What is a common reason for N-400 application denial?

The common reason for N-400 application denial related to failure to meet residency or good moral character requirements highlights the importance of these criteria in the citizenship process. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that applicants have resided in the U.S. for a specified period, typically five years (or three years if they are married to a U.S. citizen), and demonstrate good moral character during that time. This means the applicant must not have committed certain crimes or engaged in behaviors that could indicate a lack of good moral character, such as lying to authorities, fraud, or habitual drunkenness.

If an applicant fails to meet these criteria, their application is likely to be denied, regardless of their performance on the citizenship test or the documentation they provide. It emphasizes the importance of demonstrating a history of responsible and law-abiding behavior, as this reflects one’s readiness to take on the privileges and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship.