- What is Form N-400?
- Purpose of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Naturalization
- How to File Form N-400?
If you are a permanent resident or green card holder, you can apply for Form N-400 to become a valid U.S. citizen through naturalization. It is the process of becoming a citizen of the United States either at birth or after birth, provided you fulfill certain requirements.
In this blog, you will learn everything about Form N-400 – Application for Naturalization, its purpose, eligibility, and how to apply.
What is Form N-400?
Form N-400, or the Application for Naturalization, is a government-issued form that permanent residents and green card holders in the U.S. use to apply for citizenship. Filing this form is a pivotal step of naturalization, i.e., the process of becoming a valid U.S. citizen, living in the country permanently, and enjoying all the benefits available to any American citizen.
If your biological parents or legal adoptive father and mother are U.S. citizens by birth, or they were naturalized before your 18th birthday, then you may already be a citizen of the United States. If neither of the parents is a U.S. citizen and you were born outside the country, then you should apply for Form N-400 to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
Purpose of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
U.S. permanent residents and green card holders use this form to apply for U.S. citizenship and enjoy the benefits associated with becoming an eligible citizen of the United States. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clearly outlines the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.
One of the primary reasons why people use the Application for Naturalization is they can apply for a U.S. passport and visit over 180 countries without requiring a visa. Being a U.S citizen also ensures peace of mind knowing that you will not be deported.
Lawful green card holders with permanent immigrant status may be deported from the U.S. at any time for various reasons. Additionally, permanent residents do not have many options when it comes to plea bargains, agreeing to community service, or doing jail time. Getting U.S. citizenship through Form N-400 may ensure that you will not be deported from the country.
Once you become a U.S. citizen, you can file a petition for your parents, married adult children, or siblings to enter the country.
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for Naturalization
Before you file an Application for Naturalization, check if you meet the general eligibility requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of filing the application;
- You are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for a specific period;
- You have been physically present in the country for a set time;
- You have lived in the USCIS district or state which you state as a residence for a minimum of three months before filing;
- You establish good moral character and basic knowledge of the U.S. Constitution, its history, and government;
- You have demonstrated the ability to speak, write, and read the basic English language.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements and you have “not” derived or acquired citizenship through at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen, then you can apply for naturalization using Form N-400.
How to File Form N-400?
You can either apply online through the official website of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or you can mail it to any USCIS lockbox or service center. However, if you are filing the form from outside the United States, then you must use the printed form and send it via mail.
You have to create a user account with USCIS to file the form online. Once you duly fill up all the required fields of the application, do not forget to sign it before you submit it. Pay the application fee online and upload all supporting documents as directed by the USCIS. After you apply, USCIS will schedule an interview at your nearest USCIS field office.
Once you complete the interview, you will need to take an English language proficiency and civics test. If you qualify for the evaluation tests, you have to take the oath of allegiance after which you can officially become a U.S. citizen.
Conclusion
Understanding all the fields of Form N-400 and filing it accurately can be complex. There are several parts of the form and detailed document requirements, which may confuse you. The best option is to work with the best immigration lawyer who can guide you through every step of filing the Application for Naturalization.
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