USCIS Centralizes Initial Naturalization Filings
Posted Jun 13, 2008
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a June 5, 2008 press release (PDF 30.7KB), announcing that  initial processing for all applications for naturalization (Form N-400) has been centralized at the National Benefits Center (NBC) in Missouri. This is an internal procedural change that does not alter the addresses for initial case filings by applicants.
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Filing Locations for N-400 Application Unchanged
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This centralization of N-400 processing is a change in USCIS procedure in an effort to enhance efficiency. It does not effect where U.S. permanent residents must file their naturalization applications. An N-400 application should still be filed with the USCIS service center that has jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence. A list of these service centers and their jurisdictions for N-400 applications is included in the USCIS press release cited above.
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Naturalization Interview Locations Unchanged
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The USCIS will continue to send notices for naturalization interviews to be conducted at local USCIS field offices. Naturalization tests also will continue to be administered at USCIS field offices. The USCIS has expanded hours, increased staffing levels, and is utilizing the asylum offices for additional interview space to address naturalization case backlogs. These efforts were reported in our May 2, 2008 MurthyBulletin article, USCIS Projected Naturalization Processing Times, available on MurthyDotCom.
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Transfer Notices to Applicants
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The USCIS will send out transfer notices when N-400 cases are transferred from the service centers to the NBC for initial processing. USCIS will also notify applicants as to how they may contact the NBC and check USCIS field office processing times. The NBC will not accept the direct filing of an N-400 application and will return any such application to the sender without adjudication.
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Conclusion
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USCIS has centralized the initial processing of all N-400 applications in an effort to increase efficiency in case management and to improve customer service. The Murthy Law Firm will continue to track changes made by USCIS with respect to naturalization and efforts to improve processing times.