What is a Form N-470?

Form N-470, “Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes,” is a United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form. It is used by lawful permanent residents of the United States who want to maintain their residence in the US for purposes of naturalization. This is especially important for those who will be spending extended periods of time outside the US due to work, travel, or family obligations. With the form, permanent residents can apply for a Residence for Naturalization Purposes to preserve their eligibility for citizenship. The applicant must provide detailed information about their expected absences from the US and reasons for such absences. Additional documents such as a copy of the applicant’s passport and travel itinerary may also be required.

Who is Eligible for Form N-470?

Form N-470 is available to individuals who have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for at least five years and have been absent from the U.S. for more than 12 months due to employment with the U.S. government or certain international organizations.

What is the Latest Form N-470 Edition?

The latest edition of Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, is from December 2020.

What are the Required Documents for Form N-470?

1. Evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence, such as a copy of a U.S. passport or green card.

2. Copies of documents that demonstrate the applicant’s U.S. employment or service in the U.S. armed forces, such as a W-2 form, military discharge papers, or employment contracts.

3. Verification of the applicant’s physical presence in the United States for an uninterrupted period of at least one year out of the last three years prior to filing Form N-470, such as a copy of a valid driver’s license or other identification documents issued by either a federal, state, or local government, like a voter registration card.

4. An affidavit from a third party who can corroborate the applicant’s physical presence in the United States for the requisite period of time, if available.

5. The required filing fee.

How to Submit Form N-470?

Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, is used to preserve the residence status of certain applicants for naturalization.

In order to submit Form N-470, applicants should:

1. Gather all necessary documents. This includes copies of applicant’s current green card, Form I-94, and Form I-90 if applying to replace or renew a green card.

2. Complete Form N-470 and provide all required information, including the applicant’s name, address, date of birth, marital status, contact information, and other biographical information.

3. Include copies of supporting documents that establish periods of continuous presence in the United States and any other evidence showing that the applicant is eligible to file Form N-470.

4. Submit the completed form and all required documents by mail to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using the address listed on the form.

5. Wait for USCIS to review the application and make a decision. Applicants may receive an approval or a request for additional information.

What are the Filing Tips for Form N-470?

1. Gather all the necessary documents. Make sure you have all the required documents needed to complete Form N-470, including proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residence, and any other documents related to your eligibility for citizenship or permanent residency.

2. Make sure all information is accurate. Before filing, make sure that all the information provided on Form N-470 is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and other personal data.

3. File online or by mail. You can file Form N-470 either online via the USCIS website or by mail.

4. Complete the form in its entirety. Make sure that you complete all fields on Form N-470, including the required signatures and information regarding your current address and contact information.

5. Submit any necessary evidence or documentation. Make sure you include any evidence or documentation requested on Form N-470, such as proof of your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, to support your application for naturalization or permanent residence status in the United States.

6. Pay the filing fee. At the time of submission, you need to pay the fee associated with filing Form N-470, which can vary depending on your location and situation.

7. Review the form carefully and submit it correctly. Once you have completed the form and all other requirements, ensure that it is filled out correctly and submit it to USCIS for processing.

Are There Special Instructions for Form N-470?

Yes, there are. The application for Form N-470 must be filled out completely and accurately and should include supporting documents, such as proof of the qualifying period of residence or physical presence, or other applicable evidence. You should file the form with USCIS along with the appropriate filing fee. You must also submit Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, if you are filing for adjustment of status (Form I-485) along with Form N-470. Additionally, applicants must also submit two passport-size color photographs with their application.

What is the Form N-470 Fee?

The Form N-470 is a fee paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by immigrants who want to maintain their permanent resident status while outside the United States. This fee covers the cost of processing applications to preserve permanent resident status. The current fee for the Form N-470 is $470.

Can I Apply for Form N-470 Fee Waiver or Reduction?

Yes, you can apply for a Form N-470 fee waiver or reduction. In order to be eligible for a fee waiver or reduction, you must meet certain criteria described in the instructions for Form N-470. Generally, you may qualify if you demonstrate that you are unable to pay the fee due to financial hardship or that payment of the fee would cause an extreme hardship.

What is the Form N-470 Processing Time?

The processing time for the Form N-470 varies depending on a variety of factors. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to process the Form N-470. The processing time may be extended if more information is required or if a request for evidence is issued. Additionally, any changes in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processing times may affect the overall processing time for the Form N-470.

Form N-470 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Form N-470?

Form N-470 is an application for special naturalization provisions for certain widows and widowers of U.S. citizens.

2. Who can file Form N-470?

Form N-470 is available to foreign nationals who were married to a deceased U.S. citizen, are currently residing in the United States, and meet certain other requirements.

3. What documents do I need to include with my Form N-470?

When filing Form N-470, you should include documents that show proof of your marriage to the deceased U.S. citizen, such as a copy of your marriage certificate and/or proof that you lived together in a marital relationship. You should also provide evidence of the death of your spouse, such as a copy of the death certificate or an obituary notice. Other documentation may be required depending on your situation.

4. Is there a fee to file Form N-470?

Yes, there is a $595 filing fee for Form N-470. This fee is nonrefundable and must be paid when submitting your application. You may also be required to pay additional fees for biometric services and other services associated with your application.

5. How can I check the status of my Form N-470 application?

You can check the status of your Form N-470 application by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 or by logging into your USCIS online account.