Form N-400 — Application for Naturalization

Purpose of the N-400

USCIS Form N-400 is the application used by lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process. It is the final step in the immigration journey, granting the applicant full rights as a United States citizen including the right to vote, hold public office, and obtain a U.S. passport.

The application covers personal history, travel records, employment, moral character, and willingness to take the Oath of Allegiance. Once submitted, the applicant is scheduled for a biometrics appointment and then a naturalization interview.

Eligibility pathways

• 5-year rule: Lawful permanent residents who have held a green card for at least 5 years, with continuous residence and at least 30 months of physical presence in the U.S. during that period.
• 3-year spouse rule: LPRs married to and living with a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years, with continuous residence and at least 18 months of physical presence.
• Military service: Current or former members of the U.S. armed forces may qualify under expedited naturalization provisions.
• Age and language: Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Certain applicants over 50 or 55 with long-term residency may qualify for language exemptions.
• Good moral character: Applicants must demonstrate good moral character for the statutory period prior to filing.

Interview structure

The naturalization interview is conducted by a USCIS officer at your local field office. The officer will place you under oath and review every question on your N-400 application to verify accuracy. You will be asked to confirm your answers, and any changes or corrections will be noted on the record.

The interview also includes an English language test with three components: reading (you must read one sentence correctly out of three attempts), writing (you must write one sentence correctly out of three attempts), and speaking (evaluated throughout the interview conversation).

Civics test preparation

• The civics test covers 100 possible questions about U.S. history, government structure, and civic principles.
• During the interview, the officer asks up to 10 questions. You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
• Topics include the Constitution, branches of government, rights and freedoms, U.S. history, and geography.
• Applicants 65 years or older with 20+ years of permanent residence qualify for a simplified version of the test (20 designated questions).
• VitaCoreX provides civics study materials and practice question sessions in English, Russian, and Spanish to help applicants prepare.

What is Form N-400?

Form N-400 is the application for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Lawful permanent residents who meet residency, physical presence, and good moral character requirements use this form to begin the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

What are the eligibility requirements?

General requirements include holding a green card for 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), continuous U.S. residence, physical presence for at least 30 months (or 18 months for the 3-year rule), being at least 18, and demonstrating good moral character.

What documents are needed?

Key documents include your green card copy, passport photos, tax returns for the past 5 years, complete travel records, employment and address history, and any marriage, divorce, or court records. Foreign-language documents require certified translations.

What happens at the interview?

A USCIS officer reviews your application under oath, tests your English reading, writing, and speaking abilities, and administers a civics test. You must correctly answer 6 out of 10 questions on U.S. history and government to pass.