Published September 4, 2026
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has formalized the return of neighborhood investigations for naturalization applicants. On August 25, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Alert PA-2026-10, updating the USCIS Policy Manual under section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The policy ends the general waiver of personal investigations that had been in place for decades. USCIS may now investigate an applicant’s residence, employment, reputation, conduct, and other eligibility factors through community-based inquiries.
The policy applies to both pending and newly filed Form N-400 applications. Applicants preparing for naturalization should review their records carefully and ensure that all information submitted to USCIS is complete, accurate, and consistent.
What Is a Neighborhood Investigation?
A neighborhood investigation is a personal investigation conducted to verify information relevant to an applicant’s eligibility for naturalization. USCIS may examine the applicant’s history in the United States, including residence, employment, community conduct, and reputation.
The investigation may involve individuals who have personal knowledge of the applicant, including:
- Neighbors and landlords;
- Employers, supervisors, and coworkers;
- Business associates;
- Community members; and
- Other persons familiar with the applicant’s conduct or history.
The investigation may cover the residence and employment information reported during the statutory period relevant to the applicant’s naturalization case. For most applicants, this period is at least the five years preceding the filing of the N-400. Applicants applying under the three-year rule based on marriage to a U.S. citizen may have a different applicable period.
A neighborhood investigation does not necessarily mean that USCIS will interview every neighbor or visit every prior residence. The policy gives USCIS authority to conduct personal inquiries when the agency determines that additional investigation is necessary. The scope and method may vary by case.
The investigation is intended to help USCIS determine whether the applicant satisfies requirements such as:
- Good moral character;
- Continuous residence;
- Physical presence;
- Attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution;
- A disposition toward the good order and happiness of the United States; and
- Accuracy of the information submitted in the N-400.
The Statutory Basis Under INA 335(a) and INA 335(b)
The policy is based on two related provisions of the INA.
INA 335(a): Personal Investigation
INA 335(a), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1446(a), authorizes USCIS to conduct an investigation of a naturalization applicant. The investigation may address the applicant’s eligibility and qualifications for citizenship.
USCIS previously maintained a general waiver of neighborhood investigations. That practice substantially reduced the use of community-based inquiries. PA-2026-10 ends that blanket approach and restores personal investigations as an available component of the naturalization process.
The policy does not eliminate USCIS discretion. USCIS may waive the investigation for an individual applicant or for a defined class of cases when the agency determines that a waiver is appropriate.
INA 335(b): Naturalization Examination
INA 335(b), also codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1446(b), governs the examination of a naturalization applicant. The examination includes review of the applicant’s application, testimony, documentation, and eligibility.
The neighborhood investigation operates alongside the naturalization examination. It does not replace the N-400 interview, English and civics testing, background checks, or biometrics requirements.
Instead, USCIS may use information obtained through personal investigations to validate the applicant’s statements and supporting evidence. Inconsistencies may result in additional questioning, a Request for Evidence, a Notice of Intent to Deny, or a denial if the applicant cannot establish eligibility.
USCIS May Exercise Discretion to Waive the Investigation
PA-2026-10 does not require USCIS to conduct a full neighborhood investigation in every case. USCIS retains discretion to decide whether an investigation is necessary.
The agency may consider the information already available in the record, including:
- The completeness of the N-400;
- The applicant’s residence and employment history;
- The results of background and security checks;
- Prior immigration filings;
- Criminal or civil records;
- Travel history;
- Evidence of good moral character; and
- Voluntary character reference letters.
A waiver is discretionary. Applicants do not have an automatic right to receive a waiver, and submitting supporting documents does not guarantee that USCIS will waive the investigation.
Applicants should prepare as though USCIS may conduct the investigation. A well-organized application and consistent evidence can reduce avoidable concerns, but they cannot prevent USCIS from making additional inquiries.
Character Reference Letters May Support a Waiver Request
USCIS permits applicants to submit character reference letters voluntarily. The letters may assist USCIS when deciding whether to waive the neighborhood investigation.
The letters should generally be written by U.S. citizens who are not related to the applicant. Applicants should consider submitting at least two credible letters when appropriate. The writers should have sufficient personal knowledge of the applicant to provide meaningful information.
A useful character reference letter should include:
- The writer’s full name, address, telephone number, and email address;
- Confirmation that the writer is a U.S. citizen;
- A description of how and when the writer met the applicant;
- The length and nature of the relationship;
- Specific observations regarding the applicant’s honesty, responsibility, reliability, and conduct;
- Information supporting the applicant’s good moral character and eligibility for naturalization; and
- The writer’s signature and the date of the letter.
Generic statements are less persuasive than specific factual observations. A letter should not exaggerate the relationship or make legal conclusions that the writer cannot support.
Character reference letters are not mandatory in every naturalization case. They also do not replace required documentation or cure an inaccurate N-400. USCIS may still conduct an investigation after reviewing the letters.
Compliance Steps for N-400 Applicants
Applicants should complete a detailed review before filing Form N-400 or responding to a USCIS request.
1. Reconstruct Every Address
Review the entire applicable residence period and confirm:
- Exact street addresses;
- Apartment or unit numbers;
- Dates of residence;
- The names of persons with whom the applicant lived, when relevant;
- Temporary residences;
- Periods spent outside the United States; and
- Any address previously reported to USCIS or another government agency.
Address information must be consistent across the N-400, prior immigration filings, tax records, employment records, lease documents, and other evidence.
A missing address or unexplained gap may create questions during the examination or investigation. Applicants should not guess when records are available. They should identify discrepancies and resolve them before filing.
2. Verify Employment and School History
Applicants should prepare a complete employment and school history for the required period. Review:
- Employer or school names;
- Physical locations;
- Job titles or academic programs;
- Start and end dates;
- Periods of unemployment;
- Self-employment;
- Contract work; and
- Employment outside the United States.
Employment information may be checked through employers, supervisors, coworkers, tax records, or other sources. An applicant should be able to explain changes in employment, periods without work, and any differences between the N-400 and prior filings.
3. Reconcile Travel and Time Abroad
Applicants should compare the N-400 travel history with:
- Passport admission and departure stamps;
- Airline or travel records;
- Form I-94 records, when applicable;
- Tax filings;
- Employment records;
- Credit card or bank records; and
- Personal calendars or travel documentation.
The applicant must accurately report trips outside the United States. Extended absences may affect continuous residence and physical presence. Multiple shorter absences may also require careful review if they raise questions about whether the applicant maintained residence in the United States.
A discrepancy in travel dates does not automatically make an applicant ineligible. It must be identified, analyzed, and explained accurately.
4. Keep USCIS Address Information Current
Applicants must maintain a reliable mailing address while the N-400 is pending. They should respond promptly to USCIS notices and update their address when required.
Failure to receive or respond to a USCIS notice can result in missed appointments, delays, abandonment, or adverse action. Applicants should monitor their USCIS online account and physical mail.
5. Do Not Coach or Mislead Potential Witnesses
Applicants may inform neighbors, employers, or other contacts that USCIS could seek information about them. They should not instruct anyone to provide a particular answer or make inaccurate statements.
False information submitted by an applicant or provided during the examination can create serious immigration consequences. The applicant must answer USCIS questions truthfully and disclose material facts.
Does the Policy Apply to Pending N-400 Applications?
Yes. PA-2026-10 applies to pending naturalization applications as well as N-400 applications filed after the policy update.
Applicants with pending cases should not assume that the prior general waiver will continue to apply. USCIS may conduct an investigation before scheduling the naturalization interview or may request additional evidence later in the process.
Pending applicants should:
- Review the information submitted in the N-400;
- Confirm that address, employment, and travel histories are accurate;
- Gather evidence addressing any gaps or inconsistencies;
- Consider whether appropriate character reference letters should be submitted; and
- Consult an immigration attorney before submitting unsolicited evidence if the case involves potential eligibility concerns.
Applicants do not generally need to file a new N-400 solely because of PA-2026-10. However, the case may require additional preparation based on the applicant’s individual history.
What This Means for People Preparing for Naturalization
The policy increases the importance of preparation before filing Form N-400. Naturalization is not limited to completing the form and studying for the civics test. USCIS may evaluate the applicant’s records and personal history through multiple sources.
Applicants should expect greater attention to the following:
- Whether the N-400 is complete and internally consistent;
- Whether the applicant maintained continuous residence;
- Whether the applicant’s travel history is accurate;
- Whether employment and address records match prior filings;
- Whether the applicant has demonstrated good moral character; and
- Whether third-party evidence supports the applicant’s statements.
A carefully prepared filing can help identify concerns before USCIS raises them. It cannot guarantee approval. Each naturalization case depends on the applicant’s facts, immigration history, conduct, and evidence.
Consult Blasingame Law LLC Before Filing Your N-400
Blasingame Law LLC provides personalized guidance for individuals pursuing naturalization and U.S. citizenship. Our team assists with eligibility assessments, Form N-400 preparation, documentation, interview preparation, and issues involving residence, travel, employment, criminal history, and good moral character.
With more than 30 years of experience in immigration law, Blasingame Law LLC evaluates the details that can affect a naturalization application and helps clients prepare for changes in USCIS policy.
Learn more about our immigration services or schedule a consultation. You may also contact the office at 719-521-2115 or info@blasingamelaw.com.
This article provides general information as of September 4, 2026. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Naturalization applicants should obtain case-specific legal advice before filing Form N-400 or responding to USCIS.
