenship or nationality.

Furthermore, you can specify if you have any physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from taking the English language or civics test. In you select or use this option, you will also be required to fill out and submit Form N-648, which is the Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

Part 3: Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities and Impairments

You have the option to request USCIS to provide accommodations during your naturalization test based on your disability. For example, you may include a sign-language interpreter, wheelchair access, or any other necessary assistance to help you complete the exam, such as bringing a nursing aide or shortening the waiting time.

Part 4: Information to Contact You

This section is about the providing the contact information like mobile number, work number, and email address. Ensure you provide correct contact details, USCIS might call back or contact you with this information.

Part 5: Information About Your Residence

In this part you need to provide the current physical address, current mailing address and all the addresses which you live past five years time. USCIS will communicate the information about your submitted form through mail or notice.

Part 6: Information About Your Parents

In this part the information about your parents and their nationality is required. You can become a U.S. citizen automatically if any of your parents is a U.S. citizen. In that case, you no need to fill the N-400 form. If any one of your parents is not a U.S. citizen you can skip this entire part and move on.

Part 7: Biographic Information

Regarding biographic information, you will be required to provide details such as your race, ethnicity, height, weight, distinguishing features like moles or tattoos, as well as your eye and hair color. These details will help USCIS in conducting your background verification.

Part 8: Information About Your Employment and Schools You Attended

This part talks about your employment status and educational details in the last five years. You will also be asked to indicate any instances of unemployment, disability, or time spent caring for family members during this period. If you are unable to recollect all the information accurately, provide as much detail as possible.

Part 9: Time Outside the United States

In this section, you need to provide information about the number of days you have spent outside the country on an annual basis over the past five years. You need to specify the date you left and returned back to the U.S. with the countries you went. This helps determine if you have met the physical presence criteria to stay in the U.S. You will need to have spent a fixed number of days in the country every year, and any significant deviation from this may affect your eligibility for naturalization. Therefore, it is essential to provide accurate and complete information about the time you have spent outside the U.S.

Part 10: Information About Your Marital History

In this 10th part of your N-400 form, you will be required to provide information about your current spouse. Totally there are nine different questions about you and your spouse marital history. It is important to include details of your current marriage, as well as any previous marriages you or your current spouse may have had. Ensure that you provide complete and accurate information about your spouse to avoid any delays or complications in the naturalization process.

Part 11: Information About Your Children

In this part you need to provide the details of the total number of children, basic information like name and address of the children including:

  • children who are alive
  • missing or deceased
  • children born in the U.S. or in other countries
  • children under 18 years of age or older
  • children currently married or unmarried
  • children living with you or elsewhere
  • current stepchildren
  • legally adopted children
  • children born out of wedlock

Part 12: Additional Information About You

This part has fifty different questions to collect the additional information about you. All questions are related to determine your confirmation eligibility for citizenship. Answering “No” to any of these questions could result in your application being denied. If that is the case get our lawyer consultation to provide the best answer.

Part 13: Applicant’s Statement, Certification, and Signature

In this section, you have to sign a declaration that all the information provided is true and correct. Additionally, you should certify that you have read and understood the questions in the form and that the responses are complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

It is important for you to carefully review this section before signing, as providing false information or making misrepresentations on the form can result in serious consequences, including denial of citizenship and potential legal action.

Part 14: Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

This section is used to provide the interpreter’s contact information, certification, and signature. If you used an interpreter to fill out the N-400 form, then you must provide the interpreter’s full name, contact information, and any relevant identification or certification numbers.

The interpreter must also sign the form, certifying that they provided accurate interpretation of all questions and responses between the applicant and the interviewer. By signing, the interpreter also acknowledges that they understand the importance of their role in the application process and that they have provided the interpretation services to the best of their abilities.

Part 15: Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing This Application, if Other Than the Applicant

If anyone (like lawyer, paralegal, or other document preparer) helped you to fill out your N-400 form then you need to provide their name, and contact information. The preparer of the form should sign and declare that they did not give any false or misleading information while preparing the form.

Part 16: Signature at the Interview

Do not sign this section of the form while filling it out. You will need to sign this section during or after your citizenship interview is completed.

Part 17: Renunciation of Foreign Titles

This section should be left blank during the application process. It will be completed during the citizenship interview. Please note that if you currently hold a foreign title, such as “Princess” or “Duke,” you will be required to renounce it in order to become a U.S. citizen.

Part 18: Oath of Allegiance

You need not fill this section while filling the form. Oath of Allegiance will be filled during your interview.

Get Help Filling Out Your N-400 Form Today

Completing your N-400 Form correctly is a crucial step in the journey towards becoming a U.S. citizen. It is important to carefully read and follow the instructions provided in the form while filling. You must ensure that all the information provided is truthful, complete, and accurate to the best of your knowledge. If you need any help or lawyer consultation ImmigrationDirect can guide you and increase the chances of a successful naturalization application. To ensure successful completion, it is recommended to review the comprehensive N-400 instructions explained above.

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