Document Checklist for the Naturalization Application (N-400)

If you're thinking about applying for naturalization to become a U.S. citizen, collecting and providing the right documents to support your application is a crucial part of the overall process and knowing exactly which documents to provide will help facilitate a smoother experience with USCIS. When filing the N-400, Application for Naturalization, in addition to answering the questions on the application, you are required to submit documents that will aid USCIS in assessing whether you are qualified to naturalize and whether your application should be approved. Below you will find a checklist of the required documentation that is common for most naturalization applicants.

The facts and circumstances of each individual case may differ and therefore, such cases might require additional documents; however, this checklist will provide a basic foundation for any application:

N-400, APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

A copy (front and back) of your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);
If you have changed your name since becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident, you must provide a copy of your Marriage Certificate, Court Order for Name Change, Adoption Decree, or other name-change document;
If you have taken any trips outside the United States since becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident, provide:
- A copy of entire passport for current passport(s);
- A copy of entire passport for other passports held since becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident;
- A copy of any Travel Permit Documents issued to you by USCIS (if applicable);
A copy of your drivers license or state ID;
A copy of your marriage certificate (if currently married);
- If you were previously married, copies of documentation of the termination of previous marriage(s), such as divorce decree(s), annulment decree(s), or death certificate of prior spouse;
If you have had dependent children that did not live with you:
- A copy of the court or government order ordering you to provide financial support for the child (OR a copy of the order showing that you were not required to provide financial support); AND
- Evidence that you provided financial support in compliance with the court or government order;
If you are applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you must provide:
- Proof that you have been living with your U.S. citizen spouse for the past three years (i.e., joint lease, joint bank accounts, joint utility bills, joint tax returns, driver’s licenses showing same address, etc.);
- A copy of your marriage certificate;
- A copy of the divorce order or death certificate showing termination of any prior marriages for you and/or your spouse;
- A copy of proof that your spouse is a U.S. citizen, such as:
  - U.S. Birth Certificate;
  - Certificate of Naturalization;
  - Certificate of Citizenship; OR
  - Consular Report of Birth Abroad;
Two passport-style photographs (if you live outside the United States);
Federal Income Tax Returns and W-2s (or IRS Tax Return Transcripts) for the past 5 years (if applying as the spouse of a U.S. citizen then provide for past 3 years); Information on obtaining the Tax Return Transcripts from the IRS is available at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Order-a-Transcript. Tax Return Transcripts can be obtained online, by calling 1-800-908-9946, or at most local IRS offices;
- If you have ever failed to file a Federal Income Tax Return since becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident because you were not required to file, you will need to obtain a letter from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) explaining why you were not required to file;
- If you owe any money to the IRS, you must provide proof from the IRS of your payment plan arrangements and your current payments made under that plan. You can obtain this documentation through your IRS online account: https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account;
If you have EVER been charged with any crime or violating any law, including a citation, whether in the United States or any other country, even if the charges were dropped or dismissed, and even if your record was expunged (deleted) (even if your attorney, the police, or a judge told you that it is as if the charges never happened), provide:
- The certified police records for ANY arrests or citations; AND
- The certified court disposition for ANY arrests;
- If the police and/or court have no record of the charge or citation, have them provide you with a certified letter or notice stating that no record exists;
Evidence of your Selective Service registration (if you are male, over 18, and were under 26 when you were approved for Legal Permanent Residence): https://www.sss.gov/Registration/Check-a-Registration/‌Veri‌fication-Form;
If you are currently serving in the U.S. military, provide a copy of your official military orders;
If you have previously served in the U.S. military, provide proof of Honorable Discharge from U.S. Armed Forces (if applicable):
- Form DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty; OR
- NGB Form 22 National Guard Report of Separation and Record of Service.

It's important to note that if any of your documents are in a language other than English, you will need an English translation in addition to a copy of the original language document. The documents do not have to be translated by a professional translator. The translator should not be the Applicant, Petitioner, or Beneficiary for the application, nor should the translator be a close relative. The translator must be fluent in both English and the foreign language of the document. The translator should be someone that you trust to translate the document competently and fully. Each page of the document must be fully translated, including any letterhead, footnotes, and seals or stamps. The translation does not need to be notarized or apostilled, but it must be certified by the translator.

If you have any questions about the naturalization process and would like to set up a consultation, please schedule one today using the button at the top of our website or by giving us a call. Our experienced immigration attorneys are here to provide the advice you need.

Disclaimer: This blog post and similar posts are not to be considered as providing legal advice. The discussion here is meant for educational and informational purposes only and shall not create an attorney-client relationship with the readers of this content.