Becoming a U.S. citizen can be an exciting and stressful experience. You may be required to fill out and file many forms with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services. One form that you may need to submit is Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention.
At New Frontier Immigration Law, we can determine if you must file this form. If you do, you must complete it in full and submit it promptly. You can contact us today for a strategic session with one of our immigration attorneys.
What Is the Purpose of the Form N-300 Application to File Declaration of Intention?
Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention lets the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services know that you plan to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. However, the federal government does not require you to fill it out for naturalization. Rather, some states require you to submit this form and get USCIS approval if you want to conduct certain business within that state.
Who Must Fill Out Form N-300?
You may have to fill out Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention, if you are a permanent resident living in the U.S. and want to start a business in your state, work in certain roles, or get certain professional licenses. To qualify for this USCIS approval, you must be:
- A lawful permanent resident over age 18
- Currently living in the U.S. with a U.S. address
You might choose to have an attorney or preparer fill out this form, which can ensure that everything on the form is correct and complete. If you have an official preparer complete the form on your behalf, they can provide their information and signature in the appropriate section on the application.
You can also get help filling out this form if you are sight-impaired, have another disability, or are not comfortable completing the form in a language other than your native one. There is space on this form for your interpreter to fill out, too.
How do You File Form N-300?
The USCIS only accepts a completed and signed Form N-300 via mail. Typically, you must mail the official, physical copy of the form. However, the USCIS does accept scanned copies of the original completed and signed form.
You can send it through the United States Postal Service to their post office (P.O.) box in Dallas, Texas. You also can send it through a private mail service provider, including FedEx, UPS, or DHL. Any of them will deliver the form to the Lewisville, Texas, processing office. You can find the mailing addresses on the USCIS website.
As you complete the application, be sure to write your Alien Number (A-Number) on the top right corner of every page. This is to make sure your documents stay together for efficient filing.
What to Include With Form N-300
In addition to a complete and signed Form N-300, you must also include the following evidence to prove your status and your identity:
- A copy of your Permanent Resident Card, also known as your green card. You must include a copy of the front and back of the card.
- Two recent, identical passport-style photos. The images must include your face and the top of your shoulders against a white or light-colored plain background. The image must be well-lit, and you should look directly into the camera. Be sure to write your A-Number on the back of each photo. Note: Do not send your original Permanent Resident Card.
- An English translation of the document, which your translator signs if you filled the form out in a different language. You must work with a translator who can translate the information into English.
- Extra pages you used to answer questions in full as needed. Include your full name and A-Number on each page.
After filing, you may have to complete biometric identification testing, like having your fingerprints taken again to match them with previous prints. You may also have to complete interviews or other visits to verify the information you provided on your form.
How Much does It Cost to File Form N-300?
You must pay the $270 processing fee per application. Each eligible person in your family who wants to file must complete their own form and pay $270, separate from you. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are rejected.
The USCIS does not accept cash. You can pay using a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order and mail it with your application. The amount must be in U.S. dollars. You will make your check out to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” You may also pay with a credit card. To do so, you must fill out and send in Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
You can use the USCIS fee calculator to determine how much you will pay for filing Form N-300 and completing any required biometric testing.
Can I File Form N-300 for Free?
You may be eligible for a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay the processing fee. Complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, to see if you qualify to have the fee waived.
Your household size and income determine if you qualify for a fee waiver. In general, you must be 150% below the Department of Health and Human Services’ Poverty Guidelines. For example, an applicant who comes from a household of three people and the total household income is at or less than $26,490 in 2022 can qualify. However, this guideline is different for those who live in Alaska or Hawaii.
How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help You With Form N-300
Our firm’s immigration lawyer can answer all your questions about Form N-300 and connect you to important services related to the immigration process, like translators and interpreters. If you need us to attend interviews and represent you in denials, we are dedicated to supporting you and advocating for your rights.
We also have Spanish-speaking team members who can guide you through this process.
New Frontier Immigration Law Is Here for You
At New Frontier Immigration, we know how complex the process of obtaining citizenship and living the life you dreamed of is. We are passionate about helping people from all corners of the globe navigate the U.S. citizenship and immigration process. Contact our office today so we can review your options regarding Form N-300 and discuss your path to citizenship.