Instructions for filing citizenship application for overseas naturalization process

Only spouses who are eligible and who prefer to go in for overseas naturalization should apply for that option. Spouses intending to file their citizenship application in the US may do so. Section 319(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) permits, certain spouses of members of the U.S. armed forces, upon qualifying to be eligible, to naturalize abroad. It does not require the applicants to travel to the US for any part of the naturalization process.

Instructions for filing Citizenship application

Complete the Citizenship Application - The applicant should note under which eligibility criteria he/she falls and then submit a duly signed and fully completed citizenship application. Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) is the form to be filed.

Attach a Cover Letter – USCIS requires the applicants to place a brief cover letter on top of the citizenship application explaining their desire to opt for overseas naturalization .It should carry the applicant’s current address of residence abroad. It should also indicate the section under which they qualify and the USCIS office that is convenient for them for interview purpose. The cover letter should have the following heading

319(e): Deliver to Military N-400 Point of Contact

Include Form DD-1278 – This form is the Certificate of Overseas Assignment to Support Application to File Petition for Naturalization and is obtained from the military personnel certifying that the applicant possess concurrent travel orders. It authorizes the applicant to join their spouse who is in commissioned abroad. The applicants must ensure to attach a duly signed and fully completed Form.

Include fingerprint Cards - Two completed fingerprint cards (FD-258) of the applicant should be submitted along with the citizenship application. Applicants opting for overseas naturalization should take their fingerprints test at a U.S. military base, USCIS field office( overseas),or an American Consulate. Applicants who are applying in the US itself should take their fingerprints test at a USCIS ASC.

Include marriage Certificate – Applicant should submit a valid proof of the current marriage. In certain situations, the applicant will be required to submit proof for the legal end of all prior marriages (for both applicant and the spouse) Photocopies of marriage or death/divorce certificates will suffice.

Include proof of U.S. Citizenship - A valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship (A or AA), or the Registration of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240) needs to be submitted along with the citizenship application. This is to prove that the military spouse is a U.S. citizen (if at all the applicant is applying under section 319(a))

Include Photos – Applicant should attach two identical passport size photos along with the citizenship application.

Include proof of LPR Status – Applicant should either attach a photocopy of the Green Card (front and back) or an I-551 stamp to prove that the applicant is a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States.

Include proof of Marital Relationship –Birth certificates for children born to the applicant and the spouse, joint bank accounts, joint tax returns, etc needs to be submitted along with the citizenship application.

Include correct fees –Applicants who are filing their Citizenship application from outside the US and had their fingerprints taken abroad should submit either a check or money order for $595.Applicants who are filing from within the US should submit either a single check or money order of $675. The check or money order should be payable to the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Mail it to the correct address –Applicants should submit all 319(e) citizenship applications to the USCIS overseas office which exercises jurisdiction over the spouse’s place of residence abroad or to the following address:

Nebraska Service Center
P.O. Box 87426
Lincoln, NE 68501-7426
In case of private courier deliveries, the address will be
Nebraska Service Center
850 S Street
Lincoln, NE 68508

Processing Time –It will generally take 120 to 180 days to complete the processing of citizenship application, provided that the applicant has submitted all necessary documentation and all the required background checks have been made.

Citizenship Application,
US Citizenship form