U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance reinforcing the use of neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants. The August 25, 2026 policy alert updates the USCIS Policy Manual and ends the general waiver of these investigations under Section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The guidance is effective immediately and applies to naturalization applications that were already pending or are filed on or after August 25, 2026.
For people applying for U.S. citizenship, the change makes it especially important to understand how USCIS may verify information provided in a Form N-400 application and during the naturalization interview.
What Is a Neighborhood Investigation?
Federal immigration law gives USCIS authority to investigate individuals applying for naturalization.
Neighborhood investigations, sometimes called personal investigations, may allow USCIS to gather information beyond the applicant’s forms, supporting documents, criminal background checks, and interview.
USCIS states that these investigations may provide information about an applicant that documents and interviews alone may not reveal. Information gathered may be used to help determine whether the applicant satisfies the requirements for naturalization.
USCIS had generally moved away from neighborhood investigations decades ago and instead relied heavily on FBI criminal history and other security checks. The agency has now ended the general waiver of these investigations.
Does Every Naturalization Applicant Face a Neighborhood Investigation?
Not necessarily.
Although USCIS has resumed the use of neighborhood investigations, the agency retains discretion to waive an investigation in an individual case or for certain classes of cases.
USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security personnel, working with Field Operations, may determine whether an investigation should be conducted or waived based on the applicant’s record and other relevant evidence.
This means the new policy should not be interpreted to mean that USCIS will automatically visit the neighborhood of every person who files Form N-400.
What May USCIS Be Looking For?
The purpose of the investigation is to help confirm whether an applicant satisfies the legal requirements for naturalization.
According to USCIS, information obtained through an investigation may be relevant to issues including:
- Good moral character
- Residence and other information provided in the application
- Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution
- Disposition to the good order and happiness of the United States
- Other statutory naturalization requirements
USCIS may compare information obtained during an investigation with documents submitted by the applicant and testimony provided during the naturalization interview.
Consistency and accuracy throughout the naturalization process are therefore especially important.
Character Reference Letters May Be Considered
The new guidance also states that naturalization applicants may voluntarily submit testimonial or character reference letters.
USCIS indicates that these letters should preferably come from U.S. citizens who are not family members and may address the applicant’s character, eligibility for naturalization, loyalty to the United States, attachment to constitutional principles, and other naturalization requirements.
USCIS may consider voluntarily submitted reference letters when determining whether a neighborhood investigation should be waived.
However, whether such evidence is appropriate or helpful depends on the individual circumstances of the case. Applicants should not assume that a reference letter is required for every Form N-400 application.
What Should Naturalization Applicants Do?
Applicants should carefully review their immigration and personal history before filing Form N-400 or attending a naturalization interview.
Information about addresses, employment, travel, marital history, taxes, arrests or citations, prior immigration filings, and other matters should be accurate and consistent.
Applicants with complicated histories should consider obtaining legal advice before filing. Issues that may appear minor can sometimes affect good moral character or another naturalization requirement.
The new USCIS policy does not change the basic statutory requirements for citizenship, but it does reinforce the agency’s ability to investigate and independently verify whether those requirements have been met.
Need Help Preparing for Naturalization Under the New USCIS Policy?
Applying for U.S. citizenship is an important step, and the renewed use of neighborhood investigations may create additional questions for naturalization applicants. Concerns involving your immigration history, residence, employment, good moral character, prior applications, or information contained in your Form N-400 should be reviewed carefully before filing or attending your intervie4$w.
📞 Contact the Law Firm of Anna Korneeva at (513) 334-3008 to review your naturalization history, evaluate potential issues with your citizenship application, and prepare for the USCIS investigation and examination process.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Naturalization law is highly fact-specific, and USCIS investigations, good moral character requirements, and citizenship eligibility can involve complex legal issues. You should consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions about your naturalization case.
Article Based on: American Immigration Lawyers Association. (2026, August 25). USCIS Policy Alert on Investigations and Examinations for Naturalization Eligibility. AILA Doc. No. 26082663.
