Top Reasons Form N-400 Gets Denied and How to Avoid Them

When you have passed through the legalities of migrating from your country to the US, tried to build a successful life, complete the residency requirements, and yet fail to get citizenship, that feels horrible. As if all the hardships, stress, hardwork and attempts have amounted to nothing. However, there is still more hope than you realize. If you file the form correctly, apply with the right supporting documents and follow the application process carefully, you can successfully obtain US citizenship. 

In this comprehensive guide, we have laid out for you the top reasons why the Form N-400 gets denied and what you can do to avoid them. 

Improper Documentation

One of the top reasons for N-400, the Application of Naturalization, denial is improper documentation. Missing documents or wrong documents can result in delays that you do not want. Therefore, it is a must to be aware of what supporting documents you must submit along with the form. Given below is a list of documents that you need to submit for Naturalization: 

• Copy of Green Card
• Copy of passport. Another Government issued identification card can also assist the case. 
• Marriage certificate, if applicable.
• Proof of citizenship of the spouse, if applicable. 
• Proof of legitimacy of marriage, if applicable. This can include shared leases, bank accounts, pictures together over the years, etc. 
• Certification of Military, if applicable
• Tax records

Failing the Interview

Another major reason that can diminish your chances of obtaining US citizenship is failing the interview. The interview, typically, consists of English and Civics tests. Thus if you fail to demonstrate your basic knowledge of English and history of the United States and current Governmental scenario, your application might get refused by the USCIS. An applicant is granted a second chance if they fail the interview on the first attempt. However, failing on the second attempt gets the application cancelled. For a successful interview, you must: 

• Learn basic English. You must be able to demonstrate that you can communicate in the language well enough. 
• Learn the major history of the United States along with the recent Government policies and advancements. 

Violation of Residency Rules

If an applicant violates any of the residency rules, including the physical presence rule, then it leads to application denial right away. The main rules are as follows: 

• You must hold your Green Card for five years, three if married to a US citizen. 
• You must be physically present in the country for half of the holding period. Thirty months out of five years, and eighteen months out of three if married to a US citizen. 
• You must not leave the country for more than six months at a time. 

Inability to Demonstrate Good Moral Character

The USCIS office closely scrutinises every applicant’s residency period. Therefore, it is wise to avoid participating in any way that could reflect negatively in you demonstrating good moral behaviour. 

• Pay all the taxes on time. Avoid delays or improper filing. 
• Avoid engaging in any fraudulent activities. Criminal charges or serious accusations can lead to denial. 
• Follow the law and the constitution at all times. 

Improper Application

During the interview process or official appraisal, there are many reasons that can lead to denial of the application. Reasons include lying, withholding information, giving wrongful details, hiding past criminal records or tax evasions. 

• Do not lie or withhold information from the USCIS. 
• Give all the required details and in the correct order. 

Read More: How to Get US Citizenship for Indians

What Can You do If Your Application Gets Denied

If your Application for Naturalization is rejected by the USCIS, in most cases, you can appeal for reconsideration. For that you have to file the Form N-336, which is the Request for a Hearing on a Decision on Naturalization Proceedings. However, you must note that you can only apply for reconsideration within 90 days after your application is rejected. 

How Documitra Can Help You Avoid N-400 Mistakes

Documitra has a team of experts who have years of necessary experience with documentation and application in the United States. The team has assisted thousands of applicants from different countries acquire documents and citizenship in the US. So, if you are considering getting Naturalized in the US, then your best bet is to trust Documitra. We will help you with proper documentation, insights into the interview process, and overall application. Therefore, you make a successful submission and avoid all the reasons that can lead to rejection. So, don’t wait any longer. Contact Documitra now. 

FAQs

Q. What happens if I fail the English and Civics test during the interview for Naturalization? 

If you have failed the English and Civics test during the interview, in most cases, you will be granted a second attempt. However, if you fail the second time, then your application will be rejected. Therefore, it is recommended that you prepare for basic English and civics and history of the United States. 

Q. My N-400 Form has been denied. What can I do now?

If your Form N-400 has been rejected by the USCIS, in general, you can appeal for reconsideration. It must be noted that you can only appeal within 90 days from the day you received the rejection notice. You can only appeal for reconsideration once, so it is advised that you make everything right and in order on the second attempt. You can contact Documitra for successful application submission. 

Q. Should I hide criminal charges while applying for Naturalization? It is not wise to hide anything from the USCIS while applying for Naturalization. The USCIS scrutinises and appraises every applicant carefully. Therefore, any withheld information or misinformation can work negatively against you.