FORM N-400 PREPARATION GUIDE

Form N-400 Preparation Checklist: Documents, Filing and Interview

Form N-400 is the USCIS Application for Naturalization. To prepare it, read the official instructions, gather the documents on the USCIS checklist, choose online or paper filing, pay the fee, then get ready for biometrics, the interview and the English and civics tests.

This page puts those steps in order, with each fact linked to the official USCIS source. It helps you organise your preparation. It does not decide whether you are eligible, and it does not file anything for you.

Checked against official USCIS pages on Nov 4, 2026. Visa Current is independent of USCIS and all government agencies.

Key takeaways

Current edition: USCIS lists the 01/20/25 edition of Form N-400 and its instructions.
Filing fee: $710 online or $760 on paper. The reduced fee is $380. A fee waiver request uses Form I-912 or a written request.
Online or mail: you can file online through a free USCIS online account. Reduced-fee and fee-waiver requests must be filed on paper.
Early filing: if you apply on the 5-year or 3-year (married to a U.S. citizen) basis, you may file 90 calendar days before you complete the continuous residence requirement.
Every applicant: include a copy of both sides of your Green Card. Other documents depend on your situation.
After filing: receipt notice, biometrics if required, interview with the English and civics tests, a decision, then the Oath of Allegiance.
You are not a citizen until you take the oath at a naturalization ceremony.

Step 1: Before you start the N-400

Check whether you may already be a U.S. citizen. Some people acquire or derive U.S. citizenship through a parent. If you believe this applies to you, review USCIS guidance on citizenship through parents before filing Form N-400. Form N-600 may be used to request a Certificate of Citizenship, but whether you already acquired citizenship depends on the applicable legal requirements.
Review eligibility on the official pages. USCIS explains the residence, physical presence and other requirements on its citizenship and naturalization page. Confirm your own situation there, or with an attorney or accredited representative.
Read the instructions. The Form N-400 instructions (PDF) are the source of truth for every question on the form.
Use one edition. If you print and mail the form, every page must be from the same edition, with the edition date and page numbers visible. USCIS may reject a form with missing pages or mixed editions.

Step 2: Gather your N-400 documents

USCIS publishes a checklist of required initial evidence on the Form N-400 page. It is a preparation tool: USCIS asks you not to send the checklist itself with your form.

Form N-400 documents by situation (from the USCIS checklist)
If this applies to you	What USCIS lists
Every applicant	A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), both sides
You live outside the United States	Two passport-style photographs
You are married, or were married before	Your current marriage certificate and proof that any prior marriages ended (divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate)
You apply as the spouse of a U.S. citizen	Your marriage certificate, proof of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship for the last 3 years (such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate, passport biographical page or Form FS-240) and proof that all prior marriages for both of you ended
You were ever arrested, cited, detained, charged or convicted	Arrest reports, court dispositions and sentencing records, as listed on the checklist for your situation, including records that were sealed, expunged or vacated, and proof you completed any sentence or probation
You owe taxes, fines, restitution or child support	Proof of the order and of payment, or a signed agreement with the IRS or state or local tax office showing a payment plan
A trip abroad lasted more than 6 months but less than 1 year	Evidence you kept your U.S. residence, such as rent or mortgage statements, pay statements, bank records, car registration and insurance, passport stamps or IRS tax transcripts
You did not register with Selective Service when required	A status information letter from the Selective Service and a statement explaining why you did not register (for applicants in the age range on the checklist)
You have a disability that prevents you from meeting the English or civics requirement	Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
You are serving or served in the U.S. armed forces	Form N-426 if currently serving, or DD Form 214, NGB Form 22 or discharge orders if separated
An attorney or accredited representative helps you	Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance

This table summarises common items. It is not the full checklist. Open the official checklist on the USCIS Form N-400 page and check every row that applies to you.

Copies, not originals: USCIS says not to send original documents unless the instructions or regulations specifically ask for them.
Translations: any document in a foreign language needs a full English translation and a translator’s certification that it is complete and accurate.
Tax records: USCIS’s naturalization preparation fact sheet (G-1151) notes that IRS tax transcripts can be ordered with IRS Form 4506-T.

Step 3: Fill out the N-400 carefully

Collect your history first. Have your addresses, employment or schooling, trips outside the United States with dates, and family details ready before you start.
Answer every question truthfully. At the interview, a USCIS officer asks you about your application and background.
Review before you submit. USCIS advises reviewing your work, correcting mistakes and keeping a copy of your application.
Sign the form. USCIS rejects any unsigned form.

Step 4: File online or by mail and pay the fee

Form N-400 filing fee options (USCIS Form N-400 page)
Option	What you submit	How you file
Full fee	$710 online or $760 on paper. Answer “No” in Part 10, Item Number 1	Online or by mail
Reduced fee	$380 and documentation supporting the request. Complete Part 10	Paper only
Fee waiver	No fee. Form I-912 or a written request, with supporting documentation	Paper only
Qualifying military naturalization	$0 for applicants who meet the requirements of INA section 328 or 329	Follow the applicable USCIS military naturalization filing instructions

Online filing: with a USCIS online account you can pay online, check your case status, get notifications, respond to requests for evidence and update your address.
Paper filing: mail to the address on USCIS’s direct filing addresses page for Form N-400. Filing at the wrong address can slow your case.
Paper payments: USCIS generally no longer accepts checks or money orders for paper filings. Pay by card with Form G-1450 or from a U.S. bank account with Form G-1650, unless you qualify for the paper-payment exemption on Form G-1651. See the USCIS fee payment page.
Acceptance alerts: to get an email or text when USCIS accepts a paper filing, clip Form G-1145 to the first page.

Fees and payment rules change. Confirm the amount on the Form N-400 page on the day you file.

Step 5: After you file: receipt and biometrics

Receipt notice: USCIS sends a receipt notice once you file. It also extends your Green Card for 2 years from the “Card Expires” date when shown with your card. A lost Green Card generally still needs Form I-90.
Biometrics: if USCIS needs your fingerprints, photo and signature, it sends an appointment notice. Bring your Green Card, the appointment notice and a second photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or state ID card.
Keep your address current with USCIS so you receive every notice.

Step 6: Prepare for the N-400 interview and test

A USCIS officer asks you questions about your application and background and gives the naturalization test unless you qualify for an exemption.

Bring: your interview notice, Green Card, a state-issued ID and all valid and expired passports and travel documents that show your absences since you became a permanent resident. USCIS points to Form M-477, Document Checklist, for other documents you may need.
English test: read aloud one of three sentences correctly and write one of three sentences correctly. The officer judges your speaking during the interview.
Civics test: the version depends on your filing date. If USCIS received your N-400 before Oct. 20, 2025, you take the 2008 civics test (6 correct out of up to 10). On or after that date, you take the 2025 civics test: 20 questions, 12 correct to pass, and 9 incorrect is a fail.
Retest: you get two attempts. If you fail part of the test, USCIS retests that part 60 to 90 days after your first interview.

Our citizenship test guide compares both civics versions side by side.

Step 7: Decision and the Oath of Allegiance

Decision: USCIS may grant your application, continue it (for example, to request more evidence or after a failed test) or deny it.
Oath ceremony: if approved, you may take the oath the same day or receive a ceremony notice. Complete the Form N-445 questionnaire, check in, and turn in your Green Card.
Certificate: after the oath you receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Check it and report any errors before you leave the ceremony.

Doing it yourself or getting help

You can prepare and file Form N-400 yourself through USCIS, or work with an attorney or accredited representative who can submit Form G-28 when representing you.

Visa Current is a separate preparation tool, not a filing or legal representation service. It helps you organise form-roadmap stages, record case milestones, manage supported reminders and practise interview questions.

If your history includes arrests, extended absences from the United States or unresolved tax issues, consider consulting a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative before filing.

Organise your N-400 in Visa Current

Create a free Visa Current account to open the Citizenship form roadmap. The N-400 step lists what the form documents, when to file and what to gather, with the common sticking points. You can track your case, log your receipt and biometrics dates, and rehearse the N-400 interview with practice prompts written by Visa Current, not USCIS.

Free includes the Citizenship roadmap, one tracked case and the first 10 questions of each practice bank. Essential costs $20/month and unlocks every practice question, including the full 2008 and 2025 civics lists. Nothing in Visa Current predicts your interview result or decision.

Start your N-400 roadmap free View membership plans

Official sources and last verification

All facts on this page were checked against these official pages on Nov 4, 2026. If anything here differs from USCIS, the USCIS page is correct.

Visa Current (visacurrent.com) is an independent online preparation workspace for people going through the U.S. immigration process. It organizes official Visa Bulletin dates, form roadmaps, case check-in reminders and practice flashcards in one place. It does not file applications, does not provide legal advice and is not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. This page is information, not legal advice, and does not guarantee any application result.