Do I need to notarize the declaration of intent to reside abroad?

No. USCIS does not require the declaration to be notarized. However, best practice is to submit it as a sworn statement confirming that the information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. A signed and dated declaration is typically sufficient and helps reinforce credibility.

What if we plan to remain abroad permanently?

That conflicts with INA 319(b). The law expects intent to return to the U.S. when the qualifying employment ends.

Is this declaration required for all N-400 applicants?

No. The requirement to submit a declaration of intent to reside abroad only applies only to applicants using the spouse-employed-abroad naturalization category on Form N-400.

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Declaration of Intent to Reside Abroad Explained with Downloadable Example

If you plan to live outside the United States after becoming a U.S. citizen, you may need to submit a declaration of intent to reside abroad with your naturalization application. This requirement applies only to a narrow group of applicants. Most people filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, will not need it.

This guide explains what the declaration means, who must submit it, and how to write a declaration of intent for your citizenship application.

Key Takeaways

The declaration applies only to Form N-400 applicants filing under INA 319(b).
It confirms your intent to live abroad with a U.S. citizen spouse employed overseas.
You must also state your intent to return to the U.S. when the overseas job ends.
A clear, signed (ideally sworn) statement helps USCIS evaluate eligibility and intent.

What Is a Declaration of Intent to Reside Abroad?

A declaration of intent to reside abroad is a written statement explaining your plan to temporarily live outside the United States after naturalization. It is a supporting document submitted with Form N-400 when applying for naturalization under INA 319(b).

This declaration is a written statement that confirms two specific intentions:

You plan to reside abroad with your U.S. citizen spouse, and
You plan to return to the United States immediately when your spouse’s overseas employment ends.

This requirement applies only to a narrow group of Form N-400 applicants. Most naturalization applicants will never need this declaration.

Who Must File a Declaration of Intent to Reside Abroad?

This declaration is required only when the applicant is filing Form N-400 under INA 319(b). Section 319(b) allows certain spouses of U.S. citizens employed abroad to naturalize without meeting the usual residence and physical presence requirements. It's common for spouses of U.S. service members to seek a form of expedited citizenship →

Under this category:

The applicant is a lawful permanent resident
The applicant’s spouse is a U.S. citizen
The U.S. citizen spouse is employed abroad in qualifying employment
The applicant plans to live abroad with the spouse
The applicant plans to return to the U.S. when the overseas employment ends

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What Counts as Qualifying Employment Abroad?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recognizes several types of overseas employment that may qualify under INA 319(b). These include employment abroad by the U.S. citizen spouse for:

The U.S. government
A U.S. institution of research
A U.S. corporation engaged in foreign trade or commerce
A public international organization
A qualifying religious denomination or interdenominational mission

Who Does Not Need This Declaration

You do not need a declaration of intent to reside abroad if you are:

Applying under the standard 5-year naturalization rule, or
Applying under the 3-year marriage-based rule while living in the United States, or
Traveling abroad temporarily but not applying under INA 319(b)

Submitting this declaration when it does not apply can create confusion or delays.

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How to Write a Declaration of Intent to Reside Abroad

There is no official USCIS form for this declaration. You must write your own statement. USCIS expects the declaration to be clear, direct, and factual. Legal language is unnecessary.

STEP

1

Identify yourself

Include your full legal name and, if available, your A-Number.

STEP

2

State your intent to reside abroad

Clearly state that you intend to live abroad with your U.S. citizen spouse.

STEP

3

State your intent to return to the U.S.

Confirm that you intend to return to the United States immediately when your spouse’s overseas employment ends.

STEP

4

Identify your spouse and employment

Name your U.S. citizen spouse and briefly describe the qualifying overseas employment.

STEP

5

Sign and date the statement

It’s not necessary to sign in front of a notary or obtain a notarized signature. Include a sworn statement at the end of the declaration that swears to the truth of the statement.

Downloadable Sample Declaration

CitizenPath provides a downloadable example declaration that you can use for creating your own statement. The statement addresses each of the requirements described above. Remember, the N-400 applicant is the person who must meet these requirements. Therefore, the applicant should write the declaration in their own words.