USCIS Form N-400: Application for Naturalization

Edition date

01/20/25. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Where to file

You generally have 2 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 to file 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. Filing Form N- 400 with the required fee: You may file your Form N-400 online using your USCIS online account.

Attorneys and accredited representatives: You may create an online representative account, which will allow you to manage your clients’ applications in one place and file Form N-400 applications on behalf of your clients online. Reduced fee or fee waiver requests: If you are requesting a reduced fee or filing a fee waiver, you cannot file Form N-400 online.

You must file a paper Form N-400 along with the appropriate waiver request and required evidence.

When to file

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.

Filing fee

You can find the filing fee for Form N-400 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.

Initial evidence

Form N-400 Checklist of Required Documents Basis for Filing Documentation All applicants must provide (if applicable) LPR Card (Green Card): A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (also known as a Green Card) (both sides) Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions: If you have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment that prevents you from complying with the English language and/or civics requirements for naturalization, submit a completed Form N-648 to request an exception to the English language and/or civics tests. Marital Status: Provide current marriage certificate and any divorce decree, annulment decree, or death certificate showing that your prior marriages were terminated (if applicable).

Good Moral Character: Documentation of crimes and offenses: If You Have EVER: You Must Provide: Been arrested or detained for any reason anywhere in the world and NO CHARGES WERE FILED. An arrest report; and An official statement from the arresting agency or applicable court confirming that no charges were filed.

USCIS filing tips

You cannot file online if you are requesting a fee waiver or a reduced fee; you must file a paper Form N-400. If you are paying the full filing fee: Select “No” in Part 10, Item Number 1 Skip to Part 11 Submit $760 if filing by paper, or $710 if filing online If you are applying for a reduced fee: Select “Yes” in Part 10, Item Number 1 Complete the rest of Part 10 Submit $380 and documentation to support the reduced fee If you are applying for a fee waiver: You are not required to complete Part 10, Item Number 1.

Do not submit a fee, and instead submit a properly completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, or written request, and documentation to support the fee waiver request.

Special instructions

E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or a text message that we have accepted 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 form. Biometrics Biometrics: Applicants who file Form N-400 must generally submit biometrics unless we waive the requirement.

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 on 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.