Application for Naturalization (2023)

Naturalization is the process to become a U.S. citizen if you were born outside of the United States. If you meet certain requirements, you may become a U.S. citizen either at birth or after birth. Use this form to apply for U.S. citizenship.Check your eligibility.

File Online

Application for Naturalization (1)

Check Naturalization Eligibility

In the video below, you can learn how to use your online account to check your eligibility for naturalization, complete the online form, upload evidence, and pay your fee. You’ll also learn how to track and manage your case after filing. To review specific chapters, please see ourHow to File Your Application for Naturalization Online Videopage.

What This Form Can Help You Do

Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization

(Video) Apply for Citizenship Online: How to File Your Application for Naturalization Online

Form Details

Forms and Document Downloads

Form N-400: Use with Adobe Reader (PDF, 1 MB)

Instructions for Form N-400 (PDF, 380.34 KB)

Document Checklist, Current Fees, Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet (PDF, 495.23 KB)

Naturalization Requirements Information (PDF, 627.04 KB)

(Video) N-400 Application For Naturalization | How To File Online

Edition Date

09/17/19. E. We will also accept the 09/17/19 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it in, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same edition of the form. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different edition of the form, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions.

Where to File

You generally have two options for filing your Form N-400 with USCIS:

  • Online;or
  • By mail (paper).

Filing Your Form N-400 Online

You must create a USCIS online account tofile your Form N-400 online. Having an online account will also allow you to:

  • Pay your filing fee online;
  • Check the status of your case;
  • Receive notifications and case updates;
  • View personalized case completion date estimates;
  • Respond to requests for evidence; and
  • Manage your contact information, including updating your address.

Attorneys and Accredited Representatives: You can also create an online account, which will allow you to manage all of your clients’ applications in one place.

Filing Your Form N-400 by Mail

If you submit Form N-400 on paper, we will mail you a USCIS Account Acceptance Notice with instructions on how to create an online account to track and manage your case. We will process your application even if you do not create an online account, but we encourage you to create and access your online account. We will continue to mail you copies of notifications about your case. Please check our Direct Filing Addresses for Form N-400 page for information on where to mail your application. Applications that are not submitted to the appropriate direct filing address may experience processing delays.

When to File

(Video) 2023 USCIS Official Civics Test Questions & Answers, U.S. Citizenship (One Easy Answer) Random, 10

You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your continuous residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a:

  • Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or
  • Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.

Please see our USCIS Early Filing Calculator page for additional information.

Filing Fee

$640.

(Add the $85 biometric fee for a total of $725, where applicable. See exceptions below.)

If you file your Form N-400 online, you may pay your fee online.

If you file your Form N-400 by mail (paper), you may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check or payby credit card usingForm G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.

Pay each filing fee separately. We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests, which requires us to use multiple systems to process your package. Because of this, you must pay each filing fee separately for any form you submit. We may reject your entire package if you submit a single, combined payment for multiple forms.

Exceptions:

  • Applicants 75 years of age or older do not need to pay a biometric fee. They only need to pay the $640 filing fee.
  • No filing fee or biometric services fee is required for military applicants filing under section 328 or 329 of the INA.

Checklist of Required Initial Evidence (for informational purposes only)

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form N-400. It is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate from the foreign language to English.

Did you provide the following?

  • A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (commonly called a Green Card);
  • A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable);
  • Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if you are applying for naturalization based on military service);
  • DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or discharge orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and are separated from service);
  • A copy of your official military orders (if you are applying for naturalization based on military service and are currently serving);
  • Evidence of your citizen spouse’s employment abroad (if applying under INA 319(b)); and
  • Two passport-style photographs (if you reside outside the United States).

Form Filing Tips

(Video) US Citizenship Interview 2023. TOP Most Asked N-400 Vocabulary Definitions -Naturalization Interview

Filing Tips:Go to ourTips for Filing Forms by Mailpage for information on how to help ensure we will accept your application.

Don’t forget to sign your form.We will reject any unsigned form.

Special Instructions

  • ReadA Guide to Naturalization(Form M-476) carefully before filing this form. The Form N-400 Instructions often refer to information in the guide, and it provides important information about U.S. citizenship eligibility requirements and processing procedures.
  • Biometrics: Applicants who file Form N-400 must generally submit biometrics unless the requirement is waived. An applicant who is required to appear at an Application Support Center (ASC) to submit biometrics will receive a notice of their scheduled appointment. If we determine you are eligible for naturalization, we may use the photograph taken at the ASC on your Certificate of Naturalization. Therefore, we recommend that on the day of your ASC appointment, you dress in clothing that is acceptable for display on your Certificate of Naturalization. We will not reject a photograph based solely upon your desire to modify the photograph shown on your certificate.
  • Photographs: Based on processing needs, you may need to submit physical passport photographs after you have already filed your Form N-400. We will send you a request for physical photographs with instructions on how to submit them.
  • Attorney or accredited representative: You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized or accreditedrepresentative.Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, with your Form N-400. They may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.
  • Lost or Expiring Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): Effective Dec. 12, 2022, after you properly file Form N-400, you will receive a Form N-400 receipt notice that automatically extends your Green Card for 2 years from the “Card Expires” date on your Green Card. This notice will serve as proof that your Green Card, which is evidence of your lawful permanent resident status, has been extended. The notice should be presented together with your Green Card. If you lose your Green Card, you generally must still file Form I-90 even if you have applied for naturalization. If you have been issued a Form N-400 receipt notice that automatically extends the validity of your Green Card, but your notice has been destroyed or lost, then you generally must file Form I-90 to renew your expiring Green Card.

Biometrics for Service Members

We will review your application and conduct required background and security checks, which include you providing us with your fingerprints. This can be done in one of the following ways:

  • If you were fingerprinted for a previous immigration application, we will use these fingerprints, if available.
  • If you are stationed outside the United States, you may submit two properly completed FD-258 fingerprint cards and two passport-style photos taken by the military police or officials with the Department of Homeland Security at aU.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
  • You may also submit your fingerprints at an Application Support Center (ASC) before or after you file your Form N-400. Be sure to include your A-Number and show your unexpired military ID card or Delayed Entry Program ID card.

If you have case specific questions, you can contact theMilitary Help Lineat 877-CIS-4MIL (877-247-4645,TTY: 800-877-8339) ormilitaryinfo@uscis.dhs.gov.

E-Notification: If you want to receive an email and/or text message when we accept your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the first page of your application.

Related Links

Learn About Citizenship

  • Citizenship Resource Center
  • Citizenship and Naturalization
  • How Do I Apply for Citizenship? (PDF, 2.21 MB)
  • A Guide to Naturalization

Citizenship Tools and Resources

File Online

  • How to Create a USCIS Online Account
  • Tips for Filing Forms Online
  • Online Filing for Attorneys and Accredited Representatives

Paying with a Credit Card

  • Pay Your N-400 Application Fee with Your Credit Card
  • Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions

Prepare for the Interview and Test

  • The Naturalization Interview and Test
  • Study for the Test
  • Check for Test Updates
  • Citizenship Multilingual Resources

Filing Tips and Guidance

Policy and Guidance

  • USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization
  • Guidance: Group Processing Events

    Last Reviewed/Updated:

    (Video) 2023 US Citizenship Interview & Test ||N-400|| Naturalization Interview [applicant's experience]

    Videos

    1. How to apply for citizenship online step by step in 2021 (USCIS Form N400)
    (Trekking Pals)
    2. 30 MOST ASKED N400 VOCABULARY | 2023 N-400 Naturalization Interview
    (US Citizenship Test. Org)
    3. Form N-400 (2022) | Application for Naturalization | How to fill out the form | COMPLETE GUIDE
    (Licenciada de Inmigracion)
    4. N400 APPLICATION TIMELINE & REQUIREMENTS SUBMITTED 2022 *scheduled interview* #uscitizenship 🇺🇸
    (Simply Pinay in USA)
    5. Filling Out the APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION or USCIS Form N-400
    (Jean Andrews TV)
    6. 8 Steps to Become a US Citizen | How to Become a U.S. Citizen 2023. US Citizenship Naturalization
    (Ricky - US Citizenship Test & Interview)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Frankie Dare

    Last Updated: 01/29/2023

    Views: 5972

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Frankie Dare

    Birthday: 2000-01-27

    Address: Suite 313 45115 Caridad Freeway, Port Barabaraville, MS 66713

    Phone: +3769542039359

    Job: Sales Manager

    Hobby: Baton twirling, Stand-up comedy, Leather crafting, Rugby, tabletop games, Jigsaw puzzles, Air sports

    Introduction: My name is Frankie Dare, I am a funny, beautiful, proud, fair, pleasant, cheerful, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.