Are you a migrant seeking citizenship in the U.S.? When you’re eligible to become a citizen, you must undergo the naturalization process. This process involves filing and submitting specific forms, completing interviews, and taking oaths. But what is the naturalization paperwork you’ll need during the application?
The Form N-400 is the first document you must complete and present when applying for naturalization. Besides that, you’ll need a photocopy of your permanent resident card and two color photographs. You’ll also need a money order or check for the application fee.
Read on as this article covers the entire process and all the paperwork you’ll need.
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10 Documents Required for Naturalization Application
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires some specific documents for people sending naturalization applications. In addition to Form N-400, there are ten documents required for naturalization application.
1. Filled US Naturalization Form
The U.S. Naturalization Form is the first factor to consider when arranging your application paperwork. After checking, complete this form to confirm that you’ve met the application requirements.
This form helps you provide information about your eligibility, personal information, and biographical details. Here, you’ll also provide information about your residence, marital history, children, employment, and time outside the U.S.
2. A Copy of Your Permanent Resident Card
The USCIS requires that you submit a photocopy of your permanent resident card covering both sides of the card. This card, formerly called the Green Card or the Alien Registration Card, is an important document. It initially certifies your residence in the country, even before gaining citizenship.
There is a provision for you if you’ve lost the card. In this case, you can instead submit a photocopy of the receipt of your Form I-90. You must also apply to replace your Permanent Resident Card.
3. A Money Order or Check
When applying for naturalization in the U.S., you must include a money order or a personal check. This covers your naturalization and biometric processing fees. Remember that the check or money order must have your Alien registration number on the back. The USCIS only exempts people 75 years and older from paying these fees.
If this option is inconvenient, you can pay with your credit card at no additional cost. However, the USCIS insists that Form N-400 is the only form you can pay for with Authorization for credit card transactions.
4. Two Identical Color Photographs
If you’re residing outside the U.S., you must add two identical photographs of yourself to the paperwork. Each photo must then have your Alien registration number and your name on the back.
Remember that you must write these details using a pencil. In addition, your facial features must be apparent to aid identification. Even if you’re using a head cover for religious reasons, your face must be identifiable from the photograph.
5. Personal and Marriage Details
There are additional requirements if you apply for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
First, you must provide evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least three years. Here, you’ll provide their:
- Birth certificate if they haven’t lost citizenship since birth.
- Certificate of naturalization.
- Certificate of citizenship.
- The inside front cover of their current U.S. passport.
- Form FS-240 or a report of a U.S. citizen’s birth abroad.
You’ll also need your current marriage certificate and proof of termination of prior marriages, such as divorce decrees or annulments. You’ll also need documents that refer to you and your spouse.
These include tax returns, leases, bank accounts, IRS tax return transcripts, and mortgages. If you were married in the past, you must also prove that all prior marriages ended.
6. Supporting Documents if You’ve Stayed Outside the U.S.
You’ll need supporting paperwork if you’ve stayed outside the U.S. for over six months since becoming a permanent resident. In this case, you must prove that you and your family lived, worked, and maintained ties with the country.
Here are the documents you’ll need:
- A transcript of your IRS tax returns. You can also use an IRS-certified listing of your tax information for the last five years.
- Mortgage or rent payments and pay stubs.
7. If You Have Dependent Spouses or Children Living Elsewhere
You’ll need extra paperwork if you have a spouse or children who are dependent and do not live with you. In this case, you’ll need the following:
- A government or court order to offer financial support for them.
- You must provide evidence of your financial support, including proof that you’ve complied with the order. This includes canceled checks, proof of wage garnishments, money, and receipts.
8. If You’ve Had Past Arrests or Convictions
If any law enforcement officer has arrested or detained you and no charges followed, you must provide the official statement. On the other hand, if charges followed the arrest, you’ll need an original copy of the arrest record.
This paperwork covers the following:
- Acquittal order.
- Conviction record.
- Dismissal order.
If a court has convicted you or placed you in an alternative sentencing program, you’ll also need some documents. These include:
- A court-certified copy of your sentencing records for each event.
- Proof that you completed the sentence, covering an original copy of your parole or probation record and proof that you completed the rehabilitative program.
If you’ve had convictions or arrests sealed, vacated, or set aside, you’ll need court-certified copies of the orders.
9. Your Tax Details if You’ve Violated Any Tax Codes
If you’ve once failed to file any income tax returns since your residence, you’ll need to provide your IRS correspondence. Additionally, you’ll need signed agreements and documentation from the IRS if you have any overdue taxes.
10. Additional Paperwork
There is some additional paperwork you’ll sometimes need when applying for naturalization in the U.S.
First, if you’re applying for a disability exception, you’ll need your Original Form N-648, which is the medical certification for a disability exception.
A licensed doctor must have completed this form within the last six months.
Then, if you’re in the military, you must submit a completed Form N-426.
Your Naturalization Application in 7 Steps
Although the naturalization process appears quite simple, there are several intricacies. Sending your naturalization application can be tedious. So, here are seven helpful steps to aid your journey:
- Determine if you’re a citizen of the U.S. already.
- Find out your eligibility status to become a U.S. citizen.
- Save and fill out your Form N-400, then prepare your application.
- Submit your Form N-400 before paying your fees.
- Attend your biometrics appointment if it applies to you.
- Attend and complete the interview and wait for the decision.
- Get a note to take the oath of allegiance.
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