Form N-400

Form N-400 is used to apply for US citizenship through the naturalization process. Lawful permanent residents (also known as green card holders) of the United States, who meet the eligibility requirements, can file N-400 form to request citizenship.^[1]

Population concerned

In the United States, 8.8 million Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible to naturalize.^[2]

US citizenship eligibility requirements

To be able to apply for citizenship through naturalization, you have to meet the following requirements.^[3] You must:

• Be 18 years of age or above.
• Be a lawful permanent resident for 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
• Have maintained continuous residence during the past 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
• Have maintained physical presence during the past 5 years (3 years if married to a US citizen).
• Have good moral character.
• Have basic knowledge of English.
• Have basic knowledge of US government and history.
• Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance.^[4]

US citizenship rights

Becoming an American citizen gives the same rights and privileges of citizenship as natural born American citizens, save one : naturalized U.S. citizens are not eligible for the Office of the President of the United States.^[5]

N-400 Form Cost

$640 and $85 biometric fee for a total of $725, where applicable. Exceptions can be seen on the federal website.^[6]

N-400 Form

The N-400 form is a series of questions about eligibility, personal information, marital history, children, criminal activities and the oath of allegiance to the United States.

Many services, on the web, help candidates to the naturalization to fill the form. Sometimes, a lawyer's help is required.

Once Lawful Permanent Residents have fill the N-400 form, they have an interview. During this USCIS interview, they have an English and civics test. The English test has three components: reading, writing, and speaking. The civics test covers important U.S. history and government topics.^[7]

References