If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denied your U.S. citizenship after reviewing your naturalization application N-400, you can request that another official review the decision. This process is carried out using the N-336 form, a request for hearing that, as a general rule, must be submitted within 30 calendar days following the receipt of the denial notification.
This review does not automatically grant citizenship nor does it replace the requirements for naturalization. It allows you to explain why you believe the decision was incorrect, present relevant evidence, and request that USCIS reexamine the case. To determine if this is suitable for you, start by reading the denial letter and checking the deadline: a late application may be denied.
What is the N-336 form from USCIS and what is it used for?
The N-336 form, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings, is used when USCIS has denied a citizenship application submitted with the N-400 form. In Spanish, it is referred to as Solicitud de Audiencia sobre Decisión en los Procedimientos de Naturalización.
This is not about reapplying for citizenship from scratch. With the N-336, you request an administrative review hearing regarding the prior decision. You should not confuse it with Form I-290B, which is used for other immigration appeals and motions. The proper way to contest a denial of naturalization is as indicated in the N-400 letter itself.
How long do you have to appeal a denied citizenship: the deadline is 30 days
The official N-336 instructions and the regulation 8 CFR 336.2 establish a general deadline of 30 calendar days from when you receive the denial notification. It is not 30 business days, nor does it necessarily start on the day of the citizenship interview.
The notification contains information on how to appeal and may include applicable mailing rules. Check the dates, the notification method, and the specific instructions in your letter; if you are close to the deadline, it is advisable not to wait to submit your application. Keep a copy of the notification and the delivery or submission confirmation.
USCIS generally denies late applications. The regulation states that a late petition may be treated as a motion to reopen or reconsider if it meets specific requirements, but it is not an automatic extension nor a reason to allow the deadline to lapse.
How much does the N-336 form cost in 2026 and is there a fee waiver available?
The official USCIS fee schedule (form G-1055) consulted for this guide indicates a general fee of 780 dollars if you file the N-336 online and 830 dollars if you file on paper. Before making the payment, check the current amount on the USCIS website as fees may change, and an incorrect payment could result in the denial of your application.
There are exceptions. USCIS allows for free application submission for certain individuals whose naturalization application under sections 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act was denied in connection with their military service. Some applicants may also qualify for a fee waiver using Form I-912; in such cases, they must follow the paper filing instructions and provide the required evidence.
In June 2026, the Department of Homeland Security proposed to increase the cost of the N-336 to $1,425 online and $1,475 on paper, in addition to limiting exemptions. These amounts correspond to a regulatory proposal, not to the current fee reflected in the G-1055 consulted; therefore, it should be verified whether changes are approved before submitting the form.
How to submit Form N-336 step by step
1. Review the USCIS letter. Look for the specific reason for the denial of the N-400, the notification date, the receipt number, and the instructions for requesting a hearing. It is not enough to simply claim that the decision was unfair: you must identify which fact, requirement, or interpretation you want to have reexamined.
2. Open the official form. Visit USCIS.gov/N-336 and select the option for online submission or download the current paper version. To send physical documentation, use only the submission address provided by USCIS on that page; do not deduce it from a local office or an address used for the N-400.
3. Complete your details. Enter the applicant's information, including the relevant identification numbers and receipt, the date of the denial, and the explanation of the reasons for your request for review. If you are submitting the form on paper, make sure all pages are complete and that it has the required signature.
4. Organize the evidence. Include the documents that support your position. The instructions allow you to submit evidence and written arguments along with the N-336 or to present them at the hearing. If you submit documents in Spanish or another language, they must be accompanied by a complete translation into English with the certification from the translator required by USCIS.
5. Submit the application within the deadline. Pay the appropriate fee or attach the exemption request if you are eligible. Keep the receipt and any confirmation from USCIS. An application with an invalid signature, missing pages, or incorrect fee may be rejected or delayed.
If an attorney or accredited representative acts on your behalf, they must comply with USCIS representation rules and, when applicable, submit the G-28 form.
What evidence to present if USCIS denied citizenship?
The evidence must directly address the reason stated in the denial. If the issue is continuous residence or physical presence, travel records and documents that show when you resided in the United States may be relevant. If there is a discrepancy in data, civil documents, or background, you must gather evidence to clarify it.
When rejection is related to good moral conduct, it may be necessary to provide proof of family obligations, child support payments, tax returns, or other specific circumstances. For example, CiberCuba reported on a 26-year-old resident whose naturalization was denied for not providing sufficient proof of support for a child. That case illustrates why it is important for each document to exactly match what USCIS requests.
If the denial was due to failing the English or civics tests, the hearing may include a new evaluation of the part that was not passed, in accordance with USCIS regulations and policies. Exceptions based on age, length of residency, or disability must be considered according to the applicable requirements for the case.
What happens after submitting the N-336 and how long does the hearing take?
The regulation 8 CFR 336.2 states that, for a timely filed hearing request, USCIS must schedule the review within a reasonable timeframe not to exceed 180 days from the submission. This timeframe refers to scheduling the hearing; it does not guarantee that citizenship will be approved within six months.
The review is conducted by another immigration officer of equal or higher rank than the one involved in the initial examination or who issued the decision. They may examine the previous evidence, accept new information, ask additional questions, and confirm or modify the denial. The scope may include a broad review of the naturalization requirements, not just the point that led to the complaint.
If USCIS needs additional information or a biometric appointment, it will send the corresponding instructions. It is advisable to keep your mailing address updated with the agency to avoid missing notifications during the process.
What happens if they also reject the N-336 form?
If USCIS upholds the denial after the administrative hearing, there are certain circumstances under which you can request a judicial review before a federal district court. The regulation 8 CFR 336.9 generally establishes a maximum period of 120 days after USCIS's final determination to submit that petition, once the relevant administrative process has been exhausted.
A federal lawsuit is different from submitting another form to USCIS and requires careful consideration of costs, evidence, deadlines, and risks. If you have received a denial of the hearing, it is particularly important to consult a qualified immigration attorney to evaluate legal options before the deadline expires.
Is it advisable to appeal with the N-336 or to submit another N-400 application?
It depends on the reason for the rejection. If you believe that USCIS misinterpreted a rule, overlooked relevant evidence, or made an error in evaluating your case, requesting the N-336 hearing may be the appropriate course of action. If the issue is a requirement that you have not yet met or documentation that you need to obtain, it might be more practical to assess when you will be able to submit a new N-400 with a complete file.
Reapplying for naturalization requires completing another application and paying the appropriate fee, unless an exemption applies. Not all denials allow for immediate resubmission: the suitable date depends on the requirement that was not met and what is stated in the notification. The official USCIS naturalization guide explains both options.
Can your permanent residency be revoked if you are denied citizenship?
The denial of an N-400 application does not automatically cancel the permanent resident card (green card). However, if during the process USCIS identifies independent issues related to obtaining or maintaining immigration status, their consequences must be analyzed separately. Not all cases carry the same risk.
If you received a denial letter, the most important thing is to read the exact grounds, keep the documents, and decide in a timely manner whether you should request an N-336 hearing or submit a new N-400 application. For questions about deadlines, exemptions, and evidence, refer to the official N-336 instructions and seek accredited legal advice when necessary.
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