A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE NEW N-400 - A guide

Sep 19, 2026

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A step-by-step review explains how the updated U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), released April 1, 2024, differs from the prior version. The new edition shortens the application, removes or makes optional certain repetitive questions, and reorganizes sections across 16 parts. Guidance includes where to enter the A-number, how barcode usage affects completed pages, and key considerations for applicants and advocates evaluating online versus mail filing, including cost, notices, technology access, document uploads, and group processing.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of the new N-400

Changes to the form and instructions

Where to enter key information

A-number and page barcodes

Online filing vs. mail

Cost, notices, and access requirements

Payment methods and eligibility limits

Practical guidance for advocates

| | | A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE NEW N-400
By Cori Hash and Eric Cohen | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | On April 1, 2024, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) released anew version of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The new edition includes some welcome changes to the form, including a reduction in the length of the application from twenty pages to fourteen. It also removed or made optional some questions that were often repetitive or irrelevant for many applicants. For example, the new form only asks for details about the applicant’s former spouses if they are applying for naturalization based on their marriage to a U.S. citizen. The revised N-400 condenses many questions and spaces for responding. Also, many sections of the form have been moved and reorganized. Attorneys and advocates may need to reorganize or revise intake questionnaires, document lists, and instructions to conform to the new version of the N-400. USCIS also made substantial changes to the Form N-400 Instructions, which should be reviewed carefully prior to starting the form and will provide helpful information to guide you as you fill in the form. 1 The new version of Form N-400 is divided into 16 parts. Below is a review of the revised N-400 application, including information about what has changed and possible problem areas for some applicants. At the top of each page of the application, the applicant needs to write their Alien Registration Number, or A-Number.2 This helps USCIS in case the application pages are separated. The updated form once again includes a barcode at the bottom of each page, which had been left off the previous version. Weighing the pros v. cons of online filing USCIS has offered online filing of the N-400 for several years. However, with the release of the new fee schedule, USCIS is now creating extra incentive for applicants to file the N-400 online—a filing fee discount.3 USCIS will continue to accept applications by mail for those 1 For access to the most current form instructions, see USCIS, Instructions for Application for Naturalization (Apr. 1, 2024), [https://www.uscis.gov/n-400](https://www.uscis.gov/n-400) [hereinafter “USCIS, Naturalization Application Instructions”] . 2 If the applicant does not have an A-number, for example, because they are a U.S. national, such as those from American Samoa and Swains Island, the applicant should write in N/A in the A-number sections. 3 See G-1055, Fee Schedule, [https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055](https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055) . applicants who choose this option.4 Some applicants, including those submitting a fee waiver or reduced fee application with their N-400, are required to apply by mail. Advocates will need to weigh the benefits of online filing against the challenges it may present. Factors to consider when deciding whether to file online include: 1. Cost—Applicants who file online will pay a discounted filing fee, a savings of fifty dollars per applicant. They will also save the cost of postage required to submit it by mail. Applicants who do choose to file online may pay the filing fee by credit or debit card or provide their bank routing and account numbers to have money taken directlyfrom a U.S. bank account. If an applicant wishes to pay by check or money order, they will need to file by mail. 2. Issuance of Notices—While filing the N-400 application online does not change the overall processing times, it will allow applicants to have immediate access to a filing receipt. N-400 receipt notices automatically extend the validity of the applicant’s green card for twenty-four months. Applicants will also receive other USCIS notices about the status of their application more quickly through their online account. 3. Computer and Internet Access—Applicants who do want to file online must have access to a computer and the internet, as well as an email account. The applicant must first create an online account

FAQs

What major changes were introduced in the April 1, 2024 N-400 edition?

The new version reduces the application length, makes some previously repetitive questions optional or removes them, and condenses many questions and response spaces. It also reorganizes many sections across 16 parts and includes substantial changes to the instructions that should be reviewed before starting.

What should an applicant write at the top of each page of the N-400?

Applicants must write their Alien Registration Number (A-number) on each page. The guidance notes that if an applicant does not have an A-number, they should enter N/A in those sections.

How does online filing affect cost and access to notices?

Online filing provides a filing fee discount (including savings mentioned as fifty dollars per applicant) and can avoid postage costs. It also allows quicker access to a filing receipt, and receipt notices automatically extend the validity of the applicant’s green card for twenty-four months.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Jacob