How to file your N‑400, step by step

1. 1 When could you file?

   Most people can file after 5 years as a permanent resident, or after 3 years if they have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for 3 years and the spouse has been a citizen that whole time. USCIS accepts it up to 90 days early.

   First, what's your situation? So we show you what applies to you. It isn't saved or sent anywhere.

   I have a green card (permanent resident) I serve or served in the U.S. Armed Forces My spouse is a U.S. citizen working for the U.S. outside the country My U.S. citizen spouse abused me (VAWA) I'm under 18 and my mom or dad is a U.S. citizen I'm not sure

   Since when have you been a resident? (the "Resident since" date on your green card)

   Month — JanuaryFebruaryMarch AprilMayJune JulyAugustSeptember OctoberNovemberDecember Year Day (optional)

   Have you been married to and living with your spouse for at least 3 years, and has your spouse been a U.S. citizen that whole time? If you've been married less than 3 years, or your spouse became a citizen less than 3 years ago, answer "No".

   Yes No

   Calculate my date

   This is an approximate date. If you leave the day blank, we use the last day of the month so you don't file early: if you file too early, USCIS can deny it and won't refund the fee. These also count:

   • Being 18 or older.
   • Living in the U.S. without very long trips (a trip over 6 months can push your date back).
   • Being in the U.S. at least half the time (30 of the last 60 months, or 18 of 36 if you file through marriage).
   • Living at least 3 months in your state or USCIS district before you file.
   • Good moral character, and passing the English and civics test.
   • If you file through marriage: staying married until your oath.

   Requirements on uscis.gov: 5 years · through marriage. If you serve or served in the U.S. armed forces, different rules apply and there's no fee: military service.

2. 2 Check this before you file

   Talk to a lawyer before you file if any of this happened to you:

   • You were arrested, cited, or convicted at some point (even if it was cleared).
   • You traveled outside the U.S. for more than 6 months in a row, spent a lot of time outside in total, or lived in another country after getting your green card.
   • You have unfiled taxes, filed as a "nonresident", or owe child support.
   • You used, had, or sold drugs, or used or worked with marijuana, even if it's legal in your state.
   • You're a man and didn't register for Selective Service between ages 18 and 25 while living in the U.S.
   • You voted or registered to vote while not a citizen, or said you were a citizen.
   • You have or had an immigration court case, or a deportation order.
   • Your green card is conditional (2-year) and the conditions haven't been removed yet.
   • You have doubts about how you got your green card.
   • You'd answer "yes" to another yes/no question on the N-400 (for example: heavy drinking or drunk driving, helping someone enter illegally, illegal gambling, more than one spouse at a time, armed groups).
   If any apply, talk to a lawyer or accredited representative first.

   Free and low-cost help exists: free or low-cost lawyers (Department of Justice), the official list of accredited representatives, and how to find legal help (USCIS).

   An accredited representative works for a nonprofit recognized by the Department of Justice (EOIR) and can help with your case. A notary public is not a lawyer and can't represent you or give you legal advice.

3. 3 Gather your documents

   • Your green card (front and back) and a photo ID.
   • Your trips outside the U.S. in the last 5 years, with dates.
   • Your addresses and your jobs or schools for the last 5 years.
   • Marriage and prior divorce certificates, if any, and information about your children.
   • 2 letters from people who know you well and aren't family, preferably U.S. citizens (neighbors, bosses, co-workers). Each letter includes their name, contact details, and proof of their citizenship or status. They're optional, but USCIS has taken them into account since August 2026.
   • Your payment method, or documents for the reduced fee or waiver.

4. 4 What it costs

   Online on myUSCIS, the easiest way$710

   On paper$760

   Reduced fee (paper only)$380

   Fee waiver (Form I-912, paper)$0

   Proposal, not final yet. The government proposed raising the fee to $1,280 online and $1,330 on paper, and ending the reduced fee and the waiver.

   You pay USCIS directly, not ReadyCitizen. Source: uscis.gov/n-400 · Verified on October 22, 2026.

5. 5 File it yourself

   1. Create your free myUSCIS account.
   2. Fill out the N-400 online with your documents at hand.
   3. Pay on the same site.
   4. Get a receipt from USCIS (I-797C).
   5. If USCIS asks, go to your fingerprint appointment (biometrics).
   6. Receive your interview and test appointment. Official processing times.
   7. If you're approved, go to your oath ceremony and become a citizen.

   ReadyCitizen doesn't fill out or send your form: you do it on the official site.

6. 6 Start studying today

   It usually takes several months between filing and your interview. Your interview has 3 parts: civics (history and government questions), reading and writing in English, and questions about your N-400. 10 minutes a day gets you to your interview with confidence.

   Practice the interview out loud

   ReadyCitizen walks you through this road: all 128 questions, a practice officer who speaks to you in English, and a daily plan. Your first interview is free, no account needed.

   

ReadyCitizen is not affiliated with USCIS or any government, is not a law firm, and this is not legal advice. Verified on October 22, 2026.