USCIS · Official form

Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes

Form N-470 lets certain green card holders keep the clock running on continuous residence for naturalization while they work abroad for a year or more.

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What is N-470?

Naturalization normally requires continuous residence in the United States, and an absence of one year or more breaks it. Form N-470 preserves that continuity for lawful permanent residents whose long absence is for qualifying employment: the US government, an American institution of research recognized by USCIS, an American firm engaged in developing US foreign trade and commerce, certain public international organizations, or religious duties abroad.

Most applicants must first have been physically present in the US for a continuous year after becoming a permanent resident, though religious workers have different rules. Approval protects continuous residence for naturalization only; it does not excuse the physical presence requirement for most categories, and it is not a reentry document.

Who files N-470?

Green card holders employed abroad by the US government or under contract with it
Employees of American research institutions, or American firms engaged in foreign trade, stationed abroad for a year or more
Employees of qualifying public international organizations of which the US is a member
Ministers, priests, missionaries, and other religious workers performing duties abroad

How to fill out N-470

Confirm your employer and role fit a qualifying category and that you meet the one-year physical presence requirement, if it applies to you.
Complete the application with your employment details, the expected length of the absence, and any family members covered.
Attach evidence of the qualifying employment, such as an employer letter describing your assignment abroad.
File before or during the absence per the current instructions, with the current fee; check timing rules and the filing address at uscis.gov.
Carry a reentry permit (Form I-131) as well if you will be gone a year or more; the N-470 does not protect your green card at the border.

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Page 1 16 fields

To be completed by an attorney or accredited representative (if any). Enter Attorney or State Bar Number (if applicable).

To be completed by an attorney or accredited representative (if any). Select this box if Form G-28 is attached.

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. Enter Your 9 Digit A. Number.

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. My absence from the United States is on behalf of (Select only one box). 1. Select The U.S.

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. My absence from the United States is on behalf of (Select only one box). 2. Select An American

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. My absence from the United States is on behalf of (Select only one box). 3. Select An American

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. My absence from the United States is on behalf of (Select only one box). 4. Select An American

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. My absence from the United States is on behalf of (Select only one box). 5. Select A public

Part 1. Information About Your Eligibility. My absence from the United States is on behalf of (Select only one box). 6. Select A

Part 2. Information About You. 1. Your Current Legal Name (do not provide a nickname). Enter Middle Name.

Part 2. Information About You. 1. Your Current Legal Name (do not provide a nickname). Enter Given Name (First Name).

Part 2. Information About You. 1. Your Current Legal Name (do not provide a nickname). Enter Family Name (Last Name).

Part 2. Information About You. 2. Other Names Used (if any). List all other names you have ever used, including aliases, maiden name, and

To be completed by an attorney or accredited representative (if any). Enter Attorney or Accredited Representative U S C I S Online Account

Page 2 56 fields

Page 3 28 fields

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 1. Do you have lawful permanent resident family members who reside with you

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. If you answered "Yes" to Item Number 1., will those family members reside

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. A. Enter Middle Name (if applicable).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. A. Enter Given Name (First Name).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. If you answered “Yes,” provide the information below for each lawful

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. A. Enter A. Number.

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. A. Enter Relationship to You.

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. B. Enter Middle Name (if applicable).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. B. Enter Given Name (First Name).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. B. Enter Family Name (Last Name).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. B. Enter A. Number.

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. B. Enter Relationship to You.

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. C. Enter Middle Name (if applicable).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. C. Enter Given Name (First Name).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. C. Enter Family Name (Last Name).

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. C. Enter A. Number.

Part 3. Information About Family Members Who Reside With You. 2. C. Enter Relationship to You.

Part 2. Information About You. 14. Explain your employment position requiring your absence from the United States and the intended length

Part 2. Information About You. 15. Have you ever filed an income tax return as a nonresident or otherwise claimed or received benefits as a

Part 4. Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. NOTE: Read the Penalties section of the Form N - 4 70

Part 2. Information About You. 11. Enter Date You Became a Lawful Permanent Resident. Enter as 2-digit Month, 2-digit Day, and 4-digit Year.

Page 4 17 fields

Part 4. Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Applicant's Contact Information. 5. Enter Applicant's

Part 4. Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Applicant's Contact Information. 3. Enter Applicant's

Part 4. Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Applicant's Contact Information. 4. Enter Applicant's

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Full Name. 1. Enter Interpreter's Given Name (First

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Provide the following information about the interpreter.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. 2. Enter Interpreter's Business or Organization Name (if any).

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Enter City or Town.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Enter Province.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Enter Postal Code.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Enter Zip Code.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Select State from List of States.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Enter Street Number and Name.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Select Suite.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Select Floor.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Select Apartment.

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Mailing Address. 3. Enter Country.

Part 2. Information About You. 11. Enter Date You Became a Lawful Permanent Resident. Enter as 2-digit Month, 2-digit Day, and 4-digit Year.

Page 5 18 fields

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Contact Information. 4. Enter Interpreter's Daytime

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Contact Information. 6. Enter Interpreter's Email

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Contact Information. 5. Enter Interpreter's Mobile

Part 5. Interpreter's Contact Information, Certification, and Signature. Interpreter's Certification. I certify, under penalty of perjury,

Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. Preparer's

Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. Provide the

Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. 2. Enter

Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. Preparer's

Part 2. Information About You. 11. Enter Date You Became a Lawful Permanent Resident. Enter as 2-digit Month, 2-digit Day, and 4-digit Year.

Page 6 6 fields

Part 6. Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing this Application, if Other Than the Applicant. Preparer's

Part 2. Information About You. 11. Enter Date You Became a Lawful Permanent Resident. Enter as 2-digit Month, 2-digit Day, and 4-digit Year.

Page 7 16 fields

Part 7. Additional Information. 5. D. Enter Additional Information.

Part 7. Additional Information. 3. A. Enter Page Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 3. B. Enter Part Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 3. C. Enter Item Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 3. D. Enter Additional Information.

Part 7. Additional Information. 6. A. Enter Page Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 6. B. Enter Part Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 6. C. Enter Item Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 6. D. Enter Additional Information.

Part 7. Additional Information. 5. C. Enter Item Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 5. B. Enter Part Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 5. A. Enter Page Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 4. A. Enter Page Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 4. B. Enter Part Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 4. C. Enter Item Number.

Part 7. Additional Information. 4. D. Enter Additional Information.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the N-470 protect my green card?

No. It preserves continuous residence for naturalization only. To return after an absence of a year or more you still need a reentry permit obtained with Form I-131 before leaving, or you risk being found to have abandoned residence.

Does approval count my time abroad as physical presence?

Generally no. Except for certain religious workers and government employees, preserved residence does not add to the physical presence total you must still meet for naturalization. Review the current N-470 instructions for your category.

Form N-470, Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes

What is N-470?

Who files N-470?

How to fill out N-470

Quick fill N-470 on this page

Frequently asked questions

Related forms

Form N-400, Application for Naturalization

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document

Form N-426, Request for Certification of Military or Naval Service