Form N-400 Application for U.S. Citizenship - Instructions for Naturalization Eligibility and Filing

Sep 19, 2026

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Instructions for completing USCIS Form N-400, the application for U.S. citizenship (naturalization). The text explains the form’s purpose, when applicants may file, and how eligibility depends on continuous residence requirements and time as a lawful permanent resident. It covers age-based English and civics testing rules, identifies who may file (including married residents and specific eligible groups), and lists common situations where a person may not need to file N-400. It also provides general and step-by-step completion guidance, including how to print answers and use an A-number.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages8

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

What Is the Purpose of This Form?

When Should I Use This Form?

Instructions

Who May File This Form?

Who May Not File This Form?

General Instructions

Step 1. Fill Out Form N-400

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1. Your Name

Read these instructions carefully to properly complete this form.If you need more space to complete an answer,use aseparate sheet of paper.Write your name and Alien Registration Number (USCIS A-Number),if any,at the top of each sheetof paper and indicate the part and number of the item to which the answer refers. ## What Is the Purpose of This Form? Form N-400 is an application for U.S.citizenship (naturalization).For more information about the naturalizationprocess and eligibility requirements,read A Guide toNaturalization(Form M-476).If you do not already have acopy of the Guide,you can get a copy from: 1.USCIS Web site(www.uscis.gov); 2.USCIS toll-free forms line at 1-800-870-3676;or 3.USCIS National Customer Service Center(NCSC)at1-800-375-5283(TTY:1-800-767-1833). ## When Should IUse This Form? You may apply for naturalization when you meet all therequirements to become a U.S.citizen.The section of theGuide called 'Who is Eligible for Naturalization"and theEligibility Worksheet found in the back of the Guide are toolsto help you determine whether you are eligible to apply fornaturalization.You should complete the worksheet beforefilling out Form N-400. If you are applying based on five years as a lawful permanentresident or based on three years as a lawful permanent residentmarried to a U.S.citizen,you may apply for naturalization upto 90 days before you meet the "continuous residence"requirement.You must meet all other requirements at the timethat you file your application with USCIS. Certain applicants have different English and civics testingrequirements based on their age and length of lawfulpermanent residence at the time of filing.If you are over 50years of age and have lived in the United States as a lawfulpermanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years,orif you are over 55 years of age and have lived in the UnitedStates as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling atleast 15 years,you do not have to take the English test,butyou do have to take the civics test in the language of yourchoice. ## Instructions If you are over 65 years of age and have lived in the UnitedStates as a lawful permanent resident for periods totaling atleast 20 years,you do not have to take the English test,butyou do have to take a simpler version of the civics test in thelanguage of your choice. ## Who May File This Form? To use this form you must be ONE of the following: 1.A lawful permanent resident for at least five years and atleast 18 years old;or 2.A lawful permanent resident for at least three years and atleast 18 years old; AND You have been married to and living with the same U.S.citizen for the last three years; AND Your spouse has been a U.S.citizen for the last three years. 3.A member of one of several other groups eligible to applyfor naturalization (for example,persons who are nationalsbut not citizens of the United States)and at least 18 yearsold.For more information about these groups,see the Guide. 4.A person who has served honorably in the U.S.ArmedForces; AND If you are at least 18 years old,a lawful permanent residentwith at least one year of U.S.Armed Forces service,andyou are filing your application for naturalization while stillin the service or within six months after the termination ofsuch service; OR You served honorably as a member of the Selected Reserveof the Ready Reserve or in active-duty status during adesignated period of hostilities.You then may apply fornaturalization without having been physically present in theUnited States for any specified period. For more information,go to the USCIS Web site atwww.uscis.gov. NOTE:If you are married to a U.S.citizen who is employedor deployed abroad,in some circumstances you may beeligible for expedited naturalization under section 319(b)ofthe Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).For furtherassistance,see the Guide. ## Who May Not File This Form? In certain cases,a person who was born outside of th

FAQs

What is the purpose of Form N-400?

Form N-400 is the application for U.S. citizenship (naturalization). It is used to apply through the USCIS naturalization process.

When can someone file Form N-400?

Applicants may file when they meet all requirements, including continuous residence. Certain eligible applicants can file up to 90 days before meeting the continuous residence requirement, but must still meet other requirements at filing time.

Who may file Form N-400?

A lawful permanent resident who meets specific time and age requirements may file, including those married to a U.S. citizen and living with the same spouse for the required period. Members of other eligible groups and individuals with qualifying honorable military service may also file under stated conditions.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by McQueen