N-400 | Application for Naturalization
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (another word for applying for citizenship), is the form used by permanent residents (Green Card holders) to become citizens of the United States. Below are some of the requirements that need to be met in order to apply for U.S. Citizenship. Being a citizen allows many benefits, including being able to help your relatives immigrate easier, the right to vote, and the right to hold a U.S. passport.
Qualifications
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18+ years of age at the time you file the application
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Have been a lawful permanent resident/held a Green Card for the past 3-5 years (depending on the naturalization category you are applying for)
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Have continuous residence in the United States (meaning that you live there without leaving for trips of six months or longer)
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Be physically present inside the U.S. for at least 30 months before applying
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Have lived in the state where you will submit the application for at least three months
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Be able to read, write, and speak basic English
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Demonstrate good moral character
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Demonstrate a familiarity with U.S. history and government
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Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance
What You'll Need
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A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
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A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
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Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if applying for naturalization based on military service)
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DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or discharge orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and separated from service)
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A copy of your official military orders (if applying for naturalization based on military service and currently serving)
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Evidence of your citizen spouse’s employment abroad (if applying under 319(b))
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Two passport-style photographs (if you reside outside the United States)
Questions? Contact us.
Whatever your immigration issue may be, we are here to help. Our team of attorneys and staff work hard to help you reach your goals.
FAQs
You can apply for U.S. citizenship, as long as they meet key conditions, after you’ve held your Green Card for five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).
Yes, there is a $640 filing fee, plus $85 biometric fee for a total of $725 (unless exceptions apply to you, see below). If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Exceptions:
Applicants 75 years of age or older do not need to pay a biometric fee. They only need to pay the $640 filing fee.
No fee is required for military applicants filing under section 328 or 329 of the INA.
You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows 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
- Manage your contact information, including updating your address
You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.
Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.
You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.
Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.
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