The N-400 Application: A Line-by-Line Overview
Introduction
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the official form used to apply for U.S. citizenship. A careful, accurate, and complete response to every question is essential. This overview walks through the major sections of the N-400 to help you understand what to expect.
Part 1: Information About Your Eligibility
This section asks which basis for naturalization you are applying under. Most applicants select either the 5-year LPR requirement or the 3-year requirement for those married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse. Selecting the correct basis is foundational to the entire application.
Parts 2 and 3: Information About You
These sections ask for your full legal name, any other names you have used, your current address, and contact information. If you wish to legally change your name through the naturalization process, you indicate that here.
Parts 4 and 5: Residence and Employment History
You must list every address where you have lived and every employer you have worked for during the relevant statutory period (five years for most applicants, three years if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen). Gaps in employment should be explained. This section helps USCIS confirm that you have met the continuous residence requirement.
Part 6: Time Outside the United States
You must list every trip outside the U.S. of 24 hours or more during the relevant period. For each trip, you must provide the date of departure, the date of return, the destination country, and the total number of days outside the U.S. Carefully review your passport and travel records to ensure accuracy.
Parts 7 through 12: Moral Character and Background
These are the most sensitive sections of the N-400. You are asked about criminal history (including arrests and convictions, even expunged ones), tax filing, Selective Service registration, membership in certain organizations, and other conduct. Answering Yes does not automatically result in denial, but failing to disclose information that USCIS later discovers can have serious consequences.
Conclusion
The N-400 is a comprehensive document requiring careful attention and complete honesty. If any section raises concerns, consulting an immigration attorney before filing can help you navigate the application correctly.
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