Instructions for Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention
Related Forms
- Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention - Application to File Declaration of Intention
Application to File Declaration of Intention
USCIS
Form N-300
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
What Is the Purpose of Form N-300?
Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention, enables you, a lawful permanent resident, to notify U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that you intend to become a citizen of the United States. USCIS does not
require that you file this application to become eligible for naturalization.
Who May File Form N-300?
You may file this application if:
1. You are a lawful permanent resident over 18 years of age; and
2. You are currently residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence.
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 http://get.adobe.com/reader/. 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.
Signature. Each application must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this application, USCIS will not
accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. If you are under 14 years of age, your parent or legal
guardian may sign the application on your behalf. A legal guardian may also sign for a mentally incompetent person.
Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of the original, handwritten signature
valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten, ink
signature.
Filing Fee. Each application must be accompanied by the appropriate filing fee. (See the What Is the Filing Fee section
of these Instructions.)
Biometric Services Fee. If you file this application with USCIS, you do not need to include a biometric services fee
at the time you submit your application. If you are later notified that you must submit biometrics, you will receive a
biometric services appointment notice with instructions on how to submit the additional biometric services fee. If you
file this application with an agency other than USCIS, please check with that agency to determine if and when you must
submit a biometric services fee.
Evidence. At the time of filing, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the Specific
Instructions and/or What Evidence Must You Submit sections of these Instructions.
Form N-300 Instructions 12/02/19
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Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require that you appear for an interview or provide fingerprints,
photograph, and/or a signature at any time to verify your identity, obtain additional information, and conduct background
and security checks, including a check of criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), before making a decision on your application, petition, or request. After USCIS receives your application and
ensures it is complete, we will inform you in writing if you need to attend a biometric services appointment. If an
appointment is necessary, the notice will provide you the location of your local or designated USCIS Application Support
Center (ASC) and the date and time of your appointment or, if you are currently overseas, instruct you to contact a U.S.
Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the United States to set up an appointment.
If you are required to provide biometrics, at your appointment you must sign an oath reaffirming that:
1. You provided or authorized all information in the application;
2. You reviewed and understood all of the information contained in, and submitted with, your application; and
3. All of this information was complete, true, and correct at the time of filing.
If you fail to attend your biometric services appointment, USCIS may deny your application.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you
must submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at the time of filing or at any time during
processing of an application, petition, or request. If USCIS requests an original document from you, it will be returned to
you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when not required or requested by USCIS, your original documents may be
immediately destroyed upon receipt.
Translations. If you submit a document with information in a foreign language, you must also submit a full English
translation. The translator must sign a certification that the English language translation is complete and accurate, and that
he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must include the translator’s
signature. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recommends the certification contain the translator’s printed
name, the date, and the translator’s contact information.
How To Fill Out Form N-300
1. Type or print legibly in black ink.
2. If you need extra space to complete any item within this application, use the space provided in Part 5. Additional
Information or attach a separate sheet of paper; type or print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number)
(if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which your answer
refers; and sign and date each sheet.
3. Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been
married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise
directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many
children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None” unless
otherwise directed.
4. Provide your A-Number on the top right corner of each page. Your A-Number is located on your Permanent Resident
Card (formerly known as the Alien Registration or “Green” Card.) The A-Number on your card consists of seven
to nine numbers, depending on when your record was created. If the A-Number on your card has fewer than nine
numbers, place enough zeros before the first number to make a total of nine numbers on Form N-300. For example,
type or print number A1234567 as A001234567, or type or print number A12345678 as A012345678. You must
provide your A-Number. USCIS may reject your application if you do not type or print your A-Number.
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Specific Instructions
This application is divided into Parts 1. - 6.
Part 1. Information About You
Item Number 1. Your Current Legal Name (Do not provide a nickname.). Your current legal name is the name on your
birth certificate unless it was changed after birth by a legal action such as a marriage or court order. Do not provide a
nickname.
Item Number 2. Other Names Used (if any). Provide all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden
name, and nicknames. If you need extra space, to complete this section, use the space provided in Part 5. Additional
Information.
Item Number 3. U.S. Social Security Number (if any). Print your U.S. Social Security Number. Type or print “N/A” if
you do not have one.
Item Number 4. USCIS Online Account Number (if any). If you have previously filed an application, petition, or
request using the USCIS online filing system (previously called USCIS Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS)),
provide the USCIS Online Account Number you were issued by the system. You can find your USCIS Online Account
Number by logging in to your account and going to the profile page. If you previously filed certain applications, petitions,
or requests on a paper form through a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may have received a USCIS Online Account Access
Notice issuing you a USCIS Online Account Number. You may find your USCIS Online Account Number at the top of
the notice. If you received such a notice, your USCIS Online Account Number can be found at the top of the notice. If
you were issued a USCIS Online Account Number, enter it in the space provided. The USCIS Online Account Number is
not the same as an A-Number.
Item Number 5. Date of Birth. Provide your date of birth in the mm/dd/yyyy format.
Item Number 6. Date You Became a Lawful Permanent Resident. Provide the official date when your lawful
permanent residence began, as shown on your Permanent Resident Card. Type or print the date in mm/dd/yyyy format.
For example, type or print August 9, 1988, as 08/09/1988. USCIS may reject your application if you do not provide
the information.
Item Number 7. Country of Birth. Provide the name of the country where you were born. Type or print the name of
the country even if the country’s name has since changed or the country no longer exists.
Item Number 8. Country of Citizenship or Nationality. Provide the name of the country where you are currently a
citizen or national.
A. If the country no longer exists or you are stateless, type or print the name of the country where you were last a
citizen or national.
B. If you are a citizen or national of more than one country, type or print the name of the country that issued your last
passport.
Item Number 9. Absence From the United States. Select the box that indicates if you have been absent for a period of
six months or longer since being admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident.
Item Number 10. Mailing Address. Provide your mailing address even if it is the same as your physical address.
Provide “In Care Of Name” information, if any. You must type or print in every box, except in the apartment, suite, floor,
or “In Care Of Name” if you do not have one, within “Mailing Address.”
Item Number 11. Physical Address (Do not provide a PO Box in this space unless it is your ONLY address.). Provide
the address where you now reside.
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NOTE: USCIS may not be able to contact you if you do not provide a complete and valid address. In addition, if USCIS
does reject your application, USCIS may not be able to return the fee paid in connection with your Form N-300 to you if
you do not provide a complete and valid address. If USCIS cannot return the filing fee, USCIS will cash your check.
Part 2. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1. - 6. Select the appropriate box to indicate whether you read this application yourself or whether you
had an interpreter assist you. If someone assisted you in completing the application, select the box indicating that you
used a preparer. Further, you must sign and date your application and provide your daytime telephone number, mobile
telephone number (if any), and email address (if any). Every application MUST contain the signature of the applicant (or
parent or legal guardian, if applicable). A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
Part 3. Interpreter’s Contact Information, Certification, and Signature
Item Numbers 1. - 7. If you used anyone as an interpreter to read the Instructions and questions on this application to
you in a language in which you are fluent, the interpreter must fill out this section, provide his or her name, the name and
address of his or her business or organization (if any), his or her daytime telephone number, his or her mobile telephone
number (if any), and his or her email address (if any). The interpreter must sign and date the application.
Part 4. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than
the Applicant
Item Numbers 1. - 8. This section must contain the signature of the person who completed your application, if other than
you, the applicant. If the same individual acted as your interpreter and your preparer, that person should complete both
Part 3. and Part 4. If the person who completed this application is associated with a business or organization, that person
should complete the business or organization name and address information. Anyone who helped you complete this
application MUST sign and date the application. A stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature is not acceptable.
If the person who helped you prepare your application is an attorney or accredited representative, he or she may also need
to submit a completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with
your application.
Part 5. Additional Information
Item Numbers 1. - 6. If you need extra space to provide any additional information within this application, use the space
provided in Part 5. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 5., you may make
copies of Part 5. to complete and file with your application, or attach a separate sheet of paper. Type or print your name
and A-Number (if any) at the top of each sheet; indicate the Page Number, Part Number, and Item Number to which
your answer refers; and sign and date each sheet.
Part 6. Declaration of Intention
You are required to complete and sign this part. Refer to Part 1. Information About You for Instructions to assist you. If
you are completing this application on a computer, all fields you completed in Part 1. will prepopulate in Part 6. Please
review the information to ensure all information was collected correctly.
USCIS will return the original Declaration of Intent page from your Form N-300 if it is approved.
USCIS will retain a copy of the Declaration of Intention page from your Form N-300 in your file.
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We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application to review in the future and for
our records.
What Evidence Must You Submit?
You must submit all evidence requested in these Instructions with your application. If you fail to submit required
evidence, USCIS may reject or deny your application for failure to submit requested evidence or supporting documents in
accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.
1. Copy of Permanent Resident Card
Submit a copy of the front and back of your Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card.) USCIS must be able to read
information provided on the copy.
2. Photographs
You must submit two identical color passport-style photographs of yourself taken recently. The photos must have a
white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
The two identical color passport-style photos must be 2 by 2 inches. The photos must be in color with full face,
frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from top of hair to
bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless
you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member. Using a pencil or felt
pen, lightly print your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number) (if any) on the back of the photo.
What Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee for Form N-300 is $270.
NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL
CASH. You must submit all fees in the exact amounts.
Use the following guidelines when you prepare your check or money order for the Form N-300 filing fee:
1. The check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the Unites States and must
be payable in U.S. currency; and
2. Make the check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
NOTE: Spell out U.S. Department of Homeland Security; do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.”
Notice to Those Paying by Check. If you send us a check, we will convert it into an electronic funds transfer (EFT).
This means we will copy your check and use the account information on it to electronically debit your account for the
amount of the check. The debit from your account will usually take 24 hours and your bank will show it on your regular
account statement.
You will not receive your original check back. We will destroy your original check, but will keep a copy of it. If USCIS
cannot process the EFT for technical reasons, you authorize us to process the copy in place of your original check. If
your check is returned as unpayable, we will re-submit the payment to the financial institution one time. If the check is
returned as unpayable a second time, we will reject your application and charge you a returned check fee.
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How To Check If the Fees Are Correct
Form N-300’s filing fee is current as of the edition date in the lower left corner of this page. However, because USCIS
fees change periodically, you can verify that the fees are correct by following one of the steps below.
2. Call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 and ask for fee information. For TTY (deaf or
hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Fee Waiver
You may be eligible for a fee waiver under 8 CFR 103.7(c). If you believe you are eligible for a fee waiver, complete
Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and submit it and any required evidence of your inability to pay the filing fee with
Where To File?
Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/N-300 or call our National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 for the
most current information about where to file this application. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Address Change
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen must notify USCIS of his or her new address within 10 days of moving from his or
her previous residence. For information on filing a change of address, go to the USCIS website at
www.uscis.gov/addresschange or contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY
(deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox facilities because the Lockbox does not
process change of address requests.
Processing Information
You must have a United States address to file this application.
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application, we will check it for completeness. If you do not completely
fill out this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your application.
Requests for More Information. USCIS may request that you provide more information or evidence to support your
application. We may also request that you provide the originals of any copies you submit. If we request an original
document from you, it will be returned to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs your original.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application.
At the time of any interview or other appearance at a USCIS office, we may require that you provide your fingerprints,
photograph, and/or signature to verify your identity and/or update background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form N-300 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of the decision in writing.
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USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov where you can
obtain the latest USCIS forms and immigration-related information. If you do not have internet access, you may order
USCIS forms by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. The USCIS Contact Center provides information
in English and Spanish. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.
Instead of waiting in line for assistance at your local USCIS office, you can schedule an appointment online at
www.uscis.gov. Select “Make an Appointment” and follow the screen prompts to set up your appointment. Once you
finish scheduling an appointment, the system will generate an appointment notice for you.
Penalties
If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form N-300, we
will deny your Form N-300 and may deny any other immigration benefit. In addition, you will face severe penalties
provided by law and may be subject to criminal prosecution.
DHS Privacy Notice
AUTHORITIES: The information requested on this benefit application, and the associated evidence, is collected under
the Immigration and Naturalization Act section 334.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this form is to notify USCIS, and certain
states, that you intend to become a Unites States Citizen. DHS will use the information you provide to grant or deny the
immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide on this form is voluntary. However, certain states may require the
completion of this form prior to engaging in any business with you. Failure to complete this form does not make you
ineligible for USCIS benefits, but may prevent you from engaging in business with the state.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this form and additional requested evidence with
other Federal, state, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved
routine uses, as described in the associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-001 - Alien File, Index, and
National File Tracking System and DHS-USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System] and the published privacy impact
assessment [DHS/USCIS/PIA-003(a) Integrated Digitization Document Management Program], which you can find at
www.dhs.gov/privacy. DHS may also share the information, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the
interest of national security.
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