N470-012-INS-FeeRule-OPSReview-FR-10182023

Instructions for Application to Preserve Residence
for Naturalization Purposes
Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
Form N-470

OMB No. 1615-0056
Expires 11/30/2025

What Is the Purpose of Form N-470?
This application is for a lawful permanent resident who must leave the United States for certain employment purposes and
wishes to preserve his or her continuous residence to pursue naturalization.

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You may be able to preserve continuous residency (previously accumulated for naturalization purposes) even though
you may be residing outside the United States for longer than one year. The time spent outside the United States may be
counted toward your residency requirement if you file Form N-470.

Who May File Form N-470?

You should file this application if you meet all of the requirements below:

1. You must have been physically present and residing in the United States for an uninterrupted period, without any
absences, for at least one year after your admission as a lawful permanent resident (except religious workers);
2. You will be absent from the United States for one year or more;

3. You have qualifying employment in a specific job with the U.S. Government, private sector, or religious organization;
and
4. You want to preserve your continuous residence for naturalization purposes.

If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your Form N-470, your spouse and dependent unmarried
sons or daughters will receive the same benefit. All of them must be members of the same household and reside with you
while you reside outside the United States.
NOTE: You must still apply for a reentry permit in advance of trips outside the United States that you expect
to last for one year or more. Approval of Form N-470 does not exempt applicants from the physical presence
requirements for naturalization unless they are employed by, or under contract with the U.S. Government.
Continuous residency requirements for Form N-400
Generally, applicants who file Form N-400 must reside in the United States for five years immediately preceding the date
of filing. Additionally, USCIS requires applicants to have been physically present in the United States for at least 30
months of those 5 years.
NOTE: Qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens who file Form N-400 must reside in the United States for three years
immediately preceding the date of filing. Those spouses are required to have been physically present in the United States
for at least 18 months of those 3 years.
Lawful permanent residents who remain outside the United States for more than one uninterrupted year will disrupt their
residency requirement unless they are the beneficiaries of an approved Form N-470.
Exception for spouse of U.S. citizen employed by the U.S. Government, American institution of research, or an
American firm engaged in development of foreign trade with the United States.
A spouse of a U.S. citizen who is eligible for naturalization under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section
319(b) is not required to file Form N-470 to preserve continuous residence, as such spouses are exempted from
establishing the naturalization residency and physical presence requirements.

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General Instructions
We provide free forms through the USCIS website. To view, print, or complete 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 Contact Center and ask that we mail a form to you.
Signature. You (or your signing authority) must properly complete your application. USCIS will not accept a stamped
or typewritten name in place of any signature on this application. 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. If
your application is not signed, or if the signature is not valid, we will reject your application. See 8 CFR 103.2(a)(7)(ii)(A).
If USCIS accepts a request for adjudication and determines that it has a deficient signature, USCIS may deny the request.

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Validity of Signatures. USCIS will consider a photocopied, faxed, or scanned copy of an original handwritten signature
as valid for filing purposes. The photocopy, fax, or scan must be of the original document containing the handwritten ink
signature.
Filing Fee. See Form G-1055, available at www.uscis.gov/forms, for specific information about the fees applicable to
this form.
Evidence. When you file your application, you must submit all evidence and supporting documentation listed in the
What Evidence Must You Submit and/or Specific Instructions sections of these Instructions.
Biometric Services Appointment. USCIS may require you to appear for an interview or provide biometrics (fingerprints,
photograph, and/or 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 or petition. If we determine that a biometric services appointment
is necessary, we will send you an appointment notice with the date, time, and location of your appointment. If you are
currently overseas, your notice will instruct you to contact a U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate, or USCIS office outside the
United States to schedule an appointment.
At your biometrics 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 do not attend your biometric services appointment, we may deny your application.
Copies. You should submit legible photocopies of requested documents unless the Instructions specifically instruct you to
submit an original document. USCIS may request an original document at any time during our process. If we request an
original document from you, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it no longer needs the original.
NOTE: If you submit original documents when they are not required or requested, USCIS may destroy them after we
receive them.
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
they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. The certification must also include their signature,
printed name, the signature date, and their contact information.
USCIS Contact Center. For additional information on the application and Instructions about where to file, change of
address, and other questions, visit the USCIS Contact Center at www.uscis.gov/contactcenter or call at 800-375-5283
(TTY 800-767-1833). The USCIS Contact Center provides information in English and Spanish.

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Disability Accommodations/Modifications. To request a disability accommodation/modification, follow the instructions
on your appointment notice or at www.uscis.gov/accommodationsinfo.
How To Complete Form N-470
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 7. 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.

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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. Avoid highlighting, crossing out, or writing outside the area provided for a response.

If you must make substantial corrections to your Form N-470, USCIS recommends that you begin with a new Form
N-470 rather than using correction tape or fluid to white out information. USCIS scanners may see through the white
correction tape or fluid. This may lead to incorrect information being captured in USCIS systems which may cause
processing delays or a rejection of your Form N-470. Ensure that you are using the correct edition of Form N-470.
The correct edition is available on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.
5. 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 the Form N-470. 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 provide your A-Number.

Specific Instructions
This application is divided into seven parts.
Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility
Item Numbers 1. - 6. Select the box that shows why you are eligible to apply to preserve residence for naturalization
purposes.
Part 2. Information About You
Item Number 1. Current Legal Name. Your current legal name is the name on your birth certificate unless it has been
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). List 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 7. Additional
Information.
Item Number 3. Your name exactly as it appears on your Permanent Resident Card (if different from above). Type
or print your name exactly as it appears on your card even if it is misspelled.

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Item Number 4. USCIS Online Account Number. You will only have a USCIS Online Account Number (OAN) if you
previously filed a form that has a receipt number that begins with IOE. If you filed the form online, you can find your
OAN in your account profile. If you mailed us the form, you can find your OAN at the top of the Account Access Notice
we sent you. If you do not have a receipt number that begins with IOE, you do not have an OAN. The OAN is not the
same as an A-Number.
Item Number 5. U.S. Social Security Number (if any). Provide your U.S. Social Security Number. If you do not have
a U.S. Social Security number, type or print “N/A”.
Item Number 6. Date of Birth. Always use eight numbers to show your date of birth. Type or print the date in this
order: Month, Day, Year. For example, type or print May 1, 1958, as 05/01/1958.

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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 a citizen and/
or national. This is not necessarily the country where you were born. If you do not have citizenship in any country, type
or print “stateless” and provide an explanation in Part 7. Additional Information.
Item Number 9. Physical Address. Provide your physical address if it is different from your mailing address.
If you reside outside the United States

If you do not have a State or Province, enter the name of your city again in that box. If you do not have a ZIP or Postal
Code, enter 00000 in the ZIP or Postal Code box.
Item Number 10. Mailing Address. Provide the address where you would like to receive written correspondence
regarding your application.
NOTE: USCIS may not be able to contact you if you do not provide a complete and valid address.

Item Number 11. 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 this order: Month,
Day, Year. 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 12. Uninterrupted Residence in the United States. Select the box to indicate if you have, or have not,
resided in and been physically present in the United States for an uninterrupted period of at least one year since your
admission as a lawful permanent resident.
Item Number 13. Time Outside the United States. Provide all the trips of 24 hours or more that you have taken
outside the United States since you became a lawful permanent resident. Include trips to Canada, Mexico, and the
Caribbean. Begin with your most recent trip. If you need extra space to complete this section, use the space provided in
Part 7. Additional Information.
Item Number 14. Employment Position and Length of Employment. Provide an explanation of your employment
position requiring you to be absent from the United States. Also state the intended length of time you will be employed
when absent from the United States. If you are a religious worker filing Form N-470 after your return to the United States
from outside the United States, provide the entire length of time of your employment outside the United States in said
capacity.
Item Number 15. Income Tax. Select the box to indicate if you have, or have not, ever filed an income tax return as a
nonresident or otherwise claimed or received benefits as a nonresident alien under U.S. Federal, state, or local income tax
laws since you became a lawful permanent resident.

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Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You
Item Number 1. Residence With You Inside the United States. Select the box to indicate whether you have lawful
permanent resident family members who reside with you inside the United States.
Item Number 2. Residence With You Outside the United States. Select the box to indicate whether those lawful
permanent resident family members will reside with you outside the United States.
If you select “Yes,” provide information for your spouse and all of your children who will reside with you outside the
United States.
Part 4. Applicant’s Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature

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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 5. 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 6. 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 5. and Part 6. 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 whose representation
extends beyond preparation of this of this application, he or she may be obliged to also submit a completed Form G-28,
Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, along with your application.
Part 7. 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 7. Additional Information. If you need more space than what is provided in Part 7., you may make
copies of Part 7. 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.
We recommend that you print or save a copy of your completed application for your 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 in accordance with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(1) and these Instructions.

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When to File Form N-470?
1. Generally, you must have been physically present and residing in the United States for an uninterrupted period,
without any absences, for at least one year after your admission as a lawful permanent resident before you can file
Form N-470.
2. You do not have to be in the United States to file Form N-470, but you must file it before you have been absent from
the United States for a continuous period of one year.
Religious Workers Exception to the One Year Absence Requirement

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Religious workers may apply:

1. Before departing from the United States;

2. After departing from the United States; or
3. After returning to the United States.

Religious workers are not required to have lived in the United States for a specific period of time prior to filing Form
N-470.

Where To File?

Please see our website at www.uscis.gov/N-470 for the most current information about where to file this application.

Address Change

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must notify USCIS of your new address within 10 days of moving from your previous
residence. For information on changing your address, go to our website at www.uscis.gov/addresschange or call the
USCIS Contact Center.
NOTE: Do not submit a change of address request to the USCIS Lockbox.

Processing Information
Initial Processing. Once USCIS accepts your application we will check it for completeness. If you do not properly
complete this application, you will not establish a basis for your eligibility and USCIS may reject or deny your
application. If USCIS rejects your application, USCIS may not be able to return the filing fee for Form N-470 to you if
you do not type or print a complete and valid mailing address. If USCIS cannot return the filing fee, USCIS will deposit
the fee.
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, we will return it to you after USCIS determines it is no longer needed.
Requests for Interview. We may request that you appear at a USCIS office for an interview based on your application.
During your interview, USCIS may require you to provide your biometrics to verify your identity and/or update
background and security checks.
Decision. The decision on Form N-470 involves a determination of whether you have established eligibility for the
immigration benefit you are seeking. USCIS will notify you of our decision in writing.

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USCIS Forms and Information
To ensure you are using the latest version of this application, visit www.uscis.gov.

Attorney or Representative
You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. Government, by an attorney or other duly accredited representative.
Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative,
with your Form N-470. If USCIS requests you to appear for an interview, your representative may also submit Form G-28
at that time. Form G-28 can be obtained by visiting the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov or by contacting the USCIS
Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283. For TTY (deaf or hard of hearing) call: 1-800-767-1833.

Penalties

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If you knowingly and willfully falsify or conceal a material fact or submit a false document with your Form N-470,
we will deny your application 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 application, and the associated evidence, is collected under the
Immigration and Nationality Act, sections 101, 316(b) and 317.
PURPOSE: The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this application is to determine if you have
established eligibility for the immigration benefit for which you are filing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
will use the information you provide to grant or deny the immigration benefit you are seeking.
DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information,
including your Social Security number (if applicable), and any requested evidence, may delay a final decision or result in
denial of your application.
ROUTINE USES: DHS may share the information you provide on this application with other Federal, state, local,
and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations. DHS follows approved routine uses described in the
associated published system of records notices [DHS/USCIS-007 - Benefits Information System and DHS/USCIS-001
- Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records] 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.

Paperwork Reduction Act
USCIS may not conduct or sponsor an information collection, and you are not required to respond to a collection of
information, unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated at 0.417 hours per response including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering the required documentation and information, completing the application, preparing
statements, attaching necessary documentation, and submitting the application. The collection of biometrics is estimated
to require 1 hour and 10 minutes. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection
of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of
Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, 5900 Capital Gateway Drive, Mail Stop #2140, Camp Springs,
MD 20588-0009; OMB No. 1615-0056. Do not mail your completed Form N-470 to this address.
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