Form N-400: Application for Naturalization

About this form

Used for: Citizenship
Who can file: Lawful permanent residents
CivicNest preparation: ~~$99.00~~$0.00
Free during Alpha
USCIS filing fees are separate.
USCIS filing fee: Paper $760 · Online $710 (other amounts apply in some situations)
Average time: 8-12 months
CivicNest prepared edition: 01/20/25

Paper filing is currently $760 for many applicants; online is $710. A reduced paper fee of $380 may apply when household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Military naturalization under INA 328 or 329 is $0. CivicNest preparation is a separate product charge. It is not a USCIS government filing fee. Confirm the current amount on Form G-1055 and the official USCIS form page before you pay.

Related resources

What CivicNest helps with

• Guided questions
• Information reuse
• Consistency checks
• Official PDF generation
• A filing checklist so supporting evidence is not forgotten after the form is filled

What you'll need to file

This is a short USCIS summary, not a decision about your case. Confirm the official instructions for your situation.

Who typically files

Lawful permanent resident
You generally must already have a Green Card, unless a military path applies.
18 or older
You must be at least 18 years old to file Form N-400.
Continuous residence
Usually 5 years as an LPR, or 3 years if you qualify through marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Physical presence and time in your state or USCIS district
USCIS also looks at how long you have actually been in the United States and in the place where you file.
English and civics
You must show English and civics knowledge unless an exception or Form N-648 disability waiver applies.
Good moral character
USCIS reviews your background for the required statutory period.
You may file 90 days early
If you qualify under the 5-year or 3-year residence rules, you may file up to 90 calendar days before that period ends.

Submit with the form

Copy of your Green Card (both sides)If the card is lost, include proof you filed Form I-90.Filing fee (or a fee waiver / reduced-fee request)Paper filing is currently $760 for many applicants; online is $710. A reduced paper fee of $380 may apply when household income is at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Military naturalization under INA 328 or 329 is $0. CivicNest preparation is a separate product charge. It is not a USCIS government filing fee. Confirm the current amount on Form G-1055 and the official USCIS form page before you pay.Certified English translationsAny foreign-language document needs a complete English translation and a translator certification.

Often needed, depending on your answers

Marriage and spouse evidenceIf you file as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, include your marriage certificate and proof the marriage is still valid.May apply once we know more about your caseProof your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for 3 yearsA U.S. birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship, current U.S. passport biographical page, or Form FS-240.May apply once we know more about your caseProof prior marriages endedDivorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates for you and your current spouse, if either of you was married before.May apply once we know more about your caseForm N-648 medical certificationRequired if a disability or impairment prevents you from meeting the English or civics requirements.May apply once we know more about your caseMilitary service documentsIf you file under a military provision, include the service records the N-400 instructions list for that path.May apply once we know more about your caseLegal name-change documentsIf your current legal name differs from your Green Card, include the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for each change.Selective Service registrationIf you are male and lived in the U.S. (other than as a lawful nonimmigrant) between ages 18 and 26, register at sss.gov if you still can, and include your Selective Service number. Print a registration verification from sss.gov.May apply once we know more about your caseProof you kept U.S. residence after a long tripTrips of more than 6 months but less than 1 year often need extra evidence such as tax transcripts, leases, or pay records.Certified court and police recordsIf you were ever arrested or charged, USCIS generally wants certified dispositions even if the case was dismissed.

After you file

Biometrics appointmentMost applicants must appear at an application support center. USCIS will mail the appointment notice.Naturalization interview and testsBring your Green Card and a second ID. Prepare for the English and civics tests unless an exception applies.

Official USCIS form page

Application for Naturalization