How to File N-400
Form N-400 is the application for naturalization. Naturalization is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Before filing this form, the applicant must make sure they meet the citizenship application requirements. Generally, one must have been a U.S. permanent resident for at least five years and not have a criminal record to be eligible for citizenship.
Steps to file N-400
1. The applicant completes the Form N-400 Application for Naturalization.
2. The applicant collects documents and fee for the application package.
The filing fee is $595 USD. The applicant must include two identical passport-style color photographs and a copy of his/her permanent resident alien card with the application.
3. The applicant mails the N-400 application package to USCIS.
Pages 5 and 6 of the N-400 Application Instructions indicate where to submit the application, which will depend on the state of residence of the applicant and his/her military status.
4. Once they receive and process the citizenship application,
USCIS sends a Notice to Appear for the citizenship interview.
If the applicant cannot attend the interview, he/she must reschedule the interview by writing to the office where the interview is scheduled, as soon as possible. The applicant must specify the reason why he/she is unable to attend the interview and request a new date to be fixed. USCIS will fix a new date.
5. The applicant attends the citizenship interview and takes the citizenship test.
The citizenship test includes and English language component and a U.S. civics exam.
6. If the interview and test are successful, the oath ceremony follows, where the applicant takes the oath of allegiance to the U.S. and officially becomes a U.S. citizen.
USCIS notifies the applicant of the date and time of the oath ceremony, by mail. In some cases, USCIS may give the option to take the oath on the same day of the interview. Once the oath is taken, the applicant receives the Certificate of Naturalization (N-570) to prove U.S. citizenship.
