U.S. Citizenship Guide Application Guide

Contents of VisaSnap’s 

N-400 Citizenship Application Guide

The most current fillable forms provided by the U.S. government, including:

• N-400 Application for Naturalization (Citizenship)
• N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document
• N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship
• And many more required and optional forms

A step-by-step checklist covering the entire application process, including:

• Instructions on how to organize your documents
• Instructions on how to best prepare for the citizenship interview
• Instructions and preparation material for the citizenship examination

Complete instructions the N-400, Application for Naturalization 

An explanation and guides for the English language and U.S. history and government examinations

Pre-filled sample forms with real world examples to better explain the process with a detailed analysis for several types of applicants

A sample cover letter and document checklist for the application

A list of documents needed for the interview

A list of sample interview questions

A list of common reasons for denials of citizenship

How to respond to a Request for Evidence (RFE)

A list of frequently asked questions and a glossary of immigration terms

Important contact information for USCIS offices

Frequently Asked Questions

N-400 Citizenship Application

When can I apply for N-400 Citizenship?

In general a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) may apply for citizenship using form N-400 if they are at least 18 years of age and meet certain residency requirements, such as a three or five year residency requirement and having a presence in the U.S. for at least half of that time period, certain legal status requirements and good moral character.

What are some of the general eligibility requirements for the N-400?

In general you must meet the following requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship. However, to learn about the full details and instructions when filing your N-400 application, please purchase VisaSnap’s Green Citizenship Application Guide, on sale now for only $29.99!

• You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• You must be 18 years of age or older when filing form N-400
• 3 or 5 year residency requirement
• You may apply for U.S. citizenship after three years
  if you have been married to a U.S. citizen for the previous three years
• All others may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years
• Continuous residence
• During either the 3 or 5 years residency requirement you
  must have resided continuously in the U.S.
• In general this means that you cannot have resided outside the U.S.
  for longer than six months
• Note: there are some important elements to this requirement
  Before you apply it is recommended that you read
  VisaSnap’s Green Citizenship Application Guide
• Physical presence in the U.S. requirement
• You must have physically lived in the U.S. for at least one-half of the
  continuous residency requirement period
• Time in State / District
• When you file the N-400 you must have lived in the same state or district
  continuously during the three months before you file the N-400

Why is U.S. Citizenship Important?

There are many important reasons for why it may be a good idea to apply for U.S. citizenship. To learn more about  the specific benefits of U.S. citizenship please purchase VisaSnap’s Citizenship Application Guide, on sale now for only $29.99! Some of the benefits of U.S. citizenship include:

• Full protection under the law
• Enhanced employment opportunities
• Fewer issues regarding admissibility into the U.S. 
• Ability to sponsor family members for a green card
• Ability to apply for a U.S. passport
• Right to vote
• Hold public office
• Protection from removal from the U.S. 

Is it expensive to have an attorney file a N-400 citizenship application?

It depends. The average cost for an attorney to file a N-400 citizenship application ranges anywhere from $5000 to over $1500. Often how much an attorney charges will depend on how complicated the case is, the experience of the attorney and the location of the attorney. This also does not include the filing fees. Many individuals apply for U.S. citizenship without an attorney. However, It is recommended that an applicant use an application guide such as VisaSnap’s Citizenship Application Guide to ensure that the application has been properly submitted.

If I make a mistake & my N-400 application is rejected will I get a refund on the filing fees?

No. If your N-400 application is rejected you, or you are denied U.S. citizenship at the interview and exam, you will not get a refund for the filing fees. Since filing fee for a N-400 application is $680, it is highly recommended that you use an application guide such as VisaSnap’s Citizenship Application Guide to help you file your application correctly, the first time.

How should I prepare for the citizenship interview and exam?

Each applicant for U.S. citizenship must pass and interview and citizenship application. There are many resources that can be found to help you prepare for the interview and exam. VisaSnap has included several exam preparation resources for free in  VisaSnap’s Citizenship Application Guide to help prepare for your exam. VisaSnap’s Citizenship Application guide also includes a list of commonly asked questions for the U.S. citizenship interview to help prepare you.

Should I send original documents or photocopies to USCIS?

If an immigration form requires you to send in documents with your application, it is a good idea not to send originals. The reason is that USCIS will not return the documents to you. You should make a photocopy of the official document and send in the photocopy.

How do I answer a question on a form if the question does not apply to my situation?

If the question does not apply to your case then write N/A (“not applicable”). If the answer to the question is “zero” (e.g., how many children do you have?) then write “none.” In any case, do not leave a question blank.

I’m interested in VisaSnap’s Citizenship Application guide where can I learn more?

If you would like to learn more about VisaSnap’s Immigration Application Guide, please view this short video.

Current USCIS Filing Fees

Citizenship Application

The Current Filing Fees for the N-400 Citizenship Application

• $680, standard application fee
• (Includes $595 application fee + $85 biometrics fee)
• $0, if filing through service in the U.S. Armed Forces
• (includes $365 application fee and $85 biometrics fees

The Current Filing Fees for the N-470 Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization

• $330, standard application fee
• (no biometrics fee)

The Current Filing Fees for the N-565 Application for Replacement Citizenship Document

• $600, standard application fee
• $600, if filing on behalf of biological child
• $550, if filing for an adopted child
• $0, if filing through service in the U.S. Armed Forces

For a complete list of current filing fees please visit the USCIS filing fees page