Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Proceedings Under Section 336, allows a lawful permanent resident whose Form N-400 naturalization application was denied to request a hearing before a different USCIS officer. The hearing gives the applicant an opportunity to present additional evidence, address the stated grounds for denial, and seek reversal of the decision without starting the naturalization process from scratch.
Applicants must file Form N-336 within 30 calendar days of receiving the N-400 denial notice (33 days if mailed), either online through a USCIS account or by mail to the appropriate Lockbox. The form requires identifying the specific reasons for the denial and explaining, in detail, why the applicant believes that denial was incorrect or can be overcome with additional evidence or argument.
A denied N-400 often involves nuanced legal issues, such as good moral character determinations, residency calculations, or unresolved criminal history, that are difficult to overturn without skilled advocacy. Immigration Professional Association reviews the denial notice, identifies the strongest legal arguments, gathers supporting evidence, and represents applicants at the hearing to maximize the chance of a successful outcome.
USCIS generally rejects any Form N-336 filed more than 30 calendar days after the N-400 denial notice (33 days if the notice was mailed). The filing fee is not refunded if the request is rejected as untimely. If you miss the deadline, your filing may still qualify as a motion to reopen or reconsider, but the timeline matters greatly, so act quickly once you receive a denial decision.
USCIS denies N-400 applications for varied reasons, including residency or physical presence shortfalls, failed English or civics testing, or good moral character concerns. Form N-336 requires you to state your reasons for requesting a hearing clearly.
The N-336 hearing is not simply a repeat of your original interview. You may submit additional documents or written briefs either at filing or before the hearing date. Strong supplemental evidence, such as updated tax records, corrected documentation, or character references, can directly address the examiner's original concerns and meaningfully improve your odds of a favorable outcome.
Before submitting your application, always confirm that you are using the most recent edition of the form available from USCIS.gov. Filing outdated forms may result in rejection.
Comprehensive review of the denial notice and underlying N-400 record to identify the specific legal and factual grounds for denial and assess the strength of an appeal. Average budget: $400–$800.
Preparation, review, and timely filing of Form N-336 within the 30-day deadline, including drafting the statement of reasons for requesting a hearing. Average budget: $800–$1,800.
Gathering, organizing, and drafting a supporting legal brief and documentary evidence package to directly rebut the stated grounds for denial. Average budget: $1,000–$2,500.
Targeted legal strategy and documentation addressing good moral character concerns, including criminal history analysis, court disposition retrieval, and character reference compilation. Average budget: $1,500–$3,500.
Detailed recalculation and documentation of continuous residence and physical presence to correct USCIS errors or clarify ambiguous travel history. Average budget: $600–$1,500.
Attorney representation at the in-person N-336 hearing before the USCIS officer, including oral argument, evidence presentation, and responses to officer questioning. Average budget: $1,200–$3,000.
Guidance following the hearing decision, including compliance with any additional USCIS requests or, if necessary, advice on further appeal options such as federal court review under INA 310(c). Average budget: $500–$1,200.
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