The whole N-400 checklist, on one page
N-400 runs differently depending on which of 3 routes you are on, so each one is listed separately below. The checklist above remembers where you are and what you have ticked; this is the same material in one piece, to read or print without ticking anything.
Routes covered: Five-year rule · Three-year rule · Military service
N400-01Step 1 Confirm you qualify
Residence, presence and the basics.
Count the days before you file
Five-year rule Green card held 5 years
The standard path: five years as a permanent resident, with at least 30 months physically present in the United States.
- Green card held for at least 5 years BLOCKINGYou may file up to 90 days early. Count carefully from the resident-since date on the card.
- At least 30 months of physical presence in the 5 yearsAdd up days actually in the U.S., not days holding the card.
- Continuous residence not brokenA trip of 6 months or more can break it; 12 months or more almost always does.
- Lived in the state or district for at least 3 months
Three-year rule Married to a U.S. citizen
Three years instead of five, but the marriage must have been real and continuing for the whole three years, and the spouse a citizen for that entire time.
- Green card held for at least 3 years BLOCKINGYou may file up to 90 days early.
- Married to and living with the same U.S. citizen for 3 years BLOCKINGThe spouse must have been a citizen for that entire period.
- At least 18 months of physical presence in the 3 years
- Spouse's proof of citizenship and the marriage certificatePlus proof every earlier marriage ended.
- Evidence the marriage is still realJoint accounts, lease or mortgage, tax returns filed together, children's records.
Military service Serving or veteran
Service can shorten or remove the residence requirements, and the filing fee is waived. The rules differ by peacetime and wartime service. Bring the DD-214 or current orders.
- Form N-426 certified by the military BLOCKINGRequest for Certification of Military or Naval Service.
- DD-214 for each period of service, or current orders
- Confirm which military provision appliesPeacetime and wartime service carry different residence and presence rules. Check before assuming.
- No filing fee for military applicants FEE EXEMPTDo not send payment.
N400-02Step 2 Good moral character
The part that decides borderline cases.
Disclose everything, then explain Failing to disclose is treated far more seriously than most of the underlying events. Arrests, dismissed charges, expunged records, unpaid taxes and missed child support all get asked about. Bring them to your preparer before filing, not after.
- Every arrest, charge, citation and conviction listed BLOCKINGEven dismissed, expunged or sealed. Get certified court dispositions for each.
- Taxes filed and any debt on a payment planBring the IRS agreement or transcripts if there is a balance.
- Child support obligations currentBring the order and proof of payment.
- Selective Service registered, if it appliedMen who lived in the U.S. between 18 and 26. Request a status information letter if you did not register.
- Any false claim to U.S. citizenship or voting disclosed BLOCKINGIncluding voter registration by mistake. Do not file until this is examined.
- Immigration history consistent with the green card applicationOld inconsistencies surface at this interview more than anywhere else.
N400-03Step 3 Build the application
Form, documents, translations.
File online where you can Online filing costs less and gives clearer status updates. Paper is fine too. Some categories must use it.
- Form N-400 completed and signedUse the current edition on uscis.gov.
- Copy of the green card, front and back
- Complete list of every trip outside the U.S.Dates and destinations for the whole statutory period. Passport stamps are the easiest source.
- Marriage and divorce records, where the three-year rule applies
- Legal name-change documents, if anyOr request the name change at the oath ceremony instead.
- Certified translations for non-English documents
- Two passport photos if filing from abroadApplicants inside the U.S. normally do not send photos.
N400-04Step 4 Fees
Including the reduced fee most people miss.
Ask about the reduced fee A reduced fee exists for households at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and a full waiver for some applicants. Many people who qualify never ask.
- N-400 filing fee BLOCKINGWidely published at $760 by paper and $710 filed online, biometrics included. Confirm on the USCIS fee schedule (G-1055).
- Check the reduced fee optionWidely published at $380 for households at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, filed on Form I-942.
- Check the full fee waiver (Form I-912)Based on means-tested benefits, income, or financial hardship.
- Military applicants pay no fee FEE EXEMPT
N400-05Step 5 Biometrics and the tests
Preparing for the parts people fear.
Study early, not the week before The civics test is drawn from a published list of questions, and USCIS publishes the study materials free. The English test covers reading, writing and speaking, and the speaking part is judged from the interview itself.
- Attend the biometrics appointmentBring the notice and photo ID.
- Study the civics questions from the official USCIS materialsFree study tools, flash cards and practice tests are on the USCIS website.
- Check which civics version applies to youWhich test version you take depends on when you filed. Confirm rather than assuming.
- Check whether an age or residence exemption appliesLongtime residents over a certain age may take the test in their own language, or be exempt.
- Request a disability exception with Form N-648 if neededCompleted by a licensed medical professional.
- Practise reading and writing simple English sentencesThe published vocabulary lists are what the test is drawn from.
N400-06Step 6 Interview and oath
The appointment, the decision, the ceremony.
Bring originals Take your green card, passports, and originals of everything filed as a copy, plus certified dispositions for any court matter.
- Interview notice received and the date confirmed
- Originals and certified court dispositions in hand
- Answer consistently with the formRead your own N-400 again the night before.
- Decision receivedGranted, continued for more evidence or a re-test, or denied. Each has its own next step.
- Attend the oath ceremony BLOCKINGCitizenship begins at the oath, not at approval. The green card is surrendered there.
- Apply for a U.S. passport after the ceremonyThe naturalization certificate should not be carried around. Get the passport and keep the certificate safe.
- Update Social Security and register to vote