USCIS Introduces Revised Application For US Naturalization - Form N-400

18 Feb 2014

USCIS released a revised Application for Naturalization, Form N-400, as part of its initiative regarding form improvements. USCIS received several comments from the public through the Federal Register, which helped inform this revision.

To incorporate technology which boosts accuracy and efficiency for both USCIS and its customers, and make significant eligibility determinations for current customers with clearer instructions, USCIS is provided with additional tools by the revisions to Form N-400. However, even after the revision to the form, the US Naturalization eligibility requirements remain unchanged.

Now, the revised Form N-400 includes:

• Additional questions to integrate with the Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2008 and the IRTPA (Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act) of 2004. To make an informed and complete determination of the eligibility of an applicant for U.S. Citizenship, the extra information is critical for USCIS. The questions not just relate to concerns about an applicant’s good moral character, but also relate to issues relating to the US security.
• Comprehensive and even clearer instructions now help people understand the application process of US Naturalization and underline the general eligibility requirements by adding particular instructions on the completion of every part of the application.
• Enhancing the ability of USCIS to scan the data more efficiently for direct input into the USCIS system, a 2D barcode technology is introduced at the bottom of each page. This feature results in improved overall integrity of the US Naturalization program, data quality and efficiency in processing. Vendors can now access a dedicated web page at the official USCIS Website so that the benefits of this technology are shared by third-party software products also.

The USCIS website has the revised Form N-400. For a transition period of 90-days, customers can continue to use the older versions of Form N-400. Effective 5^th May 2014, USCIS will not accept earlier versions of Form N-400. Older versions of Form N-400 submitted after 5^th May 2014 will be rejected.

Customers who want to apply for US Naturalization are encouraged to access the revised Form N-400. The form can be filled electronically, and then printed and signed before mailing it to USCIS as per the instructions. People who cannot electronically fill out the revised Form N-400 can print the form and fill it in black ink by hand. Individuals can even mail-order the revised by calling 1-800-870-3676.