STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION ON FILLING IN N-400

As we have already noted, this is a long form, so don’t rush. Be sure to use black ink to write your answers if you are completing this form in pen. If you make a mistake, do not try to erase it, cross it out or rewrite your answer; simply start over on a new form.

Be aware that some sections, especially Parts 5, 8, and 11, have limited space for your answers.  If you additional room for your responses, you can use separate sheets of paper. However, you must write your A-Number at the top of that paper, along with the Page, Part, and Item Number to which your answer refers.

Now, To make sure that you understand each section, let’s review each step one by one:

PREPARER

If someone else prepared your N-400, you will provide information about that person in Part 15. USCIS needs this person’s name, address, and contact information. The preparer must also make a statement and certification about their qualifications and intent in filling out the form for you. The preparer should sign and date in the space provided.

DO NOT

– Do NOT complete Part 16 until you are told to do so by the USCIS officer at your interview. When you are instructed to do so, you will sign and date the form in the space provided. By doing so, you swear that all information you have provided is true and accurate.

– Do NOT complete Part 17 until the USCIS officer tells you to do so. If you have, or ever had, an order of nobility or a hereditary title (if you were a prince, princess, count, duke, etc.) in any foreign country, you will be asked to renounce those birthrights to apply for U.S. citizenship. You must sign and date this section, as well.

– Do NOT complete Part 18 until the USCIS officer tells you to do so at your interview. In this part, you promise to take the Oath of Allegiance as part of becoming a U.S. citizen. Once you are instructed to do so, you will print your full name, sign and date in the spaces provided.

All applicants for U.S. citizenship must provide certain documents with Form N-400. These are:

• A photocopy of both sides of your Permanent Resident Card,
• Two identical passport-style color pictures of yourself that meet the specifications set forth in the instructions for Form N-400, and
• A birth certificate for each of your child(ren), if you have any.

MAKING YOUR PAYMENT

Along with your completed Form N-400,  you must include your supporting documents, payment for applicable filing fees (ranging from $680- $595) and the $85 biometric service fee. Please note that you do not have to pay the biometric services fee if you are 75 or older, or if you are filing under military provisions.  To pay the applicable fees, use a check drawn on a U.S. account and made out to the Department of Homeland Security. If you want to use a credit card, you must also submit the G-1450 authorization form.