So, you're getting ready to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization. That's a big step, and part of that process involves submitting a lot of paperwork to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While the N-400 application form is the main document, sometimes you might need to include a cover letter. This article will help you understand how to write a great N 400 Cover Letter Sample to make sure your application goes smoothly.
Why Your N 400 Cover Letter Matters
Think of a cover letter as a friendly introduction to your N-400 application. It's your chance to briefly explain what you're sending and highlight any important details that USCIS might need to know. It's not always required, but when it is, a well-written cover letter can make your application stand out for the right reasons. It shows you've put extra effort into presenting your case clearly and respectfully.
A cover letter is particularly useful if:
- You are submitting documents that USCIS specifically asked for.
- You have a situation that might need a little extra explanation beyond what fits neatly into the N-400 form itself.
- You want to ensure all your supporting documents are organized and easy to find.
Here's a quick rundown of what to include in a basic cover letter:
| What to Include | Why it's Important |
|---|---|
| Your Full Name and Contact Information | So USCIS can easily identify and reach you. |
| Date | To keep a record of when you sent your application. |
| USCIS Address | Ensures your application reaches the correct office. |
| Subject Line (e.g., "N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Name]") | Helps USCIS quickly categorize your submission. |
| Brief Introduction | State the purpose of your letter. |
| List of Enclosed Documents | Provides a clear overview of what you're submitting. |
| Closing | A polite sign-off. |
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: Basic Application Submission
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Receipt Number (if applicable): [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the enclosed documents as my application for naturalization as a U.S. citizen. I am submitting my completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
The following documents are included with this application:
- Completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Copy of my Permanent Resident Card (Front and Back)
- Passport-style photographs (number specified by USCIS instructions)
- Filing fee payment (check or money order information)
- [List any other required documents, e.g., Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate if applicable]
I have carefully reviewed all sections of the N-400 form and believe I meet all the eligibility requirements for naturalization. I am excited about the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen.
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: Responding to a Request for Evidence (RFE)
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Service Center Address - check USCIS website or RFE notice]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: Response to Request for Evidence (RFE) - N-400 Application - [Your Full Name] - Receipt Number: [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter is in response to the Request for Evidence (RFE) dated [Date of RFE] regarding my N-400 Application for Naturalization, Receipt Number [Your USCIS Receipt Number]. I have enclosed the requested documentation as outlined in the RFE notice.
Specifically, I am providing the following:
- [Item 1 requested in RFE, e.g., Certified copy of divorce decree]
- [Item 2 requested in RFE, e.g., Explanation of travel history during specific period]
- [List all items clearly and match them to the RFE notice]
I have organized these documents according to the RFE notice for your convenience. I believe these documents fully address the concerns raised in the RFE.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide this additional information. I look forward to the continued processing of my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: Explaining a Minor Discrepancy
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Explanation of Minor Discrepancy - Receipt Number (if applicable): [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter along with my N-400 Application for Naturalization. I am writing to respectfully provide a brief explanation regarding a minor discrepancy noted on my application.
On my N-400 form, under Section [Section Number], Question [Question Number], I listed my previous address as "[Incorrect Address]" which was occupied from [Start Date] to [End Date]. The correct address during that period was "[Correct Address]". This was an unintentional error, and I wanted to clarify it upfront.
I have attached a copy of [Proof of correct address, e.g., a utility bill or lease agreement for the correct address during that time] to further support this clarification.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I am committed to providing accurate information and am eager to become a U.S. citizen.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: For Applicants with a Criminal Record (Even Minor)
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Disclosure and Explanation of Prior Arrest - Receipt Number (if applicable): [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am submitting my N-400 Application for Naturalization. I wish to proactively disclose and explain a past incident that resulted in an arrest.
On [Date of Incident], I was arrested for [Offense]. This incident occurred when I was [Briefly explain circumstances, e.g., young and made a poor decision, misunderstood a situation]. I have since [Explain what you have done, e.g., completed the required community service, paid the fine, attended counseling]. The case was disposed of as [Explain disposition, e.g., dismissed, reduced to a lesser charge, found not guilty]. I have enclosed a certified copy of the court disposition records for this incident.
I understand the importance of good moral character for naturalization, and I have learned significantly from this experience. I am committed to upholding the laws of the United States and have maintained a law-abiding life since this event.
Thank you for your review of this matter. I am available to provide any further information or clarification required.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: Including Additional Supporting Documents
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - With Additional Supporting Documents - Receipt Number (if applicable): [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept my N-400 Application for Naturalization along with additional supporting documents that I believe will further strengthen my application.
In addition to the standard required documents, I am also submitting the following for your review:
- [Example: Letters of recommendation from community leaders or employers, highlighting my civic engagement and contributions.]
- [Example: Certificates of participation in volunteer activities or community programs.]
- [Example: Proof of continuous residency, such as additional utility bills or rental agreements.]
I believe these documents demonstrate my strong ties to the community and my commitment to the values of the United States. I am eager to contribute further as a U.S. citizen.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: For Applicants Requesting a Disability Waiver
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization with Request for Disability Waiver - [Your Full Name] - Receipt Number (if applicable): [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am submitting my N-400 Application for Naturalization. I am also requesting a waiver of the English and/or civics testing requirements due to a medical disability, as provided for under section [Refer to specific USCIS regulation if known, e.g., 8 CFR 312.2].
I have included the completed Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions, completed by my physician, Dr. [Doctor's Full Name]. This form details my medical condition and its impact on my ability to learn and demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. civics.
I have also enclosed the following standard N-400 application documents:
- Completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Copy of my Permanent Resident Card (Front and Back)
- [List any other required documents for N-400]
I understand the requirements for naturalization and regret that my medical condition prevents me from meeting them. I am eager to become a U.S. citizen.
Thank you for your understanding and consideration of my waiver request.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Cover Letter Sample: Applicants with Long Absences from the U.S.
[Your Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[Your City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[Specific USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website for correct address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Explanation of Absences - Receipt Number (if applicable): [Your USCIS Receipt Number]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and my N-400 Application for Naturalization. I am writing to provide an explanation for periods of absence from the United States that may exceed the general guidelines for maintaining continuous residence.
During the period from [Start Date of Absence] to [End Date of Absence], I was outside the United States due to [Reason for absence, e.g., family emergencies, educational opportunities, medical treatment]. While I was abroad, I maintained my ties to the U.S. by [Explain how you maintained ties, e.g., maintaining my residence, paying U.S. taxes, communicating with family and friends, holding a valid U.S. visa for re-entry].
I have enclosed supporting documentation that verifies my absences and the reasons for them, including [List documents, e.g., copies of flight itineraries, visa stamps, letters from institutions abroad, proof of continued U.S. residency].
I believe that despite these absences, I have met the continuous residence requirements for naturalization. I am dedicated to becoming a contributing member of American society.
Thank you for reviewing my application and explanation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
Putting together your N-400 application is a significant task, and a cover letter can be a helpful tool in making sure everything is clear and presented well. Remember to always check the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date instructions and requirements. By taking the time to write a clear and informative N 400 Cover Letter Sample, you're taking a proactive step towards a successful citizenship application. Good luck!