USCIS Releases New Form N-400

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released a new version of the application for naturalization (form N-400). This new N-400 is 21 pages in length – 11 pages longer than the previous version. While the revised N-400 includes many additional questions, it should be noted that the eligibility requirements for naturalization have not changed.

Redesign Adds Security Questions, Improved Efficiency

Released on February 4, 2014, the revised N-400 has been expanded to include questions that are intended to make it easier for adjudicators to determine an applicant’s eligibility, and to comply with the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (IRTPA) of 2004 and the Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007. The new N-400 also has 2D barcodes at the bottom of each page; the barcodes on the online version of the N-400 will change based on the answers provided by each individual applicant, and this information can then be digitally transferred into the USCIS systems. To that end, the USCIS is encouraging applicants to use the electronic version of the N-400, but will also continue to accept applications submitted on paper.

New Instructions, Video Overview Also Available

In addition to revising N-400, the USCIS has updated the instructions for the form and released a short video, which highlights some of the key changes to the N-400.

Previous N-400 Accepted Until May 5, 2014

For the time being, the USCIS will accept either the previous version of the N-400 or the new version. Beginning May 5, 2014, only the new N-400 will be accepted.

Conclusion

The new, longer N-400 clearly will take more time for applicants to complete. It remains to be seen whether the new features and added information will help the USCIS to adjudicate these cases more quickly. Stay tuned to MurthyDotCom for updates on this as more information becomes available.

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