Who is eligible to file the N-400 application?

The eligibility to file the N-400 application is specifically for permanent residents who meet certain requirements. The N-400 form is used by lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

To qualify, applicants typically must have held their permanent residency for a specific period (generally five years, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen), demonstrate good moral character, and meet residency and physical presence requirements, among other criteria. This process is a crucial step for those who wish to become citizens after having been granted permanent residency.

U.S. citizens cannot file the N-400 because they are already citizens, while temporary visa holders and foreign students do not possess the requisite permanent resident status necessary for this application. Thus, the focus is solely on those who are lawful permanent residents.