Naturalization (N-400)

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

• A period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
• Residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
• An ability to read, write, and speak English;
• A knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
• Good moral character;
• Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
• Favorable disposition toward the United States.

All naturalization applicants must demonstrate good moral character, attachment, and favorable disposition. The other naturalization requirements may be modified or waived for certain applicants, such as spouses of U.S. citizens. Applicants should carefully read the N-400 application instructions and "A Guide to Naturalization" before applying.

Please check the USCIS.gov website for information about naturalization and where to file your application.

Military Naturalization (Military N-400)

USCIS offices overseas are only authorized to process applications for naturalization for active duty military members. Please see below for information about filing your application, for required forms, and for the Overseas Military Naturalization Request Form. Contact your military legal office if you need more information about filing for Naturalization. Military members may also contact our office by email at rome.natz@dhs.gov.

Information about Naturalization for Military Members

• "Naturalization Information for Military Personnel" brochure

Naturalization Forms for Military Members

• Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Form G-325B, Biographic Information
• Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service
• Authorization Form for USCIS Usage of Military Fingerprints

Request for Overseas Naturalization

• Overseas Military Naturalization Request Form

EXPEDITED NATURALIZATION 319(b)

An applicant for expedited naturalization under Section 319(b) must be the spouse of a US citizen who is regularly stationed abroad in the employment of:

• The government of the US (includes military).
• An American institution of research recognized as such by the Attorney General.
• An American firm or corporation engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade or commerce, or a subsidiary thereof.
• A public international organization in which the US participates.
• Minister or priest of a religious denomination having a bona fide organization in the US.
• Missionary.

Persons eligible for expeditious naturalization must file their applications in the US from their overseas location.
For more information, please refer to the USCIS handbook, "A Guide to Naturalization".
Please use the attached N-400 Expedite Request and Authorization Worksheet and also the Department of Defense Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support Application to file Petition for Naturalization

• N-400 Expedite Request and Authorization Worksheet
• Department of Defense Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support Application to file Petition for Naturalization (DD-1278)

Other Elegibility Criteria

For others interested in naturalizing see the USCIS website on Naturalization for eligibility criteria and proper filing procedures or make an InfoPass appointment with an Immigration Information Officer.