How long of an employment history must be provided on the N-400?

The requirement for providing an employment history on the N-400 application is for the last five years. This timeframe is significant because it aligns with the general period used to assess applicants for their moral character and continuous residence in the United States. During this five-year period, applicants must provide details about their employment to demonstrate their stability, financial responsibility, and contributions to society.

A focus on the past five years allows USCIS to evaluate the applicant's behavior, work ethic, and engagement with the community, which are essential factors in determining eligibility for naturalization. Therefore, this five-year employment history is a critical component of the application process, reinforcing the importance of understanding one’s history to fulfill the citizenship requirements.