FORM N-400 NATURALIZATION APPLICATION

COMPREHENSIVE CHECKLIST AND GUIDE

PART A: ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION

Before filing Form N-400, verify that the applicant meets ALL eligibility requirements:

1. AGE REQUIREMENT

☐ Applicant is at least 18 years old

2. LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS

☐ Applicant is a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder)
☐ Green Card is valid (not expired, revoked, or abandoned)

3. CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE AND PHYSICAL PRESENCE

Standard 5-Year Residency (INA § 316(a)):
☐ Has been an LPR for at least 5 years
☐ Has resided continuously in the U.S. for at least 5 years
☐ Has been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (out of 5 years)
☐ Has resided in the state/district of filing for at least 3 months

3-Year Residency for Spouses of U.S. Citizens (INA § 319(a)):
☐ Has been an LPR for at least 3 years
☐ Has been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all 3 years
☐ Spouse has been a U.S. citizen for all 3 years
☐ Has resided continuously in the U.S. for at least 3 years
☐ Has been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months (out of 3 years)
☐ Has resided in the state/district of filing for at least 3 months

Military Service Members (INA § 328, § 329):
☐ Qualifying military service requirements met (see Form N-426)

4. CONTINUOUS RESIDENCE - ABSENCE ANALYSIS

Absences of Less Than 6 Months:
☐ Generally do not break continuous residence

Absences of 6 Months to 1 Year:
☐ May break continuous residence
☐ Applicant must prove they did not abandon residence
☐ Evidence of maintaining U.S. ties required

Absences of 1 Year or More:
☐ Breaks continuous residence unless N-470 approved
☐ Applicant must wait 4 years and 1 day after return to apply (5-year track)
☐ Or 2 years and 1 day after return (3-year spouse track)

Travel History Analysis:

Total Days Absent During Statutory Period: [NUMBER] days
Total Days Physically Present: [NUMBER] days
Minimum Physical Presence Required: [30 or 18] months = [900 or 540] days
☐ Physical presence requirement met

5. GOOD MORAL CHARACTER

Applicant must demonstrate good moral character for the statutory period. Review the following:

Criminal History:
☐ Has applicant EVER been arrested, cited, or detained by law enforcement?
☐ Has applicant EVER been charged with, or convicted of, any crime?
☐ Has applicant EVER been placed on probation or parole?
☐ Has applicant EVER had a suspended sentence or fine?
☐ Has applicant EVER been in jail or prison?

If YES to any above, obtain certified court records and dispositions

Permanent Bars to Good Moral Character (cannot naturalize):
☐ Murder conviction
☐ Aggravated felony conviction (on or after November 29, 1990)

Conditional Bars (during statutory period):
☐ Crimes involving moral turpitude
☐ Two or more gambling offenses
☐ Controlled substance violations (except single offense for 30g or less of marijuana)
☐ 180+ days incarceration
☐ Prostitution
☐ Smuggling of aliens
☐ Polygamy
☐ Failure to support dependents
☐ False testimony under oath for immigration benefits

Other Factors Affecting Good Moral Character:
☐ Failure to file or pay taxes
☐ Outstanding child support
☐ Failure to register with Selective Service (males)
☐ Immigration fraud

6. ENGLISH AND CIVICS REQUIREMENTS

English Language Test:
☐ Applicant must demonstrate ability to read, write, and speak basic English
☐ Exemption claimed: ☐ 50/20 Rule ☐ 55/15 Rule ☐ Medical Disability (N-648)

Civics Test:
☐ Applicant must pass test on U.S. history and government (100 possible questions, must answer 6 of 10 correctly)
☐ Exemption claimed: ☐ 65/20 Rule (20 question test) ☐ Medical Disability (N-648)

Age/Residency Exemptions:

7. ATTACHMENT TO CONSTITUTION

☐ Applicant is willing to take the Oath of Allegiance
☐ Applicant supports the Constitution and form of government
☐ No bars based on membership in totalitarian party (unless exception applies)

PART B: DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS

Application Form:
☐ Form N-400, Application for Naturalization (current edition)
☐ Signed in black or blue ink
☐ All questions answered (use "N/A" for not applicable)

Filing Fee:
☐ $760 filing fee (as of 2026 - verify current fee)
☐ No biometric fee required (included in filing fee)
☐ Payment via Form G-1450 (credit card) or Form G-1650 (ACH)
☐ Fee waiver (Form I-912) if applicable

Identity and Status Documents:
☐ Copy of Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - front and back
☐ Copy of all pages of passport(s) used during statutory period
☐ If Green Card lost: Copy of Form I-90 receipt

Photographs:
☐ NOT required for applicants residing in the United States
☐ Two (2) passport-style photos required ONLY if residing overseas

DOCUMENTS BASED ON ELIGIBILITY BASIS

If Married to U.S. Citizen (3-Year Track):
☐ Spouse's U.S. citizenship evidence:
- U.S. Passport (copy of biographical pages), OR
- Naturalization Certificate, OR
- Certificate of Citizenship, OR
- U.S. Birth Certificate
☐ Marriage certificate
☐ Evidence of living in marital union:
- Joint tax returns
- Joint bank statements
- Joint lease/mortgage
- Joint insurance policies
- Children's birth certificates
☐ Proof spouse was U.S. citizen for entire 3-year period

If Previously Married (Either Spouse):
☐ Divorce decree(s) or annulment(s) for ALL prior marriages
☐ Death certificate(s) for deceased former spouse(s)

DOCUMENTS FOR SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES

If Name Has Changed:
☐ Court order for legal name change
☐ Marriage certificate (if name changed through marriage)
☐ Divorce decree showing name change
☐ List any other names used

If Applicant Has Children:
☐ Birth certificates of all children
☐ Custody documents (if applicable)
☐ Child support payment records (if applicable)

If Claiming Disability Exception for English/Civics:
☐ Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
☐ Must be completed by licensed medical professional
☐ Must be filed with N-400

If Applicant is Current or Former Military:
☐ Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
☐ DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge)
☐ Military service records

If Male and Did Not Register with Selective Service:
☐ Status Information Letter from Selective Service
☐ Evidence explaining failure to register (if age 26-31)

CRIMINAL HISTORY DOCUMENTATION

If Applicant Has ANY Criminal History:

For EACH arrest, citation, or detention:
☐ Certified court disposition(s)
☐ Police report(s)
☐ Arrest record(s)
☐ Sentencing documents
☐ Probation/parole completion documents
☐ Evidence of rehabilitation
☐ Expungement orders (if applicable)

Note: Even dismissed, expunged, or sealed cases must be disclosed

TAX AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTATION

Tax Documents (Bring Originals to Interview):
☐ Federal tax returns for last 5 years (or 3 years if spouse track)
☐ State tax returns for same period
☐ IRS tax transcripts (recommended)
☐ If did not file: Evidence of exemption or payment arrangement

If Overdue Taxes:
☐ IRS payment arrangement documentation
☐ Evidence of current compliance

EXTENDED ABSENCE DOCUMENTATION

If Any Trip Was 6+ Months:
☐ Evidence of maintaining U.S. residence:
- Continued employment in U.S. (letters, pay stubs)
- U.S. property ownership documents
- U.S. bank account statements
- Filed and paid U.S. taxes
- Family remained in U.S.
- Did not obtain employment abroad
- Stored belongings in U.S.
- Maintained U.S. memberships

If Any Trip Was 1+ Year:
☐ Form N-470 approved prior to departure, OR
☐ Documentation for fresh start of continuous residence

PART C: INTERVIEW PREPARATION CHECKLIST

Documents to Bring to Interview

Required:
☐ Interview appointment notice (Form I-797C)
☐ Permanent Resident Card (original)
☐ State-issued photo ID (driver's license)
☐ All valid and expired passports
☐ Travel documents
☐ Reentry permits (if used)

If Applicable:
☐ Original marriage certificate(s)
☐ Original divorce decree(s)/death certificate(s)
☐ Court records for any criminal history
☐ Selective Service documentation
☐ Child custody/support documents
☐ Tax returns and transcripts

Common Interview Questions to Prepare

Application Verification:
☐ Review all answers on N-400 - be ready to confirm or correct
☐ Know your travel history
☐ Know your address history
☐ Know your employment history

Updated Information:
☐ Any arrests since filing?
☐ Any trips since filing?
☐ Any address changes since filing?
☐ Any marital status changes since filing?
☐ Any tax issues since filing?

PART D: ENGLISH AND CIVICS TEST PREPARATION

English Test Components

Reading Test:
☐ Read aloud 1-3 sentences correctly
☐ Vocabulary from USCIS reading vocabulary list

Writing Test:
☐ Write 1-3 sentences correctly when dictated
☐ Vocabulary from USCIS writing vocabulary list

Speaking Test:
☐ Assessed during interview conversation
☐ Must demonstrate ability to understand and respond to questions

Civics Test

☐ Study all 100 civics questions and answers
☐ Be prepared to answer up to 10 questions orally
☐ Must answer 6 correctly to pass
☐ If 65+ and LPR 20+ years: study 20 designated questions

Subject Areas:
- American Government (Principles, System of Government, Rights and Responsibilities)
- American History (Colonial Period, 1800s, Recent History)
- Integrated Civics (Geography, Symbols, Holidays)

PART E: POST-FILING TIMELINE

PART F: EARLY FILING CALCULATIONS

5-Year Track - Earliest Filing Date:
Date became LPR: [DATE]
Add 5 years: [DATE]
Subtract 90 days: [DATE] = Earliest Filing Date

3-Year Spouse Track - Earliest Filing Date:
Date became LPR: [DATE]
Add 3 years: [DATE]
Subtract 90 days: [DATE] = Earliest Filing Date
(Must still be married to and living with U.S. citizen spouse at time of filing and oath)

PART G: SPECIAL SITUATIONS

Applicant Living Abroad

☐ Limited situations allow naturalization while residing abroad
☐ Typically requires physical presence in U.S. for interview and oath
☐ Must maintain continuous residence until naturalization

Adopted Children

☐ May derive citizenship automatically under INA § 320
☐ Check if N-400 required or if child already a citizen

Persons with Disabilities

☐ Form N-648 for English/Civics exemption
☐ Must be physical or developmental disability or mental impairment
☐ Must affect ability to learn or demonstrate knowledge
☐ Must have lasted 12+ months

Military Service Members

☐ Special provisions under INA § 328 and § 329
☐ Expedited naturalization available during hostilities
☐ Certain residence and physical presence requirements waived

PART H: COMMON REASONS FOR DENIAL

Review and address any of the following issues before filing:

☐ Insufficient continuous residence
☐ Insufficient physical presence
☐ Abandonment of residence
☐ Failure to meet good moral character requirements
☐ Criminal convictions (bars)
☐ Failure to pay taxes or child support
☐ Failure to register with Selective Service
☐ False claim to U.S. citizenship
☐ Immigration fraud
☐ Unlawful voting
☐ Failure to support Constitution
☐ Failure to pass English and/or civics test

PART I: FINAL FILING CHECKLIST

Before mailing, verify:

☐ Form N-400 is completely filled out
☐ Form N-400 is signed and dated
☐ Correct filing fee is included
☐ Payment authorization form completed (G-1450 or G-1650)
☐ Copy of Green Card (front and back) included
☐ Form G-1145 included for e-notification (optional but recommended)
☐ All supporting documents included
☐ Documents in foreign languages have certified translations
☐ Copies made of entire package for your records
☐ Correct mailing address verified at USCIS.gov

Filing Address:
Verify current address at www.uscis.gov/n-400 - addresses vary based on residence

This checklist is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Naturalization requirements are complex. Applicants with criminal history, extensive travel, or other complicated circumstances should consult with an immigration attorney.