Learn How to Fill Out N-300 Form, The Application to File Declaration of Intention
Form N-300, also known as the Application to File Declaration of Intention, is a document used by lawful permanent residents of the United States who wish to declare their intent to become U.S. citizens. It’s also sometimes referred to as “first papers.”
Filing this form is not a requirement for naturalization, but some states may require it as a prerequisite for conducting certain business transactions or obtaining specific licenses within the state.
A Look Back on the Declaration of Intent
The declaration of intention used to be required for individuals seeking U.S. citizenship. It was established in 1795 to show a person’s commitment to becoming a citizen and renouncing their former allegiances.
During this period, the declaration of intention was considered the first formal step toward naturalization, as it provided evidence of a person’s desire to become a U.S. citizen. It also served as a way for the government to monitor and regulate the naturalization process, as the declaration was filed with a court and became a matter of public record.
There were several problems with the declaration of intent over the years. Namely, it created confusion about citizenship status. As a result, children of declarants often assumed they were United States citizens. Additionally, it was difficult to prove the intent of individuals who had filed a declaration but did not follow through, leading to lengthy legal disputes.
In 1952, Congress finally abolished the declaration of intent requirement with the Immigration and Nationality Act, which streamlined the process for naturalization. However, it remains an important part of U.S. immigration history and serves as a reminder of the steps individuals had to take to become citizens.
Today, the first step toward naturalization in today’s system is to file an Application for Naturalization (Form N-400).
How Do I Fill Out Form N-300?
Form N-300 is a relatively simple form that consists of 8 pages. It’s essential to take care when filling out the form and ensure that all required fields are completed and accurate to help avoid any potential rejections.
Part 1: Information About You
In this section, you must provide your legal name (the name on your birth certificate) unless changed legally through marriage or a court order. You’ll also list all other names you have used, including nicknames and maiden names.
Then, enter your U.S. Social Security Number if you have one; otherwise, type or print “N/A.” You’ll also provide a USCIS online account number, your date of birth, the official date of becoming a lawful permanent resident, your country of birth, and your citizenship/nationality.
Finally, you’ll indicate whether you have been absent from the U.S. for more than six months and provide your mailing and physical address.
Part 2: Your Signature
In this section, select the appropriate box to indicate if you read the application yourself or with the assistance of an interpreter or preparer. You must sign and date the application and provide your mobile phone number and email address.
Part 3: Interpreter’s Signature
If an interpreter was used to read the instructions and questions, they must fill out this section with their name, business/organization name and address, mobile phone number, and email address. They must also sign and date the application.
Part 4: Preparer’s Signature
The person who prepared the application, if it is not the applicant, will fill out this section. They must provide their name, business/organization name and address, mobile phone number, and email address. Finally, they will also sign and date the application.
Part 5: Additional Information
This section provides space for you to provide any additional information related to your application.
Part 6: Declaration of Intent
The last section requires you to provide the same information that you included in part one, including:
- Your name
- Social Security Number
- USCIS online account number
- Birth date
- The date you became a lawful resident
- Country of birth and country of citizenship or nationality
- Mailing address and physical address
- Phone number
- Email address.
What’s different about this section is you’ll sign the “Declaration of Intent” statement as stated below:
“I am over 18 years of age, have been lawfully admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident, and am now residing in the United States based on such admission. I hereby declare my intention in good faith to become a citizen of the United States and I certify that the photographs affixed to the original and duplicate hereof are a likeness of me and were signed by me. I do swear (or affirm) that the statements I have made and the intentions I have expressed in this declaration of intention subscribed by me are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.”
What Is The Filing Fee for Form N-300?
The filing fee for Form N-300 is $270. You may use several methods to pay, including a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. The payment should be made to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
If USCIS denied your previous Form N-300 application and you are now submitting a new one, you will need to pay the full fee again.
If you are unable to pay the filing fee for Form N-300, due to financial hardship you may be eligible to apply for a fee waiver. USCIS typically determines financial eligibility for applicants based on if they have a means-tested benefit (e.g. SNAP) or a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To do this, you must complete Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, and submit it along with any necessary evidence of your inability to pay the fee.
Common Reasons For Rejection
You should follow some important filing tips to avoid USCIS rejecting your N-300 form:
- Remember to include your 9-digit A-Number on each page where required.
- Don’t forget your signature on pages 2 and 8, the interpreter’s signature on page 4, and the preparer’s signature on page 5.
- Include a copy of your permanent resident card (not the original document).
- Provide two color passport-style photographs taken within 30 days of filing Form N-300.
Where to File Form N-300
Regardless of your location, Form N-300, Application to File Declaration of Intention, must be filed with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.
The form and accompanying documentation can be sent via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to the following address:
USCIS
Attn: N-300
P.O. Box 650809
Dallas, TX 75265-0809
For deliveries through FedEx, UPS, or DHL, the address is
USCIS
Attn: N-300 (Box 650809)
2501 S State Hwy 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Individuals may receive e-notification of the acceptance of their Form N-300 by completing Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and attaching it to the first page of their form.
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. Can Help You With Form N-300
At Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., we specialize in assisting with the filing of Form N-300. Our team of experienced immigration attorneys can provide guidance and support throughout the entire process, ensuring your application is accurate and up-to-date.
Completing immigration forms can be complex and time-consuming, and mistakes can lead to costly delays. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the resources and support you need to navigate the U.S. immigration system successfully.
We can answer your questions and help you understand the application process so that you can make the best decisions for your future. We are committed to providing an easy and efficient immigration experience. Whether you need assistance with filing Form N-400 or other related forms, our experienced attorneys will work with you every step of the way.
If you have any questions or need help with your Form N-300, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us through our online form or call us at (312) 444-1940.
