USCIS Resumes Personal Investigations for Naturalization Applicants

Update, September 2, 2026. USCIS has since written this change into its Policy Manual, on August 25, 2026, with implementation guidance for officers. For the full picture, including what an investigation can cover, how the five-year statutory lookback works, and the fact that waivers are still available on a case-by-case basis, read USCIS Neighborhood Investigations Return for N-400 Naturalization Cases. The short announcement below is kept for reference.

Original announcement

These investigations will review the applicant's place of residence and employment for at least the five years prior to filing, to help verify eligibility criteria such as residency, good moral character, attachment to the U.S. Constitution, and commitment to the good order of the United States.

For more information please visit USCIS Policy Memorandum on Resuming Personal Investigations of Naturalization Applicants

Source: AILA