Form N-470: A Step-By-Step Guide To Protecting Your Path To Citizenship

Imagine you are a Green Card holder who has built a life in the United States when an exciting opportunity of a job abroad comes up.

Will taking this job threaten your chances of becoming a U.S. citizen due to extended absence? How can you keep your continuous residence requirement for naturalization while outside the U.S.?

If you want to know the answers to these questions, check out our article.

We’ll share the role of Form N-470, how to apply, and why it’s key to protecting your path to U.S. citizenship.

Bradford H. Bernstein

This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.

View Brad's Bio

Bradford H. Bernstein

What Is Form N-470?

Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes, is a document used by U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) to request permission to maintain their continuous residence status while working abroad.

Why is this necessary?

Continuous residence is a key requirement for naturalization. To be eligible to apply for naturalization, Green Card holders must prove that they have resided in the United States for five years (or three years for spouses of U.S. citizens).

Note: Form N-470 does not preserve the physical presence requirement for naturalization.

Who Can File N-470?

You can file Form N-470 if you are a Green Card holder who:

• Has lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least one uninterrupted year prior to your employment abroad.
• Is employed abroad by:
  – The U.S. government, including military service.
  – An American research institution or other recognized organizations.
  – A U.S. firm or corporation (or its subsidiary) working on developing foreign trade and commerce.
  – A religious organization or mission, performing duties related to your religion.

In some cases, there may be exceptions to the requirement for holding a Green Card for one uninterrupted year — for example, for spouses or children of U.S. government employees stationed abroad.

When To File Form N-470

You can file Form N-470 before or after starting your qualifying employment abroad. However, it is crucial to submit the form before you’ve been outside the U.S. for a continuous period of one full year.

Note that if you are doing religious work abroad, such as serving as a minister, missionary, or member of a religious order, you can file the form either before or after your time abroad.

Form N-470: The Process

To help you fill out Form N-470 effectively, our knowledgeable team of attorneys at Spar & Bernstein has compiled a step-by-step guide.

1. Find The Most Updated Version

Go to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website and download the most current version of Form N-470.

Review the Form N-470 filing instructions to understand the eligibility criteria, filing requirements, and documents needed.

2. Determine Your Eligibility

Ensure you are eligible to file Form N-470 by confirming that you meet the residency requirements and qualify under the specified employment categories.

3. Gather Supporting Documentation

Common documents to support your N-470 application include:

• Proof of continuous residence in the U.S. — for example, utility bills and lease agreements
• A detailed letter from your employer abroad verifying the nature of your job and the qualifying organization
• Documentation of your spouse’s employment, if you are filing as the spouse of a U.S. government employee

4. Complete Form N-470

• Part 1: Tick the box that applies to your eligibility — whether U.S. Government employment, an American institution of research, or a denomination or mission.
• Part 2: List your personal details — name, Social Security number, physical and mailing address, the date of becoming a Green Card holder, and time you spent outside the U.S. since you became a lawful permanent resident.
• Part 3: Provide information about the family members residing with you — names, dates of birth, and A-numbers.
• Part 4: Include your contact details, certification, and statement. Sign the form.
• Part 5: If you used the help of an interpreter to file the form, include their name, address, contact information, and signature.
• Part 6: If you use a preparer for your application, list their contact details and certification, and ask them to sign the document.

5. Pay The Filing Fee

Pay the Form N-470 fee via check, money order, or credit card.

6. Submit The Application

Verify that your application packet includes:

• Completed and signed Form N-470
• Filing fee or payment receipt
• Supporting documents

Mail the application to the USCIS Lockbox address:

For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: N-470
P.O. Box 650809
Dallas, TX 75265

For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: N-470 (Box 650809)
2501 S. State Hwy.121, Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

7. Track Your Application

After USCIS receives your Form N-470, you’ll get a receipt notice, Form I-797, with a case number.

Use this number to track your application status online at the USCIS Case Status page.

8. Respond To Requests for Evidence (RFEs)

If USCIS requires additional documentation, you’ll receive an RFE. Ensure you adhere to the deadlines to avoid delays or denials of your application.

9. Receive USCIS Decision

Once your application is processed, USCIS will notify you of their decision.

If your application is approved, you will be able to protect your continuous residence requirement for naturalization.

Keep copies of your application, supporting documents, and the approval notice so that you can use those in your future naturalization application.

Form N-470: Cost

The filing fee for Form N-470 is $420. You can file it on paper, only.

You may also have the right to apply for a fee waiver by using Form I-912.

Form N-470: Processing Time

Typically, it takes USCIS several months to process Form N-470. The time may vary depending on the staffing, application volume, and the need for additional supporting documents.

Need Help With Form N-470? Schedule A Consultation

Are you concerned about proving eligibility and gathering the necessary documentation to support your Form N-470?

Spar & Bernstein can help! Our experienced attorneys will:

• Determine whether you are eligible to file Form N-470.
• Help you accurately fill out and file Form N-470.
• Gather and organize the required supporting documents, such as employment verification letters and proof of residence.
• Provide tailored legal advice if your case is a complex one — for example, if you are working for qualifying employers abroad or applying on behalf of a spouse.
• Responding to RFEs, if USCIS requests additional evidence.

In addition to helping with Form N-470, our team offers a full range of naturalization services to help you complete different immigration forms and achieve U.S. citizenship.

• If you are ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, we’ll assist you in filing Form N-400 and determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria, including continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character requirements.
• If you need a Certificate of Citizenship, we’ll help you file Form N-600, reviewing factors like your parent(s)’ citizenship, your date of birth, and your physical presence in the U.S. or abroad.
• If you’re unable to afford the filing fees for naturalization-related forms, we’ll help you file Form I-912 to request a fee waiver.
• If your application for naturalization is denied, we’ll help you appeal the decision.

Working with Spar & Bernstein will make any immigration process stress-free.

Form N-470: Things To Remember

To ensure your Form N-470 is filed properly, pay attention to several important things.

• Make sure to use the most updated version of the document from the USCIS website.
• Submit Form N-470 prior to your departure to ensure you can preserve your continuous residence.
• Include all required supporting documents related to employment and eligibility.
• Confirm the fee amount and include the correct payment method.
• Confirm all sections of Form N-470 are filled out and your application is signed and dated.

Form N-470: FAQs

If you have more concerns about Form N-470, check out the answers to commonly asked questions.

Can I preserve the physical presence requirement for naturalization by filing Form N-470?

No, filing Form N-470 allows you to preserve only the continuous residence requirement. To apply for naturalization, you must still meet the physical presence requirement by spending the required amount of time in the U.S.

Can I file Form N-470 if I am working for an international organization or foreign government?

No, if you are working for an international organization or foreign government, you are not eligible to file Form N-470.

Can spouses or children of U.S. government employees file Form N-470?

Yes, spouses or children of U.S. government employees stationed abroad may qualify to file Form N-470 without meeting the one-year uninterrupted residence requirement.

Can I list my family members on my Form N-470?

No, each qualifying family member must file their own Form N-470 if they also need to preserve their continuous residence for naturalization purposes.

What happens if my Form N-470 is denied?

If your Form N-470 is denied, the time you spend working abroad may break your continuous residence requirement for naturalization. This means you may need to restart the required residence period.