N-400 Form: Apply for U.S. Citizenship 2026 Guide

N-400 form is the official U.S. government application that permanent residents file to become naturalized U.S. citizens. If you hold a Green Card and have been living lawfully in the United States, filing Form N-400 is the single most important step on your path to full citizenship — the right to vote, travel on a U.S. passport, and live free from the threat of deportation. Each year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants across the country file this application for naturalization, making it one of the most searched government forms in America.

Whether you are just starting to research how to apply for US citizenship, want to understand the N-400 eligibility requirements, or need the latest information on N-400 processing time 2026 — this guide covers every step in plain English. You will learn exactly how to fill out N-400 correctly, what qualifies as a valid US citizenship application form, which naturalization application documents to gather before you file, how much the N-400 filing fee is, and what to expect at your N-400 interview questions session with a USCIS officer.

What Is Form N-400?

Form N-400, officially titled Application for Naturalization, is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — the federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security that manages legal immigration. When a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) is ready to become a U.S. citizen, this is the form they submit to begin the formal process.

The form itself is 20 pages long and divided into 18 parts. It covers your personal background, residence history going back years, travel outside the United States, employment, marital status, family information, and a detailed section on moral character — which includes questions about past criminal history, tax obligations, and membership in any organizations. USCIS uses your answers to determine whether you meet every requirement for citizenship before scheduling your biometrics appointment, background check, and naturalization interview.

You can file N-400 online through a myUSCIS account or submit a paper application by mail. Online filing is generally faster and allows you to track your case in real time. Paper filing is required in certain situations — for example, if you are filing from abroad or applying for a fee reduction.

📥 Download Form N-400 from the Official USCIS Website →

2026 Update — What Changed and Who Should Know

There are two important updates for 2026 that every applicant should know before filing.

First, the current accepted edition of Form N-400 is dated 01/20/25. USCIS will reject applications submitted on outdated versions of the form, so always confirm the edition date printed in the top right corner of the form matches the current version before you file.

Second, USCIS has introduced an automatic 24-month extension of Permanent Resident Card validity for applicants who properly file Form N-400. This means that if your green card expires while your naturalization application is pending, USCIS will automatically extend it — so you do not need to separately file a card renewal during this period.

On the civics test side, USCIS rolled out a redesigned civics test effective for N-400 applications filed on or after October 20, 2025. The new version contains 128 questions (up from 100), and during the interview, the officer asks 20 questions orally — you must answer at least 12 correctly to pass. If you filed before that date, USCIS is still administering the older 100-question test where you need 6 of 10 correct. Check uscis.gov/citizenship to confirm which version applies to you.

Documents You Need — Complete Checklist

Gather your documents before you start filling out the form. Having everything ready upfront prevents mistakes and avoids delays caused by missing evidence.

Identity and Residency Documents

Copy of both sides of your current Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Copy of your passport (all valid and expired passports since you became a permanent resident)
Government-issued photo ID (state driver’s license or ID card)
Two identical color passport-style photos (2×2 inches, taken within the last 30 days)

Travel and Continuous Residence Records

A complete list of all trips outside the United States during the past 5 years (or 3 years if filing under the marriage-based rule), including dates, destinations, and duration
If you have been outside the U.S. for 6 months or more in a single trip, include documentation to explain your absence and demonstrate continuous residence

Tax and Financial Documents

Federal tax returns or IRS tax transcripts for the past 5 years (3 years if applying under the marriage rule)
If you were not required to file taxes, bring a statement explaining why

Marital Status Documents (if applicable)

If married to a U.S. citizen and filing under the 3-year rule: marriage certificate, proof of spouse’s citizenship (birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), and proof you live together (lease, mortgage, tax returns, or utility bills)
If previously married: divorce decree, annulment documents, or death certificate for each prior marriage

Military Service Documents (veterans only)

Form N-426: Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
DD-214 or other discharge documentation

Additional Documents (as applicable)

Court disposition records for any arrests or criminal matters (even if charges were dropped or expunged)
Form N-648: Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions (if requesting an English or civics test waiver due to a qualifying disability)
Form I-912: Request for Fee Waiver (if applying for a reduced or waived filing fee based on income)

Am I Eligible to File Form N-400?

USCIS has clear eligibility rules for naturalization. You must meet all of the following before submitting your application.

Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old at the time you file Form N-400. There is a separate process for children under 18 who may qualify for citizenship automatically through a parent.

Permanent Resident Status

You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of filing. Your green card cannot be conditional at the time of application unless conditions have been removed.

Continuous Residence and Physical Presence

Under the standard 5-year rule, you must have lived in the U.S. as a permanent resident for at least 5 years continuously and been physically present for at least 30 of those 60 months. You also must have lived in the state where you are filing for at least 3 months before submitting. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and have lived together for 3 years, the residency and physical presence thresholds drop to 3 years and 18 months respectively. You can file up to 90 days before you hit your 3- or 5-year anniversary.

Good Moral Character

USCIS reviews your entire residency period for moral character. This includes checking whether you have filed taxes, paid child support, and have no disqualifying criminal history. Certain convictions — including aggravated felonies — permanently bar naturalization. Others may create a temporary bar. If you have any arrests or charges in your past, consult an immigration attorney before filing.

English Language and Civics Knowledge

Applicants must demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking skills, and pass a civics test on U.S. history and government. Exceptions exist: applicants aged 50 or older who have been permanent residents for at least 20 years (the “50/20 rule”) and applicants aged 55 or older with 15 years of permanent residence (the “55/15 rule”) are exempt from the English test but must still take the civics test in their native language. A medical disability exception is available via Form N-648.

Who Cannot Use Form N-400

People who do not hold a valid green card (lawful permanent resident status)
Anyone under age 18 at the time of filing
Applicants who have not met the required continuous residence and physical presence periods
Anyone with an aggravated felony conviction on their record
Anyone who has been a member of or affiliated with organizations that advocate the overthrow of the U.S. government

Form N-400 Fee Breakdown (2026)

Filing Method	Filing Fee	Notes
Online (myUSCIS)	$710	Recommended — faster processing and real-time case tracking
Paper (by mail)	$760	Required if filing from abroad or requesting a fee reduction
Military applicants (INA §328/329)	$0	Fee waiver — must provide documentation of qualifying service
Fee waiver (Form I-912)	$0	Available for low-income applicants at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines

Payment for paper applications can be made by check, money order (payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”), or credit card using Form G-1450. Write your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) on the back of any check or money order.

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Confirm You Are Eligible

Before downloading anything, work through the eligibility checklist above. Confirm your green card type, calculate your exact residency and physical presence dates, and review your travel history for any long absences. If anything is unclear — especially around criminal history or extended travel — consult an immigration attorney before proceeding.

Step 2 — Download the Correct Edition of Form N-400

Go to uscis.gov/n-400 and download the current edition (01/20/25 as of 2026). If you plan to file online, create or log in to your myUSCIS account and start the application there instead — you will not need to download a PDF.

Step 3 — Fill Out Parts 1 Through 7 (Personal Information)

The first seven parts of the form cover your eligibility basis, contact information, immigration history, travel history, marital information, and details about your children. Be thorough and accurate — USCIS will cross-check your answers against immigration records and tax filings. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your green card.

Step 4 — Complete Parts 8 Through 12 (Employment, Organizations, Military)

List all employers for the past 5 years (or 3 years if applying under the marriage rule). Part 9 asks about memberships in organizations — answer honestly and completely. Parts 10, 11, and 12 cover affiliations with certain groups, service in the military, and whether you have ever claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Answer “No” only when you are completely certain. When in doubt, answer “Yes” and provide a written explanation.

Step 5 — Complete Part 12: Good Moral Character Questions

This is the most sensitive section. It includes questions about criminal arrests, drug use, gambling, failure to pay taxes or child support, and past deportation orders. A “Yes” answer does not automatically disqualify you — USCIS reviews every situation. But failing to disclose something that later appears in your background check can result in denial or even criminal charges. Always disclose fully and attach written explanations where needed.

Step 6 — Complete Parts 13 Through 18 (Oath and Signature)

Part 13 covers your attachment to the U.S. Constitution and willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance. Parts 14 through 16 are for applicants requesting accommodations (language, physical disability) at the interview. Part 17 is your signature — USCIS will not accept unsigned forms. If an attorney or accredited representative helped you, they complete Part 18.

Step 7 — Assemble Your Application Package

Gather your completed Form N-400, all supporting documents from the checklist above, two passport-style photos, and your filing fee payment. Arrange them in order: form first, photos and fee on top, supporting documents behind. Never send originals — always send copies unless USCIS specifically requests otherwise.

Step 8 — Mail to the Correct USCIS Address or Submit Online

USCIS mailing addresses vary by state and whether you are filing alone or concurrently with another form. Check the Direct Filing Addresses for Form N-400 page before mailing. If filing online, submit through your myUSCIS account and save your confirmation number immediately after submitting.

Step 9 — Track Your Case and Attend Scheduled Appointments

Once USCIS receives your application, you will receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) with your case receipt number. Use this to track your case status at egov.uscis.gov. USCIS will then schedule a biometrics appointment and, later, your naturalization interview.

What Happens After You Submit?

Stage 1 — Receipt Notice and Biometrics

Within a few weeks of filing, USCIS mails you a receipt notice confirming they received your application. Shortly after, you receive a biometrics appointment notice directing you to a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC), where your fingerprints, photo, and signature are collected for a background check.

Stage 2 — The Naturalization Interview

Your interview notice arrives 2–6 months before your scheduled date. Bring your green card, passport, state ID, travel records, tax transcripts, and any court documents related to prior criminal matters. At the interview, the USCIS officer places you under oath, reviews your N-400 answers page by page, administers the English test (reading and writing), and gives you the civics test orally. The civics portion requires answering 12 of 20 questions correctly for applications filed after October 20, 2025. Over 96% of applicants pass on the first attempt.

Stage 3 — Oath of Allegiance and Naturalization Certificate

If approved, you will receive a notice for your naturalization ceremony — either at a USCIS office (administrative ceremony) or a federal courthouse (judicial ceremony). At the ceremony you take the Oath of Allegiance, your green card is collected, and you receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You are now a U.S. citizen. You can immediately apply for a U.S. passport using your naturalization certificate as proof of citizenship.

N-400 Processing Times in 2026

Processing times vary significantly by USCIS field office. As of June 2026, USCIS takes between 8 and 13 months to complete 80% of N-400 applications nationally, with full range from as fast as 6 months at the quickest offices to 18 months at the slowest.

Processing Stage	Estimated Timeframe
Receipt notice after filing	2–4 weeks
Biometrics appointment	4–8 weeks after receipt
Interview scheduling notice	3–10 months after filing
Interview to decision	Same day or within a few weeks
Oath ceremony scheduling	Days to several weeks after approval
Total (80% of cases)	8–13 months

The N-400 backlog crossed 630,000 pending cases following a historic October 2025 surge in filings — nearly four times the normal monthly volume — as permanent residents rushed to naturalize before major policy changes. Filing as early as you are eligible (90 days before your anniversary date) is strongly recommended.

Can You Apply Online?

Yes — and it is the recommended method. Online filing through myUSCIS is available to most applicants and costs $50 less than the paper form. You can upload supporting documents directly, track your case status in real time, and receive electronic notifications at each stage. The online system also flags common errors before submission, which reduces the risk of a rejection or a Request for Evidence (RFE). To file online, create a USCIS online account at my.uscis.gov and select “Apply for Naturalization.”

You must file by paper if you are filing from outside the United States, requesting a fee reduction, or if your eligibility basis requires additional supporting forms that cannot currently be submitted online.

Other Application Forms You May Need

Depending on your situation, you may also need to complete other official U.S. government application forms. Here are some of the most-searched forms on our site to help you stay prepared:

📋 Form I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence (Green Card)
If you have not yet obtained your green card, Form I-485 is the adjustment of status application you file to become a lawful permanent resident — the step that comes before naturalization.
📋 Form SS-5 — Application for a Social Security Card
Once you become a U.S. citizen through naturalization, you may need to update your Social Security records. Form SS-5 is used to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card reflecting your new legal status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Form N-400

How long does it take to get U.S. citizenship after filing Form N-400?

As of June 2026, USCIS processes 80% of N-400 applications within 8 to 13 months nationwide, with the full range spanning 6 to 18 months depending on the field office. Total time from filing to the oath ceremony — including biometrics, background checks, the interview, and the ceremony itself — typically runs between 8 and 24 months. Filing as early as you are eligible helps you get in the queue sooner.

How much does it cost to file Form N-400 in 2026?

The filing fee is $710 when submitting online through myUSCIS and $760 for paper applications by mail. The biometrics fee is now included in these amounts — there is no separate biometrics charge. Military applicants qualifying under INA Sections 328 or 329 pay no fee. Low-income applicants whose household income falls at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may apply for a full fee waiver using Form I-912.

Can I lose my green card while my N-400 is pending?

No — filing Form N-400 does not put your green card at risk, and as of 2026, USCIS automatically extends the validity of your Permanent Resident Card for up to 24 months once you properly file N-400. However, certain actions — such as abandoning your U.S. residence, committing a deportable offense, or obtaining a green card through fraud — can affect your status regardless of a pending N-400. Maintain your normal life and residence in the U.S. throughout the process.

What happens at the N-400 interview?

At the interview, a USCIS officer places you under oath and reviews your N-400 application page by page, asking you to confirm or correct each answer. The officer then administers the English test (one reading sentence and one writing sentence) and the civics test (20 oral questions from the 128-question bank for applications filed after October 20, 2025 — you need 12 correct to pass). If everything checks out, the officer may approve your case on the spot, or issue a decision by mail within a few weeks.

What if I fail the civics or English test at my N-400 interview?

If you fail the civics or English portion, USCIS schedules a second interview within 60 to 90 days. You get one more attempt at the failed portion. If you fail the second time, USCIS will deny your N-400 application — but you can re-file and pay the fee again once you are ready. Most applicants who prepare thoroughly pass on the first attempt. USCIS publishes free study materials for the civics test at uscis.gov/citizenship.

Can I apply for U.S. citizenship if I have a criminal record?

It depends on the nature of the offense. Aggravated felonies permanently bar naturalization. Certain other crimes — including those involving moral turpitude, drug offenses, and domestic violence — may create a temporary bar that prevents you from demonstrating good moral character during the relevant period. Minor offenses may not affect eligibility at all. Regardless of the crime or how long ago it occurred, you must disclose all arrests and charges on Form N-400. Failing to disclose is far more damaging than the offense itself. Consult an immigration attorney if you have any criminal history before filing.

Is Form N-400 the same as a citizenship application?

Yes. Form N-400 is officially titled “Application for Naturalization” and is the only USCIS form used by green card holders to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. It is sometimes informally called a “citizenship application form” or “naturalization application.” A different form — Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship — is used by people who may have automatically acquired citizenship through a parent and need documentation of that citizenship, not to apply for naturalization.

Official Links — Download Form N-400 and Resources

Disclaimer

ApplicationFormPortal.us is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security, or any other U.S. government agency. This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures can change — always verify current requirements and fees directly at uscis.gov before filing. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney or USCIS-accredited representative.