Instructions For Form N-400 - Application For Naturalization (Page 2 of 18) in pdf

Naturalization Testing

One of the requirements for naturalization is to take the naturalization test to demonstrate that you are able to read, write,

and speak basic English and that you have a basic knowledge of U.S. history and government (civics).

Exemptions From the English Language Test

You are not required to take the English language test if:

1. At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 50 years of age or older and have lived in the United States as a

permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years. You do not have to take the English language test, but you do

have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.

2. At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 55 years of age or older and have lived in the United States as a

permanent resident for periods totaling at least 15 years. You do not have to take the English language test, but you do

have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.

3. At the time of filing your Form N-400, you are 65 years of age or older and have lived in the United States as a

permanent resident for periods totaling at least 20 years. You do not have to take the English language test, but you do

have to take the civics test in the language of your choice.

NOTE: If you qualify for an exemption from the English language test based on your age and how long you have lived

in the United States as a lawful permanent resident, you should answer “Yes” to at least one question in Part 2., Item

Number 13. of Form N-400.

Medical Exception to the English Language and/or Civics Test

You may be eligible for an exception to the English language and/or civics tests due to a physical or developmental

disability or mental impairment that has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more. Refer to Form N-648, Medical

Certification for Disability Exceptions, for more information.

NOTE: If you are requesting a medical exception to the English language and civics tests, answer “Yes” in Part 2., Item

Number 12. of Form N-400. Submit a completed Form N-648 when you file your Form N-400.

Who Should Not File Form N-400

You should not file this form if:

1. You have not met the eligibility requirements for naturalization based on your filing category.

2. You have acquired or derived U.S. citizenship through one or both of your parents or are eligible for citizenship under

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 322. Visit the USCIS website at

for more information on this

topic and to review the instructions for Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, and Form N-600K,

Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate Under Section 322.

General Instructions

USCIS provides forms free of charge through the USCIS website. In order to view, print, or fill out our forms, you should

use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at If you do not

have Internet access, you may call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that we mail

a form to you. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call 1-800-767-1833.

Form N-400 Instructions 12/23/16 N

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Instructions For Form N-400 - Application For Naturalization Page 2