What this guide is best for
Direct answer: Use this while assembling a naturalization application, alongside the official form instructions.
Best used when: USCIS publishes its own checklist, and it is optional. The form instructions are the binding document.
What goes with the N-400
Key point: USCIS publishes its own checklist, and it is optional. The form instructions are the binding document.
What a good provider should make clear: Every foreign-language document accompanied by a full English translation and a translator’s certification.
Common mistake: Sending original documents. USCIS asks for copies unless the instructions specifically request originals.
Questions to ask: Does my basis for filing add documents beyond the ones every applicant provides?
What goes with the N-400
Opening intent: reproduce what USCIS itself asks for, and flag the rules people miss
- Use this page when: Use this while assembling a naturalization application, alongside the official form instructions.
- Check first: USCIS publishes its own checklist, and it is optional. The form instructions are the binding document.
- Slow down if: Sending original documents. USCIS asks for copies unless the instructions specifically request originals.
- What to confirm next: Does my basis for filing add documents beyond the ones every applicant provides?
Quick answer
USCIS publishes a "Checklist of Required Initial Evidence" on its own Form N-400 page. It is worth reading first, and it comes with two warnings.
USCIS says the checklist "is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements." The form instructions govern.
And: "Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations."
The fee, first
| Situation | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| General filing, paper | $760 |
| General filing, online | $710 |
| Documented household income not over 400% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, with supporting documentation | $380 (paper only) |
| Qualifying military service under INA sections 328 or 329 | $0 |
| Approved fee waiver, Form I-912 | $0 |
Source: Form G-1055, the USCIS fee schedule, edition 05/29/26. USCIS notes that a reduced fee or fee waiver request cannot be filed online.
What every applicant provides
- A copy of the Permanent Resident Card, both sides
- Marital status documents: current marriage certificate, plus any divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate ending a prior marriage
- Form N-648 if a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment prevents compliance with the English or civics requirements
- Good moral character documentation for any arrest, detention, charge, conviction or alternative sentencing programme, anywhere in the world
- Continuous residence evidence for any trip abroad longer than six months but under a year
- A Selective Service status information letter, where registration was required and did not happen
The translation rule catches people out. Any document in a foreign language needs a full English translation plus a certification from the translator that the translation is complete and accurate and that they are competent to translate.
Documents that depend on your basis for filing
Filing as the spouse of a US citizen adds a layer: the marriage certificate, evidence of the spouse's citizenship for the last three years, and evidence that all prior marriages for both of you were terminated.
Continuous residence evidence for the last three years applies instead of the longer period. Acceptable evidence USCIS names includes rent or mortgage statements, pay statements, bank or credit card statements showing regular transactions, car registration and insurance, passport entry and exit stamps, and IRS tax transcripts.
Applicants filing through a legal guardian, surrogate or designated representative have their own separate document set. Read the checklist section that matches your basis rather than the general one.
Questions to settle before you file
- Which basis for filing applies to you, and what does it add?
- Does any document need a certified English translation?
- Are you eligible for the reduced fee or a fee waiver?
- Is there any arrest or charge anywhere in the world that needs documenting?
- Do you have a trip abroad over six months that needs residence evidence?
Common mistake: sending originals. USCIS asks for copies unless the instructions say otherwise.
What to do next
Read the current form instructions on the USCIS N-400 page, then assemble against the checklist section that matches your basis for filing.
If a disability exception is relevant, arrange Form N-648 with a treating clinician before you file rather than after.
Educational only. Not legal or medical advice. No endorsements or rankings.