7 Critical N-400 Filing Mistakes That Cause Rejections

Filing N-400 incorrectly costs you time and money. A rejected application loses your $710 fee—you must refile and pay again. An RFE delays processing 2-4 months while USCIS waits for corrections. Most mistakes are simple oversights that careful review prevents. For official filing guidance, visit USCIS N-400 page.

7 Critical N-400 Filing Mistakes

Mistake #1: Incomplete or Inaccurate Address History

The Error: Forgetting short-term addresses, approximating dates, or omitting addresses under 3 months.

Why It Matters: USCIS cross-references your address history with IRS, SSA, and DMV records. Discrepancies trigger background check delays or RFEs.

The Fix: List EVERY address for the past 5 years (or 3 if married to U.S. citizen), even if you lived there 2 weeks. Use old leases, utility bills, bank statements, and IRS transcripts to verify dates. Format: exact move-in and move-out dates (MM/DD/YYYY).

Mistake #2: Incomplete Travel History

The Error: Omitting short trips, rounding dates, or forgetting layovers counted as "entries."

Why It Matters: USCIS has your entry/exit records from CBP. If your travel dates don't match, they assume you're hiding trips over 6 months (which break continuous residence).

The Fix: Request I-94 travel history from CBP website (free). List EVERY trip outside the U.S., even day trips to Canada/Mexico. Include exact departure and return dates.

Mistake #3: Filing Too Early (90-Day Rule Violation)

The Error: Filing more than 90 days before your 5-year (or 3-year) anniversary as a permanent resident.

Why It Matters: Filing ONE day too early = automatic rejection + $710 fee lost. No appeals, no grace period.

The Fix: Use the USCIS eligibility calculator. Add a 2-3 day buffer. If you got your green card on March 15, 2020, file no earlier than December 17, 2024 (not December 16).

Mistake #4: Not Disclosing Traffic Tickets & Arrests

The Error: Thinking "minor" tickets don't count, or arrests that were dismissed don't need disclosure.

Why It Matters: N-400 asks "Have you EVER been arrested, cited, or detained?" The answer is YES even if:

• Charges were dismissed
• Record was expunged
• It was 20 years ago
• It was a minor traffic ticket (unless under $500 and no drugs/alcohol)

The Fix: Disclose EVERYTHING. Get certified court dispositions for every incident. Lying on N-400 is grounds for permanent denial + deportation.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Tax Compliance Issues

The Error: Filing N-400 while owing back taxes, not filing tax returns, or claiming to be a "non-resident" for tax purposes.

Why It Matters: "Good moral character" requires tax compliance. USCIS checks IRS records. Unfiled returns or unpaid taxes can lead to denial.

The Fix: Before filing N-400, ensure:

• All tax returns filed for past 5 years (or 3 years)
• All taxes paid or on approved payment plan
• Filed as "resident" (not "non-resident alien") while holding green card

Mistake #6: No Selective Service Registration (Males 18-25)

The Error: Male applicants who lived in the U.S. between ages 18-25 never registered with Selective Service.

Why It Matters: Failure to register can be grounds for denial (failure of "good moral character" requirement).

The Fix: If you're now 26-31 and didn't register, explain why on N-400 (e.g., "I received green card at age 27, after registration window closed"). If you're under 26, register immediately at sss.gov before filing N-400.

Mistake #7: Not Reviewing Application Before Submitting

The Error: Unsigned form, math errors in dates, wrong fee amount, missing pages, illegible handwriting.

Why It Matters: These trigger immediate rejection—you lose your filing date and must resubmit.

The Fix: Before submitting:

• Sign every required signature box
• Verify fee amount ($710 for most applicants)
• Double-check all date calculations (address history, travel dates)
• Include all required documents (green card copy, Selective Service proof)
• If filing by mail, make complete photocopies for your records

Prevention Checklist (Use Before Filing)

1. Verify eligibility date - Use USCIS calculator + add 2-3 day buffer
2. Compile address history - Every address for 5 years (or 3), exact dates
3. Get I-94 travel history - Download from CBP website, verify all trips
4. Disclose all arrests/citations - Even dismissed charges, get court records
5. Verify tax compliance - All returns filed, all taxes paid or on payment plan
6. Check Selective Service - Males 18-25: register or explain why not
7. Review entire form - Signature, fee, dates, attachments
8. File online if possible - Saves $50, faster processing, instant confirmation

What If You Already Filed With Mistakes?

If You Realize Error Before Interview

Send a letter to USCIS with corrections, referencing your receipt number. Include evidence (court records, tax transcripts, etc.). Bring copies to your interview.

If USCIS Issues RFE

Respond within the deadline (usually 87 days). Provide exact documents requested—nothing more, nothing less. Use certified mail with tracking.

If Application Is Rejected

You must refile with a new N-400 and pay $710 again. Review rejection notice carefully, fix all cited errors, and refile immediately.

Final Thoughts

Most N-400 mistakes are preventable with careful preparation. Take 2-3 extra hours reviewing your application before filing—it saves 2-6 months of processing delays.

• Use USCIS eligibility calculator + buffer days
• Disclose everything (arrests, trips, addresses)
• Get certified court records before filing
• Verify tax compliance
• Triple-check dates and signatures
• File online to save $50 and get instant confirmation