Form N-400, which is officially known as the United States Application for Naturalization, is a legal document by which eligible immigrants may use to apply for United State citizenship through naturalization.
Naturalization is a legal term that refers to the immigration process in which an individual becomes a United States citizen. Naturalization is also the only way in which a person can become a citizen if they were not born a U.S. citizen, or if they did not acquire citizenship status immediately after they were born.
In terms of who may apply for naturalization through the Form N-400, only a person who has a permanent visa, also known as a green card, may apply. Naturalization can frequently be a lengthy and complicated process, largely because the applicant is required to submit various forms and documents in order to prove their eligibility. This article will serve as a guide on the N-400 process.
What Is the Eligibility Criteria for Form N-400?
Once again, an individual may fill out and submit a completed Application for Naturalization, or Form N-400, to the appropriate United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (“USCIS”) center near them in order to apply for United States citizenship through naturalization. However, not every individual is eligible.
First, in order to be eligible for a Form N-400, an applicant must be 18 years old or older. There are different forms and procedures that apply to applicants for naturalization that are minors.
Next applicants for a Form N-400 must have permanent resident status. This means that they must have held a lawful permanent resident status for at least five years before submitting the Form N-400.
It is important to note that there are exceptions to the residency period for spouses of United States citizens and certain qualifying military service members. Spouses of United States citizens need to have lawful permanent resident status for only three years before submitting the Form N-400 and service members only need to have served for one year of military service.
There are also several other requirements that must be met in order to become a naturalized citizen of the United States through utilizing a Form N-400. These requirements include, but may not be limited to:
- The ability to read, write, and speak English
- A knowledge and understanding of United States history and government
- Good moral character
- An attachment to the ideals of the United States Constitution
- A favorable disposition towards the United States
- A continued physical presence or residence in the United States for a specified period, which is generally five years.
How Do I Complete the Form N-400?
Once you have determined that you are indeed eligible to complete and utilize the Form N-400 you may then begin to complete the form by first downloading the form from the official USCIS website. It is important to ensure that you download the most recent form in order to avoid any delays in processing your application.
Next, you should then carefully read the instructions on the form, as they will guide you through completing the form, including providing explanations for each section and the evidence required to support your application.
Next, you will need to gather said evidence. This includes making photocopies of your green card, identification documents, and other other evidence asked for you from USCIS. For example, a birth certificate or marriage certificate may be requested.
The most important step is to ensure that you provide accurate information, as failing to do so may result in your application being delayed or denied. Further, deliberately submitting false information may subject you to potential legal consequences, such as immigration fraud.
Finally, you will then need to pay the processing fee for the Form N-400 form, which as of the publishing of this article is $760 for a paper filing or $710 for an online filing fee. It is important to note that fee waivers are available, if you are eligible for such waivers. Then, you will need to of course either mail your application with the appropriate fee payment and supporting documents to the appropriate physical USCIS address, or file everything online.
What Is the Processing Time for Form N-400 Applications?
In short, the processing time for Form N-400 applications will depend on your unique circumstances, as well as on how properly you filled out the form and provided all needed supporting documentation.
However, in general, the average processing time for Form N-400, is between 12 months and 24 months. It is important to keep in mind that the application process also includes a citizenship exam and interview and an oath ceremony.
USCIS official website, as well as your local USCIS office both have Form N-400 processing time information regarding the average processing time for your individual service center. As such, you may check with them to get a more accurate estimate.
Are There Any Further Form N-400 Processing Requirements?
Yes, as mentioned above, after submitting your Form N-400, you will then typically receive a notice for a biometrics appointment. This will commonly occur within a few weeks after your Form has been filed.
At your biometrics appointment, USCIS will collect your fingerprints, photograph you, and obtain other biographical information for the purposes of background checks. After this, you will then need to undergo a United States citizenship test at your local USCIS office.
Further, you may also be asked to provide additional supporting documents as evidence to support your Form N-400 application. Finally, If USCIS approves your N-400 application and you pass all the required tests and interviews, you will be scheduled for an oath ceremony.
At the oath ceremony, you will then take an Oath of Allegiance to the United States. This is because once a person becomes a naturalized citizen, they are required to uphold specific responsibilities as pledged to in the Oath of Allegiance. The Oath of Allegiance is the final step to citizenship.
Under the Oath, all applicants must promise to:
- Surrender allegiances to other countries
- Support and defend the United States Constitution as well as United States laws
- Swear their allegiance to the United States
- Serve the United States when required to do so
Do I Need an Attorney for Help with a Form N-400?
If you are considering immigrating to the United States, or would like to pursue naturalization, then you may absolutely download and complete the Form N-400 on your own. However, the immigration process is not always a straightforward and non-complicated process. As such, if you are encountering any issues with regards to the Form N-400, then it is in your best interest to work with an experienced and local naturalization attorney.
LegalMatch can assist you with contacting and setting up an initial consultation with an immigration attorney near you. An experienced immigration lawyer will be best suited to helping you understand the process for completing the Form N-400, filing the necessary paperwork, and may also appear with you at any necessary hearings.
Additionally, your immigration lawyer will also be able to represent you in court, as needed, should any issues arise that may result in legal action being taken against you. Overall, the role of an attorney is to ensure that your process of completing all the necessary steps of naturalization is a smooth process.
