Applying for U.S. citizenship is a big step, and making sure your paperwork is perfect is key. One often overlooked but important piece is the cover letter that accompanies your N-400, Application for Naturalization. This article will provide you with guidance and a helpful N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample to ensure your application stands out for the right reasons.
Why Your N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample Matters
Think of the cover letter as your personal introduction to the immigration officer who will review your application. It's your chance to briefly explain what you're submitting and highlight any important details. While not strictly required, a well-written cover letter can help organize your documents and show your attention to detail. It’s a simple way to make a positive first impression.
Key Components of an Effective Cover Letter
- Your Information: Start with your full name, address, and contact details.
- USCIS Information: Include the date and the correct address for the USCIS lockbox facility where you are sending your application.
- Subject Line: Clearly state that this is for an N-400 application and include your A-Number if you have one.
- Salutation: Address the letter to the "USCIS Lockbox Facility" or a specific officer if you know their name (though this is rare).
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Body Paragraphs:
- Briefly state the purpose of your letter: submitting your N-400 application.
- Mention that you have included all required forms and supporting documents.
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You can list the main documents included, such as:
- Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Filing fee or fee waiver request
- Passport-style photos
- Copy of your Permanent Resident Card
- Any other required documents based on your specific situation.
- Closing: Thank the officer for their time and consideration.
- Signature: Sign your name and print it below.
Here's a quick look at what your cover letter should generally include:
| Your Name | [Your Full Name] |
|---|---|
| Your Address | [Your Street Address] |
| Your City, State, Zip | [Your City, State, Zip Code] |
| Your Phone Number | [Your Phone Number] |
| Your Email Address | [Your Email Address] |
| Date | [Date] |
| USCIS Lockbox Facility Address | [Correct USCIS Lockbox Address - check USCIS website] |
Remember, a clear and organized cover letter is essential for a smooth and efficient review process . It helps USCIS officers quickly understand what you've sent and ensures nothing gets misplaced.
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Standard Application
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
Please accept this letter as an introduction to my application for U.S. citizenship. I am submitting my completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with all the required supporting documents and the appropriate filing fee.
I have carefully reviewed the instructions and have included the following key documents:
- Completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Filing Fee of $[Amount] (Check enclosed)
- Copy of my Permanent Resident Card
- Two passport-style photographs
I have made every effort to ensure that my application is complete and accurate. I have also included [mention any other significant documents, e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc., if applicable].
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in the naturalization process.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Application with Fee Waiver Request
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization with Fee Waiver Request - [Your Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
This letter accompanies my Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. In addition to my application, I am requesting a waiver of the filing fee. I have included Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and all supporting documentation to demonstrate my eligibility for this waiver.
The documents I am submitting are:
- Completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver
- Supporting evidence for fee waiver request, such as [list specific documents like proof of public benefits, income statements, etc.]
- Copy of my Permanent Resident Card
- Two passport-style photographs
I have provided all necessary information and documentation to support both my application for naturalization and my request for a fee waiver. I kindly ask for your review and approval of my fee waiver request.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Application with Previous Names
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Former Names Noted - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
This letter is to submit my Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with the required supporting documents and filing fee. Please note that I have used [mention former names, e.g., "Jane Doe Smith" and "Jane Smith"] in the past, and I have provided documentation related to these name changes.
The enclosed package contains:
- Completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Filing Fee of $[Amount] (Check enclosed)
- Copy of my Permanent Resident Card
- Two passport-style photographs
- [List documents proving name changes, e.g., marriage certificate, court order for name change, etc.]
I have included all necessary documentation to reflect my name changes and to support my application for U.S. citizenship. I trust that the provided information will assist in processing my application accurately.
Thank you for your review.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Application with Long Absence from U.S.
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Explanation of Extended Absences - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
Please find enclosed my completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, the filing fee, and all supporting documents. I wish to address the extended absences from the United States that will be reflected in my application.
During the required residency period, I was temporarily absent from the U.S. for the following reasons and durations:
- [Year] to [Year]: [Number] months for [Reason for absence, e.g., family emergency, medical treatment, employment abroad]. Travel itinerary and proof of continued residency while abroad are attached.
- [Year] to [Year]: [Number] months for [Reason for absence]. Travel itinerary and proof of continued residency while abroad are attached.
I have included all other required documents for my N-400 application.
Thank you for your understanding and review of my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Application After Marriage to U.S. Citizen
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Spouse: [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Full Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
This letter is to submit my Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. As I am applying based on my marriage to a U.S. citizen, [U.S. Citizen Spouse's Full Name], I have included all necessary documentation to demonstrate our bona fide marriage and my eligibility.
The enclosed materials include:
- Completed Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
- Filing Fee of $[Amount] (Check enclosed)
- Copy of my Permanent Resident Card
- Two passport-style photographs
- Copy of my spouse's U.S. Birth Certificate or U.S. Passport
- Copy of our Marriage Certificate
- Evidence of our bona fide marriage, such as [list examples: joint tax returns, joint bank statements, lease agreements, photos together, affidavits from friends/family, etc.]
I have ensured that all documents submitted are accurate and complete, reflecting the requirements for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Thank you for processing my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Application for Child (Naturalization by Parent)
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship - [Child's Full Name] - Parent: [Parent's Full Name] - Child's DOB: [Child's Date of Birth]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
Please accept this letter as a submission for the N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, for my child, [Child's Full Name]. This application is being filed by me, [Parent's Full Name], as the [Parent's relationship to child, e.g., mother/father] and a U.S. citizen.
The following documents are included for the N-600 application:
- Completed Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
- Filing Fee of $[Amount] (Check enclosed)
- Child's Birth Certificate
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship for the parent (e.g., U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization)
- [If applicable] Marriage Certificate of parents
- [If applicable] Divorce Decree or Death Certificate of other parent
- Two passport-style photographs of the child
I have provided all necessary documentation to establish my child's eligibility for U.S. citizenship through me.
Thank you for your review and processing of this important application.
Sincerely,
[Parent's Signature]
[Parent's Typed Full Name]
N 400 Form Cover Letter Sample: Application with Criminal Record
[Date]
USCIS Lockbox Facility [Insert Correct USCIS Lockbox Address Here - Check USCIS Website for Current Address]
Subject: N-400 Application for Naturalization - [Your Full Name] - Disclosure of Criminal Record - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Lockbox Facility,
Please accept this letter and the accompanying Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, the filing fee, and all supporting documents. I wish to be upfront and disclose a past interaction with the criminal justice system.
I have been charged with and subsequently [pleaded guilty to/convicted of/acquitted of] [briefly describe the offense, e.g., a misdemeanor for petty theft] on [Date of offense]. The case number was [Case Number, if known]. I have included the following documents related to this matter:
- [List specific documents: court dispositions, police reports, proof of sentence completion, character references, etc.]
I have cooperated fully with the legal process and have fulfilled all requirements related to this matter. I am confident that this past event does not impact my eligibility for U.S. citizenship. I have attached all relevant documentation to provide a complete picture.
Thank you for your understanding and careful consideration of my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Full Name]
By taking a little extra time to craft a clear and informative cover letter, you're giving your N-400 application the best possible start. Remember to always check the official USCIS website for the most current forms, addresses, and requirements, as these can change. Good luck with your citizenship journey!