Important changes to N-400 filing procedures

In an email to stakeholders, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS") recently announced updates to filing procedures for the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Per the stakeholder email and the updated version of the N-400 form instructions, applicants in the U.S. no longer need to submit two passport-style photos when filing, as their photos will be taken at their biometrics appointment. Also, regardless of age, all applicants, with the exception of those residing overseas, will be scheduled for biometrics to have their fingerprints, photos, and signature taken. Previously, applicants aged 75 years or older were exempt from the fingerprint requirement but since USCIS is now processing these forms electronically, senior citizens are now also required to appear at an Application Support Center for biometrics.  Applicants exempt from the biometric services fee continue to be exempt from the fee until further notice, but they will be requested to appear for biometrics appointments regardless of age. Applicants should always check the latest form instructions for changes to these procedures.