The essential documents required for Naturalization (Form N-400) include a copy of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), evidence of your continuous residence and physical presence in the United States, and proof of your marital status if applicable. You must also submit documents related to any prior criminal history, selective service registration, and any changes in name or status. Accurate and complete documentation helps ensure a smooth naturalization process with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
What Documents are Required for Naturalization (Form N-400)?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Continuous Residence Evidence | To demonstrate continuous residence for Form N-400 naturalization, applicants must provide evidence such as rental agreements, tax returns, employment records, utility bills, and school transcripts dating back to the required period, typically five years (or three years for spouses of U.S. citizens). These documents must show uninterrupted physical presence and intent to reside within the United States, supporting the residency requirements mandated by USCIS. |
| 2 | Physical Presence Documentation | Physical presence documentation for Form N-400 requires applicants to provide evidence such as tax returns, employment records, travel itineraries, and lease or mortgage agreements to prove continuous residence in the United States. Consistent documentation covering the five years before filing--three years for spouses of U.S. citizens--helps demonstrate compliance with the physical presence requirement for naturalization eligibility. |
| 3 | Tax Compliance Records | Tax compliance records, including copies of federal tax returns filed for the past five years, are essential for completing Form N-400 to demonstrate good moral character. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may also request tax transcripts from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to verify accurate reporting and consistent tax payment history. |
| 4 | Selective Service Registration Proof | Proof of Selective Service Registration is required for male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 submitting Form N-400 for naturalization, demonstrating compliance with U.S. law. Acceptable documentation includes a Selective Service Registration acknowledgment card, a Status Information Letter from the Selective Service System, or evidence of exemption or late registration. |
| 5 | Good Moral Character Affidavit | The Good Moral Character Affidavit, required for Form N-400 naturalization, must include detailed personal background information, evidence of compliance with U.S. laws, and affidavits from reputable community members attesting to the applicant's ethical behavior. Supporting documents may consist of police clearance certificates, records of any criminal history, and proof of consistent employment or community involvement demonstrating sustained moral character. |
| 6 | Certified Disposition of Court Records | Certified Dispositions of Court Records are essential for Form N-400 applicants who have been arrested or charged with a crime, providing official proof of case outcomes to USCIS. These documents must be obtained from the courthouse where the case was resolved and demonstrate the final judgment, ensuring accurate background checks during the naturalization process. |
| 7 | Spousal Citizenship Proof (N-400 Spouse) | Spousal Citizenship Proof for Form N-400 requires submitting the U.S. citizen spouse's birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or U.S. passport as primary evidence. Providing certified copies of the marriage certificate alongside proof of the spouse's citizenship ensures compliance with USCIS guidelines for naturalization applicants filing based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. |
| 8 | Military Naturalization Exemption Documents (INA 328/329) | Military Naturalization Exemption Documents for Form N-400 under INA 328 and 329 include proof of honorable service such as discharge papers (DD-214) or official military service records. Applicants must also submit evidence of U.S. residence and physical presence, along with documentation showing eligibility under the specific provisions of INA 328 (peacetime service) or INA 329 (wartime service). |
| 9 | Certified English Language Waiver (Form N-648) | The Certified English Language Waiver (Form N-648) is a critical medical certification submitted alongside Form N-400 to request exemption from the English language requirement during naturalization due to a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment. This waiver must be completed by a licensed medical or osteopathic doctor, detailing the applicant's condition to ensure eligibility for educational requirements exemption during the naturalization process. |
| 10 | Supporting Evidence of Legal Name Change | Supporting evidence of legal name change for Form N-400 naturalization includes court orders, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or any government-issued documents that officially verify the name change. USCIS requires these original or certified copies to confirm the applicant's identity and maintain accurate records throughout the naturalization process. |
Overview of Form N-400 for Naturalization
Form N-400 is the official application used by permanent residents to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Essential documents include a copy of your Permanent Resident Card, passport-style photos, and evidence of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States. Additional supporting documents, such as tax returns, marriage certificates, or proof of military service, may be required depending on your individual circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria for U.S. Citizenship
Eligibility for U.S. citizenship through naturalization requires submitting Form N-400 along with specific documents. These include a permanent resident card, evidence of continuous residence, and proof of good moral character.
Supporting documents may also consist of tax returns, marriage certificates, and military service records. You must present valid identification and any documents that demonstrate compliance with residency and physical presence requirements.
Required Personal Identification Documents
Submitting accurate personal identification documents is essential when applying for naturalization using Form N-400. These documents verify the applicant's identity and support the eligibility evaluation process.
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) - Proof of lawful permanent resident status is mandatory for naturalization applicants.
- Passport or Travel Documents - Valid passports or travel records help confirm identity and residence history during the eligibility period.
- State-Issued Identification or Driver's License - These documents serve as additional proof of identity and residence within the United States.
Proof of Lawful Permanent Resident Status
What documents are required to prove lawful permanent resident status for Form N-400 naturalization? Applicants must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as primary evidence. If the Green Card is unavailable, other USCIS documents or court records proving lawful permanent resident status may be accepted.
Supporting Documents for Marital Status
| Document | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage Certificate | Official government-issued certificate proving a legal marriage between you and your spouse. | Verifies your current marital status as married for naturalization eligibility. |
| Divorce Decree | Legal document confirming the termination of a previous marriage. | Demonstrates your marital history, ensuring no conflicting marriages. |
| Death Certificate of Former Spouse | Certified copy showing the death of a previous spouse. | Confirms the end of a prior marriage by death, supporting your current marital status. |
| Proof of Spouse's U.S. Citizenship | Documents such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate of the spouse. | Required if applying based on marriage to a U.S. citizen. |
| Evidence of Marital Union | Joint bank account statements, lease or mortgage agreements, or insurance policies shared with spouse. | Supports the authenticity of your marital relationship. |
Evidence of Continuous Residence and Physical Presence
Evidence of continuous residence is essential when filing Form N-400 for naturalization. You must demonstrate that you have lived in the United States continuously for the required period, typically five years or three years if married to a U.S. citizen.
Documents such as lease agreements, utility bills, employment records, and tax returns serve as proof of continuous residence. Physical presence requires showing you were physically present in the U.S. for at least half of the qualifying period, supported by travel records or passport stamps.
Documentation for Employment and Tax History
Employment and tax history documentation is essential for the naturalization process using Form N-400. These documents demonstrate continuous lawful presence and good moral character, which are key criteria for eligibility.
- Proof of Employment - Submit recent pay stubs, employer letters, or tax returns showing income to verify consistent employment status.
- Federal Tax Returns - Provide copies of IRS Form 1040 for the past five years (or three years if applying based on marriage) to confirm accurate tax filing.
- State Tax Records - Include state tax returns or W-2 forms to support federal tax filings and illustrate compliance with tax laws in all relevant jurisdictions.
Criminal History and Good Moral Character Evidence
When applying for naturalization using Form N-400, applicants must disclose their complete criminal history, including arrests, charges, and convictions. Providing police reports, court records, and final dispositions serves as essential evidence to verify this information. Demonstrating good moral character requires submitting character references, proof of lawful behavior, and affidavits from reputable community members or employers.
Special Considerations: Military and Exempt Applicants
Naturalization through Form N-400 involves submitting specific documents tailored to individual circumstances. Some applicants, such as military members and certain exempt individuals, must provide additional documentation reflecting their unique status.
- Military Service Records - Active duty members should submit Form N-426, Certificate of Military Service, to verify honorable service.
- Exemption Proof - Applicants exempt from residency or physical presence requirements must supply evidence supporting their eligibility.
- Selective Service Registration - Male applicants between ages 18 and 26 must include proof of registration or exemption from Selective Service.
Your application process may require extra documentation based on these special considerations.
What Documents are Required for Naturalization (Form N-400)? Infographic
