N-400, Application for Naturalization - USCIS (.gov)
Key Takeaways
- The N-400 is the application to become a U.S. citizen for eligible lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
- Applicants can file online via a myUSCIS account or by mail; biometrics, an interview, and English/civics testing are part of the process.
- Current fees are $710 for online filing and $760 for paper; a $380 reduced fee and full fee waivers are available for eligible applicants. No separate biometrics fee applies.
- Core eligibility includes 5 years of permanent residence (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen), continuous residence, physical presence, and “good moral character.”
- Exemptions and accommodations exist for the English/civics tests, including 50/20 and 55/15 rules, and simplified civics for those 65+ with 20 years of residency.
What the N-400 Covers
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) outlines that Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the pathway for lawful permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship. Most applicants qualify after five years as an LPR, or after three years if they are married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse who has held that status during the period. Applicants must show continuous residence and physical presence (typically at least 30 months out of the last five years, or 18 months out of three for the marriage-based route), demonstrate good moral character, and pass English and civics exams unless they qualify for exemptions. The English test is waived for those who are 50+ with 20 years as an LPR (50/20) or 55+ with 15 years (55/15); those 65+ with 20 years benefit from a simplified civics test and additional study materials.
Costs, Waivers, and How to File
USCIS currently lists the N-400 filing fee as $710 for online submissions and $760 for paper filings, with no separate biometrics fee. A $380 reduced fee is available to certain lower-income applicants, and full fee waivers may apply for those who receive means‑tested benefits, meet specific income thresholds, or face financial hardship (normally via Form I-912). Applicants can file online by creating a myUSCIS account, which allows document uploads, case tracking, and messaging. After filing, most will attend a biometrics appointment, complete a naturalization interview and testing, and—if approved—take the Oath of Allegiance at a ceremony, the final step to obtaining a Certificate of Naturalization.
What This Means for Applicants Now
For people preparing to apply, the key is readiness: ensure tax filings are current, travel and address histories are accurate, and any criminal or immigration issues are documented and, if needed, reviewed with counsel. Men who lived in the U.S. between ages 18–26 should gather Selective Service proof or an explanation. Processing times vary by local field office, often several months from filing to oath, so applicants should check the USCIS Processing Times tool for local estimates. The option to file online and the availability of reduced fees and waivers can significantly lower barriers, particularly for long‑time residents on fixed incomes. Bottom line: if you meet the residency and character requirements, this USCIS guidance clarifies the steps—and costs—to become a U.S. citizen.
Source: Original Article