Becoming a U.S. citizen is a major milestone — and it all starts with getting your documents in order. Before you file Form N-400, it’s important to know exactly what supporting documents USCIS expects based on your individual situation.
Whether you’re applying based on five years as a green card holder or through marriage to a U.S. citizen, this guide walks you through what to submit with your naturalization application — and what to bring to your interview.
You don’t need every document to get started today. Begin your application, gather your records as you go, and confidently take the next step toward U.S. citizenship. Not sure if you qualify?
Documents to Submit with Your N-400 Application
Becoming a U.S. citizen starts with submitting the right documents. Before you file Form N-400, make sure you gather all required records that prove your eligibility — based on your immigration history, marital status, and personal circumstances. The checklist below gives you a quick overview of what’s needed, followed by a detailed breakdown to help you prepare with confidence.
N-400 Required Documents at a Glance
| Document | Who Must Submit | Supporting Notes |
| Green Card (front and back) | All applicants | Submit a copy of an unexpired card or Form I-90 receipt. |
| Application Fee Payment | All applicants | Pay by check, money order, or credit card using Form G-1450. |
| Form I-942 (Fee Reduction Request) | Low-income applicants | Use if you meet income guidelines and want a reduced fee. |
| Form I-912 (Fee Waiver Request) | Applicants unable to pay fees | Submit documentation showing financial hardship. |
| Proof of Marital Status | Married/divorced/widowed applicants | Submit marriage, divorce, or death certificates. |
| Two Passport-Style Photos | Applicants applying from abroad | Photos must be 2×2 inches, per USCIS photo requirements. |
| Form N-426 (Military Service) | Veterans or active military members | Submit if applying based on qualifying service. |
| Form N-648 (Medical Waiver) | Applicants seeking disability-based test exemption | Must be completed by a licensed medical professional. |
| Legal Name Change Documents | Applicants whose legal name differs from their green card | Include marriage certificate, court order, etc. |
| Form G-28 (Request for Representation) | Applicants using an attorney or accredited representative | Authorizes legal representation at your naturalization interview. |
Detailed Breakdown of Required Documents
Proof of Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) Holder Status
Submit a clear photocopy of the front and back of your green card. It must be valid and unexpired. If your green card has expired, renew your green card by filing Form I-90. You can include the I-90 receipt notice with your N-400 — USCIS will accept that as proof.
Complete Application Package Fee
The total fee for Form N-400 includes the application and biometrics processing. You can pay by:
- Credit card using Form G-1450
- Check or money order made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
USCIS filing fees vary, so always check the current rates before submitting. And there are no extra charges for credit card payments.
Fee Waiver or Reduction Requests
If you can’t afford the full filing fee, you have two options:
- Form I-942 fee reduction – for applicants who qualify based on household income (150–200% of the federal poverty guidelines). Note: USCIS now allows applicants to request a fee reduction directly within Part 10 of the N-400 form.
- Form I-912 fee waiver – for applicants requesting a full waiver due to low income, public benefits, or financial hardship.
Make sure to include proper documentation (like tax returns or benefit approval letters) to support your request.
Proof of Current Marital Status
If you’re currently or previously married, include copies of:
- Marriage certificates
- Divorce or annulment decrees
- Death certificates (if your spouse has passed)
These documents help USCIS confirm your marital history and eligibility, especially for marriage-based naturalization.
Passport-Style Photos (If Abroad)
Applicants filing from outside the United States must include two identical 2×2 inch passport-style photos with a white background. Photos must meet official U.S. passport photo standards.
Form N-426 – Military Service Certification
If you are applying for citizenship based on qualifying military or naval service, include Form N-426. It must be certified by your commanding officer or the appropriate military office. Check our Citizenship through military guide for more details.
Form N-648 – Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions
If a medical disability prevents you from taking the English or civics test, your doctor must complete and sign Form N-648. This must be submitted with your application, not at the interview.
Legal Name Change Documentation
Has your name changed due to marriage, divorce, court order, or adoption? Include official documents such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court-issued name change order
- Adoption records
Your documents must clearly link your current legal name to the name on your green card. Here’s how to change your name on USCIS documents.
Form G-28 – Attorney or Accredited Representative
If an attorney or accredited representative is helping you with your application or interview, submit Form G-28. This authorizes them to communicate with USCIS and appear on your behalf. Learn more about consulting an immigration attorney for your naturalization process.
Don’t Wait to Start
Even if you’re still gathering documents, you can begin your naturalization journey today. ImmigrationDirect’s step-by-step platform helps you complete Form N-400 accurately, with built-in document reminders and attorney review (optional).
Documents If Applying Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen
If you’re applying for U.S. citizenship based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to provide a few extra documents beyond the standard N-400 checklist. These documents help USCIS confirm the legitimacy of your marriage and verify that you meet the 3-year residency and marital union requirements.
Even if your spouse recently became a citizen, you must still show that they have been a U.S. citizen for the entire 3-year period before you apply.
Proof of Your Previous Marriages Have Ended
If you or your spouse were previously married, you must include official documents that show how those marriages ended. These could be:
- Divorce decrees
- Annulment certificates
- Death certificates (if a prior spouse passed away)
Tip: Submit certified copies or official translations if the documents are in a foreign language.
Proof Your Spouse Has Been a U.S. Citizen for 3 Years
To qualify for the 3-year naturalization track, your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for at least three years before you file Form N-400 — and still be a citizen when you apply.
Accepted proof includes:
Proof of a Bona Fide Marriage (3-Year Marital Union)
You must also show that you and your spouse have been living together in a genuine marital relationship for the last three years. USCIS wants to confirm the marriage is real and ongoing.
Examples of acceptable documents:
- Joint bank account statements or credit cards
- Leases or mortgage documents with both names
- Birth certificates of children born into the marriage
- IRS-certified joint tax returns or tax return transcripts for the past 3 years
Tip: The more evidence you provide, the stronger your case will be.
Why These Documents Matter
When applying through marriage, USCIS reviews not just your immigration history — but also the stability and legitimacy of your relationship. Missing or unclear documentation can trigger delays, a request for more evidence (RFE), or even denial.
Ready to Apply?
If you’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years and meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for early naturalization. Gather these documents and submit them with your N-400 to fast-track your path to U.S. citizenship.
Additional Required Documents Based on Your Situation
Every naturalization journey is unique. While most applicants submit the same basic documents, certain life circumstances may require you to provide additional records. These documents help USCIS evaluate your complete history and determine your eligibility for U.S. citizenship.
Whether you’ve spent time outside the U.S., support dependents, or have had law enforcement contact, use this guide to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Extended Trips Outside the U.S.
If you’ve spent 6 months or more abroad during a single trip since getting your green card, USCIS may question whether you abandoned your permanent resident status. You’ll need to prove you kept strong ties to the U.S.
Include copies of:
- Passport pages with entry and exit stamps
- IRS tax return transcripts for the past 3 or 5 years
- Mortgage or rent receipts
- Letters from your U.S. employer confirming employment during travel
Financial Support for Dependents
If you list children or other dependents on your N-400 who don’t live with you, USCIS expects you to show proof of your financial responsibility.
Accepted documents:
- Court orders for child or spousal support
- Cancelled checks, bank transfers, or money order receipts
- Wage garnishment notices
- A signed statement from the custodial parent confirming receipt of support
Tip: Include documents for all dependents — not just children, but also ex-spouses if required.
Proof of Parental Relationship
If you’re claiming children or dependents on your application, you must prove you have a legal relationship with them.
Include:
- Birth certificates (listing you as a parent)
- Adoption papers
- Court-issued custody or guardianship orders
Selective Service Registration (Males 18–26)
If you lived in the U.S. as a male between the ages of 18 and 26 (regardless of immigration status), you were legally required to register for Selective Service.
Provide:
- Proof of registration from Selective Service Verification
- Or, if you didn’t register:
- A Status Information Letter
- A signed personal affidavit explaining why you didn’t register
IRS Tax Records or Overdue Payments
USCIS expects you to be current on your federal, state, and local taxes. If you haven’t filed returns or owe back taxes, show that you’ve taken steps to fix it.
Submit:
- IRS letters related to missed filings
- Signed agreements from the IRS or your state tax agency
- Proof of payments made toward outstanding balances
Law Enforcement or Criminal History
You must report all arrests, charges, and convictionseven if they were dismissed or sealed. Failing to do so could lead to denial.
| Scenario | Required Documents |
| Arrested but not charged | Arrest report + court statement that no charges were filed |
| Charged and prosecuted | Arrest record + court disposition |
| Conviction vacated, expunged, or sealed | Court order showing the conviction was removed or sealed |
| Alternative sentencing (rehab, diversion, probation) | Sentencing documents + proof of completion |
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Stay Confident
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone — and it all starts with being fully prepared. By gathering the right documents now, you can avoid delays, reduce stress, and move through the naturalization process with confidence.
Whether you’re applying through marriage, have special circumstances, or simply want to make sure nothing is missed, this guide helps you stay one step ahead. Learn more about the N-400 timeline in our guide.
If you’re unsure where to begin or need help reviewing your documents, expert support is available every step of the way. Your journey to citizenship starts now — and you don’t have to do it alone.
