Master prompt
Form N-400 cover letter + document checklist (US)
Draft N-400 cover letter, supporting-docs index, and biometrics + interview preparation checklist for naturalization filing.
USNaturalizationN-400USCISBiometricsCover letter
Draft a complete G-1145 cover letter, Form N-400 attachments, and supporting-documents checklist for [CLIENT_NAME]'s US naturalization application.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
• Applicant: [CLIENT_NAME] (DOB: [CLIENT_DOB], A# [CLIENT_A_NUMBER])
• Route: INA §316 general
• Filing mode: Online
• Fee tier: Standard $760
• Form: N-400 Application for Naturalization (current edition 04/01/24 — verify)
§1 — COVER LETTER (300-400 words)
For PAPER filings, addressed to:
"US Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS Lockbox — [appropriate facility based on state of residence]"
Use current N-400 filing addresses on USCIS.gov.
For ONLINE filings: cover letter is uploaded as a supporting PDF — addressed to "USCIS Texas Service Center / Nebraska Service Center / National Benefits Center" depending on routing.
Structure:
(a) Subject: "Application for Naturalization — [CLIENT_NAME], A# [CLIENT_A_NUMBER]"
(b) Representative declaration: "[REPRESENTATIVE_INFO] is acting as accredited representative / attorney of record under Form G-28 enclosed"
(c) One paragraph: applicant identity, LPR date, eligibility route (INA §316 general)
(d) Confirmation: N-400 current edition, fully completed, signed
(e) Index of supporting documents (lettered) — see §2
(f) Fee statement: Standard $760 — payment by check / money order / G-1450 credit card authorization / online payment
(g) Special-handling requests:
• G-1145 e-notification (Notice of Action by email/text)
• Disability accommodation requested (if applicable)
• Premium processing — NOT available for N-400
(h) Closing: representative contact, Bar / DOJ Roll number, signature
§2 — SUPPORTING DOCS CHECKLIST
For the ADULT applicant ([CLIENT_NAME]):
A. Form N-400 (current edition) — completed, signed (e-signed if online)
B. Form G-28 — Notice of Appearance as Attorney/Accredited Representative
C. Copy of green card (Permanent Resident Card I-551 — both sides, current card)
D. Passport-style photos: 2 × 2"x2" (NOT required if biometrics scheduled — submitting only if requested by lockbox)
E. Copy of current and all previous passports (biographical page + visa pages)
F. Marriage certificate (if §319(a) spouse route)
G. Spouse's US citizenship evidence (if §319(a)):
• US birth certificate OR Naturalization Certificate OR US passport biographical page
H. Divorce decrees / death certificates for ALL prior marriages of both spouses
I. Tax records (last 5 years for §316, last 3 years for §319(a)):
• IRS tax transcripts (preferred) OR signed Form 1040 returns
• Form 8865, Schedule K-1, business returns if applicable
• If on IRS installment agreement: most recent statement + payment record
J. Selective Service registration confirmation (males 18-25 when in US — print from sss.gov)
K. Court records (if [GMC issues]):
• Certified court dispositions for every arrest/citation (even if dismissed or no charges)
• Probation completion letters
• State pardons / expungement orders (note: USCIS still considers expunged offenses)
L. Child support records (if applicable):
• State support order
• Proof of current payments
M. Evidence of physical presence:
• Travel history matching N-400 §8
• Passport stamps (some entry/exit lacking — flag)
• Employer attestations for work trips
N. Evidence of residence in state/district (3-month requirement):
• Driver's license, lease/mortgage, utility bills
O. N-470 approval notice (if claimed for preserved residence)
P. N-648 Medical Certification (if claiming disability English/civics exemption)
Q. Fee or waiver evidence:
• Standard $760 standard: check/money order made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" OR G-1450 OR online
• Reduced (I-942): Form I-942 with income proof (tax returns + paystubs)
• Waiver (I-912): Form I-912 with means-tested benefit evidence
§3 — POST-FILING TIMELINE (current published service standard mid-2026 — verify)
• Receipt notice (I-797C): 2-4 weeks
• Biometrics appointment (ASC): 4-8 weeks after receipt; client receives separate notice
• Interview scheduled: 6-12 months from receipt (varies by Field Office — Boston, NYC, LA, Houston each have different backlogs)
• Decision: at interview (oral approval typical) OR within 120 days of interview per regulation
• Oath ceremony: same day as interview (administrative naturalization) OR 2-8 weeks later
§4 — RISK FLAGS BEFORE FILING
□ Any absence ≥ 180 days in last 5y (3y for §319)? — continuous residence presumption
□ Any arrests / citations not yet disclosed in N-400 §13?
□ IRS tax compliance — all 5 years filed and paid (or installment plan current)?
□ Selective Service: male client between 18-26 in US ever?
□ Has client filed past Federal income tax returns AS A NON-RESIDENT or with non-resident filing status? → continuous residence concern
□ Has client voted in any US election prior to becoming a citizen? → STATUTORY BAR (§101(f)(3))
□ Has client claimed to be a US citizen on any application / I-9 / loan? → STATUTORY BAR
□ Any pending criminal charges? — file delayed until resolved
□ N-400 Part 12 Q (membership in totalitarian party, etc.) — all answered correctly?
§5 — INTERVIEW PREP NOTE
After biometrics, interview will require originals of all documents above. Confirm with client that originals are accessible. Prepare a tabbed folder for the interview.
End with: "DRAFT cover letter + checklist — for US immigration attorney / IAA-accredited representative review and tailoring. Confirm current USCIS fee schedule, current N-400 edition, and correct lockbox/service center based on client's state of residence before filing. Original documents required at interview — flag missing items now."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt