The road to becoming a U.S. citizen is exciting! But before you can celebrate under the red, white, and blue, there's some paperwork to tackle. Here's a breakdown of the documents you might need for your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Remember, this is a general list, and what you need might vary depending on your situation.

The Essentials:

• Your Green Card: A copy of your Permanent Resident Card (front and back) is a must-have.

• Passport Photos: If you're outside the U.S., you'll need two passport-sized photos.

• Fees: Check the USCIS website for the latest application and biometric service fees.

Proof of Your Life:

• Marriage Certificate: Married? Include a copy of your marriage certificate. If your spouse was married before, you'll need documents showing those marriages ended (divorce decrees, etc.).

• Name Change: If your name is different from what's on your Green Card, provide a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the change.

Where You've Been:

• Residence: Show proof you've lived in the U.S. for the required period. This could be documents showing your addresses for the past few years.

• Physical Presence: Travel records, passport stamps, or airline tickets can help prove you've been physically present in the U.S. for the required time.

Other Important Documents:

• Selective Service: For males who lived in the U.S. between 18 and 26, proof of registering with the Selective Service System is needed (or proof of exemption).

• Military Service: Served in the U.S. armed forces? Include your discharge paperwork (DD-214, NGB-22, etc.).

• Court Records: Been arrested or detained? Include court documents for each incident, even if the charges were dropped.

• Disability Exemption: If you're requesting an exemption from the English and civics test due to a disability, include Form N-648.

• Married to a U.S. Citizen? Extra documents might be needed to prove your spouse's citizenship and the legitimacy of your marriage.

The Final Tip:

This is just a general guide. For the most accurate and up-to-date information specific to your situation, always refer to the official USCIS Form N-400 Instructions (link to USCIS Form N-400 Instructions).

Remember, US Immigration Consultants can also be a valuable resource to help you navigate the naturalization process and ensure your application is complete. Good luck on your journey to becoming a U.S. citizen!