(1) Filing an N-400 as 5 Year Green Card Holder

When applying for U.S. citizenship using Form N-400, it’s important to include all necessary documents to support your application. While the specific documents you need may vary depending on your individual circumstances, here is a general checklist of documents that you should consider including with your N-400 application:

1. Completed Form N-400: Ensure that the form is filled out accurately and completely.
2. Filing Fee: Check the USCIS website or contact USCIS for the current filing fee and accepted methods of payment. Include the fee payment with your application. Note that if your household income is less than 150% of Federal Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible for a fee waiver (,i.e., no filing fee will be required.). 
3. Copy of Green Card: Include a photocopy (front and back) of your permanent resident card (Form I-551).
4. Birth Certificates: Provide a copy of your birth certificate and children’s birth certificates(if applicable). 
5. Marriage Certificate: provide a copy of your marriage certificate if you are married.
6. Divorce or Annulment Documents: If you have been previously married and divorced or had your marriage annulled, include copies of the divorce or annulment documents.
7. Proof of Continuous Residence: If you stayed outside the US for more than 6 months, provide documents that demonstrate your continuous residence in the United States for the required period. This can include tax returns, rental agreements, utility bills, and other relevant records.
8. Proof of Physical Presence: Include evidence of your physical presence in the United States for the required period. This can include travel records, passports with travel stamps, employment records, and other documents.
9. Proof of Good Moral Character: If applicable, demonstrate your good moral character with documents such as police clearance certificates, court records, and other relevant information.
10. Selective Service Registration: If you are a male between the ages of 18 and 26 and you were required to register with the Selective Service System, provide evidence of your registration or an explanation of why you were not required to register.
11. Child Support Obligations: If you have child support obligations, provide evidence of compliance with these obligations.

(2) Filing an N-400 in 3 years as a spouse of a US Citizen.

1. Copy of Green Card: to prove that you have been a lawful permanent resident;
2. Marriage Certificate: You have been married to and living with the same U.S. citizen spouse for the last 3 years; and

3. Spouse’s U.S. Citizenship Evidence: a copy of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship evidence, such as a copy of their U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate.

4. Evidence to prove the bona fide nature of your marital union:

   • Joint Financial Records:
     1. Joint bank account statements.
     2. Joint credit card statements.
     3. Joint tax returns.
     4. Joint utility bills (electricity, water, gas).
     5. Joint insurance policies (health, auto, home).
   • Property Ownership and Rental Agreements:
     1. Joint lease or rental agreements for your residence.
     2. Property ownership documents if you own a home together.
   • Communication Records:
     1. Copies of emails, text messages, or letters exchanged between you and your spouse.
     2. Copies of phone bills showing calls between you and your spouse.
   • Photographs and Social Events:
     1. Photographs of you and your spouse together at various times and events, including family gatherings, vacations, holidays, and special occasions.
     2. Invitations or attendance records for family events where you were present together.
   • Affidavits from Friends and Family:
     1. Sworn affidavits from friends and family members who can attest to the authenticity of your marriage.
   • Birth Certificates of Children (if applicable):
     1. If you have children together, provide their birth certificates as evidence of your family unit.
   • Correspondence Addressed to Both Spouses:
     1. Mail or correspondence addressed to both you and your spouse at your shared address.
   • Any Other Relevant Evidence:
     1. Any additional documents that show the shared responsibilities and life you have built together.

   Remember that it’s essential to provide a variety of documents spanning different time periods to establish the ongoing and genuine nature of your marital relationship. USCIS may request further documentation or interview you and your spouse to assess the authenticity of your marriage.