Naturalization & US Citizenship May 2014 - A Step by Step Guide to Completing the New Naturalization Application

Sep 19, 2026

Guide for naturalization applicants updated for the May 2014 Form N-400 (Rev. 9/13/13), explaining the shift effective May 5, 2014 and why the newer, 21-page form requires more time and careful completion. Covers eligibility intake with the client, hand or computer completion requirements, correct handling of N/A versus “none,” barcode use on each page, and avoiding damage to barcodes for electronic processing. Highlights practice guidance on red-flag issues, references relevant CIS information, and reviews the form’s divided structure into 17 parts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages26

Reading Time9 min

AccessFree to download

Step-by-Step Completion Guide

Completing the Application With the Client

Form Availability and Copy/Ink Requirements

Red Flag Issues and Supporting Instructions

Understanding Form Structure and Common Confusions

Divided Sections and A-Number / Barcode Handling

Naturalization & US Citizenship May 2014 A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO COMPLETING THE NEW NATURALIZATION APPLICATION IMMIGRANT LEGAL RESOURCE CENTER On February 4, 2014 the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS” or “CIS”) introduced a new N-400 (Rev. 9/13/13), Application for Naturalization form. Beginning May 5, 2014 all naturalization applicants must use the new form only. It is important to note that the new naturalization form is 21 pages long, which is more than twice as long as the old form. Thus, the new form will take significantly longer for applicants and their representatives to complete. The new form includes more questions and a two-dimensional bar code at the bottom of each page that should help CIS process the application more efficiently. To help attorneys, BIA accredited representatives, and others learn how to complete this new form, we have developed a step by step guide. The first step in applying for naturalization is completing the application with the client. The application form is called an “Application for Naturalization” or Form N-400 . The application must be completed by hand in black ink or on a computer. It may be helpful to translate the application into your client’s native language and have her complete her own draft of the application.1 A client who has difficulty reading or writing may have a relative or friend assist her. Afterwards, you and your client can review the draft together and fill out the form that goes to CIS. There will be at least a few blanks that the applicant will not fill out because she does not have any relevant information. In those blanks that do not apply to her, she should write N/A (not applicable) . But where the answer to a question is “none,” she should write “none” in the blank; for example, if she does not belong to any organizations, she should write “none” in part 11, item 9. PRACTICE TIP: The Form N-400 is available online [at](at www.uscis.gov/n-400)[ ](at www.uscis.gov/n-400)[www.uscis.gov/n-400](at www.uscis.gov/n-400), and copies of the form are accepted.2 Please note that any agency that makes blank N-400 forms available to the public must ensure that potential applicants learn about the 1 Translations ofthe new N-400 in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese are available on the ILRC website at [http://ilrc.org/resources/n-400-translations-in-spanish-vietnamese-chinese](http://ilrc.org/resources/n-400-translations-in-spanish-vietnamese-chinese). 2 8 C.F.R. § 299.4. The forms must use black ink that will not fade or “feather” within 20 years and conform to the officially printed forms currently in use with respect to size, wording and language, arrangement, style and size of type and paper specifications. Every part of the official form must be copied onto the photocopy or laser printed form. Computer generated forms are accepted so long as they comply with the requirements specified in 8 CFR § 299.4. Immigrant Legal Resource Center May 2014 naturalization requirements and risks of applying. Organizations should make sure that“red flag” issues are known to those taking the form. One way to do this is by providing the forms in a class or other workshop that discusses these issues. Alternatively, a form that describes the requirements and red flags (See Appendix 2-B ofthe ILRC’s manual entitled, Naturalization and Citizenship, The Essential Legal Guide) can be attached to the N-400 . Potential applicants should be instructed to read both sides of the red flags form, and mark with an “X” any of the red flag issues that apply to them, and discuss them with someone from your agency or another immigration expert. Although the N-400 form is among the most straightforward of immigration applications, several points can cause confusion for applicants. Advocates and their clients should read the accompanying instructions before completing the form. Also, it is important for applicants and representatives to understand that while sever

FAQs

When did the new Form N-400 (Rev. 9/13/13) become required?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service introduced the new N-400 on February 4, 2014. Beginning May 5, 2014, all naturalization applicants must use the new form only.

How should applicants fill out the N-400 form regarding N/A and “none”?

If a blank does not apply, the applicant should write N/A (not applicable). If the answer to a question is “none,” the applicant should write “none” in the blank.

What should applicants do to avoid problems with the barcode and electronic submission?

Applicants should not damage the barcode area (for example, puncture, staple, spill on, or write on it), since it could affect timely processing. For electronic completion, they should download the most recent Adobe Acrobat version and download and complete the PDF form.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Stanford