Five Tips for Filing the N-400 Form

The first step to citizenship is the N-400 Form.  It is important to fill out N 400 application completely and correctly in order to speed up the process and in order to have your request for naturalization approved. 

1. Take the Eligibility Test

Before you spend time and money filling out forms and preparing for an interview, it is wise to make sure you are actually eligible for naturalization. There are eligibility tests you can take yourself both online and in the guide that comes with the N-400. It will take some time to work through the requirements, but it is time well-spent.  The requirements vary for different situations and you should look at each carefully to determine your own specific qualification.

2. Gather Your Documents

Gather all the documents you have before you start filling out the form N-400.  You will need your birth certificate, passport, all prior addresses and employment information including addresses and phone numbers. If you have left the United States for any significant length of time, you will need documents showing where you went and why. The forms will be easier to fill out if you have the information at your fingertips and you are not continuously stepping away from the form to find information. 

3. Always Tell the Truth

Do not guess at any answer.  If you are not sure about an answer, either find the correct information before answering, or leave it blank and offer an explanation as to why you cannot answer it.  If you believe an honest answer might hurt your chances of approval, consult an immigration lawyer for advice before answering.  Lying on a N-400 form, or any immigration documents, can lead to removal from the United States, and you could even lose your U.S. citizenship if it is granted.

4. Read the Instructions Carefully

Most people will think they can work through the application without instructions, but that could be a costly mistake. The USCIS prints, and offers online, detailed instructions for filling out Form N-400 application for naturalization.  Print the instructions and as you work through each question on the instruction sheet, cross off the question and move on to the next.  The instruction sheet will help you determine what documents you need as well.  There is specific information expected for each answer and an incorrect answer will delay the naturalization process. 

5. Get a Second Look

When you have completed the naturalization N 400 form, have a family member or friend look over the application to make sure every question is answered.  Form N-400 is a long and detailed application and it is easy to miss an answer, or perhaps put the answer to one question under a different question.  Any errors or missing information will result in a delay of your naturalization process, which is already a long process.  Someone else looking over your application is more likely to find errors you don’t see.  Be sure to have your online application read before clicking on the “submit” button!  Once you click to submit it, you cannot get it back.

Form N400 is your first step to naturalization and your first impression on USCIS officials.  It is important to make a good first impression and having thorough and correct answers to all questions is the best way to begin the process!