Centralized Processing for Naturalization

By Reuben S. Seguritan

January 14, 2009

When applying for naturalization to be a U.S. citizen, it is important to know where to file the N-400 application and supporting documents otherwise, delay will result when filed in a wrong location or facility.

Effective January 22, 2009, certain naturalization applications will have to be mailed to a designated lockbox facility instead of a USCIS Service Center as previously done.

In the past, the processing of naturalization applications took place in any of the four service centers or the field office having jurisdiction of the applicant’s residence.

This move to centralize the initial processing of the N-400s is intended to streamline the process and facilitate a more cost-effective, efficient and consistent handling of naturalization applications.  This is also intended to standardize the review of the applications and pre-interview process for cases requiring interview at a local USCIS field office in order to improve business processes, case management and customer service.

All N-400 cases should now be filed at the designated lockbox except for two categories:  military applicants who are veterans or active members of the U.S. Armed Forces filing under section 328 or 329 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and spouses of current members of the U.S. Armed Forces.  They are directed to file with the Nebraska Service Center whether or not they are filing within the U.S. or are based abroad.

Other than the above two exceptions:  naturalization applicants who reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, and Northern Mariana Islands should file their N-400 and supporting document with the USCIS lockbox facility located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Those residing in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, DC. Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and U.S. Virgin Islands should file their N-400 and supporting documents with the USCIS lockbox facility located in Dallas, Texas.

For cases erroneously filed, the USCIS has given a transition period of 30 days from January 22, 2009.  These cases will be forwarded to the proper address instead of rejected.

After this 30-day grace period, the N-400 will be returned to applicant with an explanation and direction on the appropriate facility or lockbox to mail it.

To be eligible for naturalization, the applicant must show that he/she is either a lawful permanent resident for at least five years; or if married to and living with a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident for at least three years; or member of the U.S. Armed Forces with honorable military service; or a member of one of several other groups eligible to apply for naturalization and at least 18 years old.

Along with the N-400 form, the applicant needs to file  his/her supporting documents to prove his/her eligibility for naturalization and the filing fee of $595.00 plus a biometrics fee of $80.00 for a total of $675.00 payable to USCIS.

The USCIS will issue a new N-400 and instructions form to reflect these amendments.