Form N-400: The Road to Citizenship
Table of contents
Even if you were born outside the United States, you can become a citizen through the naturalization process. And the first step of this complex path is Form N-400. Here are the most common questions about this form so that you can start your naturalization application well-informed.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the naturalization application used by permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship. Before you can apply for naturalization, you must have your green card — our permanent residency attorney can help you obtain it. However, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and provide detailed information about their personal and immigration history.
Who is eligible to complete Form N-400?
To complete Form N-400 and continue with the naturalization process, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be a permanent resident of the U.S. for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen. If you obtained your residency through your spouse, a family-based immigration attorney can review your timeline.
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Comply with the requirements of continuous and physical residence in the United States.
- Comply with the requirements of good moral conduct.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of English language and civics.
- Pay the filing fee ($760) and, if applicable, the biometric services fee ($85).
How to fill out Form N-400 correctly?
1: Download Form N-400 or request a copy by mail.
2: Read the instructions and gather the necessary evidence
3: Complete Form N-400
– Eligibility information
– Information about you (naturalization applicant)
– Accommodations for people with disabilities and/or handicaps
– Contact information
– Information about your residence
– Information about your parents
– Biographical information
– Information about your employment and schools attended
– Time outside the United States
– Information about your marital history
– Information about your children
– Additional information about you (naturalization applicant)
– Applicant’s declaration, certification and signature
– Interpreter information, certification and signature
– Contact information, statement and signature of the person who prepared the application, if other than the applicant
– Signature in the interview
– Waiver of foreign titles
– Pledge of Allegiance
4: Attach the fee payment and submit the form
5: Keep a copy of the documents sent and follow up on any additional information.
An immigration attorney can analyze your case and accompany you every step of the way. Don’t risk your future by dealing with the immigration system on your own. At Zava Immigration Law Group we can help you. Contact our professionals today and ensure the success of your naturalization application.
Necessary supporting documents for Form N-400
As mentioned above, you will need to submit certain supporting documentation for your naturalization application. Some of these essential documents are:
- Copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Form N-426Application for Certification of Military or Naval Service (if you are applying for naturalization based on your military service)
- DD Form 214, NGB Form 22 or discharge orders (if you are applying for naturalization based on your military service and have separated from military service)
- Copy of your official military orders (if you are applying for naturalization based on military service and are currently on active duty)
- Evidence of foreign employment of your citizen spouse (if applying under section 319(b))
- Two passport photographs (if residing outside the U.S.)
Gathering supporting documentation is essential to any immigration process, but it can be overwhelming. Therefore, it is essential to have the help of an immigration attorney to assist you in this critical task. At Zava Immigration Law Group we can help you. Talk to a lawyer and let’s get your documents in order.
Where to file my Form N-400
You can file your Form N-400 online through the USCIS website or mail it to the appropriate address depending on the state in which you reside. In the following table you will find the necessary information:
| If you reside in… | You must send your form to… |
| Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Maine Maryland Massachusetts New Hampshire New Jersey New York North Carolina Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Vermont Virginia West Virginia |
USCIS Secure Location in Elgin (Lockbox) |
| Deliveries by United States Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: N-400 P.O. Box 4060 Carol Stream, IL 60197-4060 |
|
| Courier deliveries by FedEx, UPS or DHL: USCIS Attn: N-400 (Box 4060) 2500 Westfield Drive Elgin, IL 60124-7836 |
|
| Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Armed Forces America Armed Forces Europe Armed Forces Pacific California Colorado Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Guam Hawaii Idaho Kansas Kentucky Marshall Islands Micronesia Minnesota Mississippi Montana Nebraska Nevada New Mexico North Dakota Oregon Palau Puerto Rico South Dakota Tennessee U.S. Virgin Islands Utah Washington Wyoming |
USCIS Secure Location in Phoenix (Lockbox) |
| Deliveries by United States Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: N-400 P.O. Box 21251 Phoenix, AZ 85036-1251 |
|
| Courier deliveries by FedEx, UPS or DHL: USCIS Attn: N-400 (Box 21251) 2108 E. Elliot Rd. Tempe, AZ 85284-1806 |
|
| Arkansas Louisiana Oklahoma Texas |
USCIS Secure Location in Dallas (Lockbox) |
| Deliveries by United States Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: N-400 P.O. Box 660060 Dallas, TX 75266-0060 |
|
| Courier deliveries by FedEx, UPS or DHL: USCIS Attn: N-400 (Box 660060) 2501 S State Hwy 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 |
|
| Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Missouri Ohio Wisconsin |
USCIS Secure Location in Chicago (Lockbox) |
| Deliveries by United States Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: N-400 P.O. Box 4380 Chicago, IL 60680-4380 |
|
| Courier deliveries by FedEx, UPS or DHL: USCIS Attn: N-400 (Box 4380) 131 S. Dearborn, 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Form N-400
What is the certificate of naturalization in the U.S.?
How long does the naturalization process take?
Can I obtain U.S. citizenship and keep my nationality of origin?
Can I apply for adjustment of status while outside the U.S.?
Can I work and travel while my adjustment of status application is being processed?
If you obtained your green card through a family petition, read our guide on preference categories for family residency to understand where you stand in the timeline. You may also want to review the consular processing steps if part of your journey involved a consular interview.
Work With an Immigration Lawyer in Phoenix
As we have seen, Form N-400 is the first step in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship. While this is not particularly complex in itself, factors can affect the length of the process and any errors in your application could hinder or truncate the process.
For this reason, having an immigration attorney to advise and assist you every step of the way is essential. Don’t risk your future by dealing with the immigration system on your own. At Zava Immigration Law Group we can help you get the permanent status you need. Tell us your case today and take the first step towards U.S. citizenship.
Sources and official resources
- Form N-426Official source
- USCIS: CitizenshipOfficial source
- USCIS Policy ManualOfficial source
Jessica Anleu (formerly Jessica Lewis) is an experienced immigration lawyer in Phoenix with a decade of immigration experience.
All Posts
