USCIS Neighborhood Checks: What Changed for Your N-400 in 2026

TL;DR

• USCIS resumed neighborhood investigations for naturalization cases in August 2025 and incorporated detailed neighborhood-investigation guidance into its Policy Manual on August 25, 2026. USCIS may waive the investigation in individual cases. 
• Your neighbors, coworkers, and other community members do not have to provide a sworn statement. Character-reference letters are voluntary.
• The 2025 Civics Test has 128 possible questions. Most applicants are asked 20 questions and need 12 correct answers to pass.
• Denaturalization lawsuits increased in 2026, with at least 105 filed during the first seven months of the year, according to TRAC Reports.
• N-400 processing times vary by field office and case circumstances. USCIS reported a 7.1-month national median for FY2026 through June 30, 2026, compared with 5.6 months in FY2025

USCIS neighborhood checks are now incorporated into the agency’s Policy Manual guidance for N-400 naturalization cases. USCIS ended its general waiver of neighborhood investigations in August 2025. On August 25, 2026, it added expanded guidance to the Policy Manual. The investigations remain discretionary and may be waived case by case.

Every September 17, USCIS marks Constitution Day and Citizenship Day with naturalization ceremonies across the country. This year, that observance lands right after the biggest tightening of naturalization scrutiny in decades. 

I have represented clients through this exact shift, and this article tells you what it means for your case and what to do about it.

What Is a USCIS Neighborhood Check?

A USCIS neighborhood check, also called a neighborhood investigation, is a background investigation in which a naturalization officer may contact people who know you, such as neighbors, coworkers, or landlords. The purpose is to verify information in your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, including your residence, employment, and other relevant eligibility information.  

USCIS has always had this power under Section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the law that requires a full investigation before naturalization. What changed in 2025 and 2026 is whether USCIS actually uses that power as routine practice.

So, the short version is that USCIS generally waived neighborhood investigations beginning in 1991, resumed their use in August 2025, and incorporated detailed guidance governing them into the Policy Manual in August 2026. 

Do I Have to Give USCIS a Sworn Statement From My Neighbors?

No, you do not. Your neighbors, coworkers, and community members are never required to give USCIS a sworn statement about you. Under the August 2026 Policy Manual update, the agency’s own language says applicants “may voluntarily submit testimonial or character reference letters, preferably from U.S. citizens who are not family members.” That word, voluntarily, is the entire answer to this question.

What USCIS can do is contact a neighbor, employer, or landlord directly to verify information already on your application. That contact is an investigative choice made by the officer, not an obligation placed on the people around you.

USCIS states that proactively submitting at least two character letters with Form N-400 can assist the agency in determining whether a waiver of the neighborhood investigation is appropriate. The letters are voluntary, and USCIS weighs them together with the other evidence in the record. USCIS can waive a full investigation case by case when the record already supports good moral character.

What Changed on August 25, 2026, and Why It Is Bigger Than the 2025 Memo?

On August 25, 2026, USCIS added detailed neighborhood-investigation guidance to its Policy Manual. The August 2025 memo restarted these investigations under INA § 335(a), while the 2026 update provides more detailed guidance within the Policy Manual, making the policy more formally established in USCIS’s published guidance.

What Exactly Changed on August 25, 2026?

• USCIS added neighborhood-investigation guidance to Volume 12, Part B of the USCIS Policy Manual.
• The guidance explains how officers may conduct personal investigations as part of the naturalization background investigation process.
• Officers may investigate information related to an applicant’s residence, employment, and other relevant eligibility information.
• The update builds on USCIS’s August 2025 decision to resume personal investigations under INA § 335(a).
• The change means applicants may face additional verification beyond standard fingerprint and security background checks.

Why Is the 2026 Change More Significant Than the 2025 Memo?

• The August 2025 memo announced the resumption of neighborhood investigations under INA § 335(a).
• The August 25, 2026 update incorporated detailed neighborhood-investigation guidance into the USCIS Policy Manual.
• This places the guidance within USCIS’s published Policy Manual framework, rather than relying solely on the 2025 memorandum.
• The 2026 guidance provides officers with a more clearly documented framework for conducting these investigations.
• For applicants, information such as residence history, employment history, and other eligibility-related information may receive additional scrutiny.

The investigation gives USCIS another means of identifying and evaluating discrepancies between the N-400, supporting records, and information obtained from people familiar with the applicant.

For your case, the practical effect is this: officers can examine your residence history, employment history, and community reputation on top of the standard fingerprint and security background check.. 

How Does the New Good Moral Character Standard Work?

Under the current standard, an officer weighs what you have contributed and how you have conducted yourself during the statutory period, typically the 5 years before you file, or 3 years if you are married to and living with a U.S. citizen.

Officers use a totality-of-the-circumstances approach, considering both your conduct and positive contributions rather than relying only on whether you committed a specific disqualifying act. USCIS restored this holistic approach in its August 15, 2025 policy memorandum. 

USCIS evaluates your good moral character by:

• Reviewing your conduct during the applicable statutory period, generally the 5 years before filing Form N-400, or 3 years for certain applicants married to and living with a U.S. citizen.
• Considering both positive and negative factors instead of relying only on specific statutory bars or disqualifying acts.
• Assessing your conduct against the standards of the community where you live or lived during the relevant period.
• Considering the circumstances surrounding any misconduct, including its seriousness, frequency, recency, and whether you have demonstrated rehabilitation or reformation.
• Weighing the relevant circumstances together to determine whether, on balance, you have established good moral character under the applicable evidentiary standard.

Positive evidence that can strengthen your good moral character record includes:

• Documented volunteer work or community service in your city.
• A stable, verifiable employment history, backed by pay stubs or employer letters.
• On-time federal and state tax filing and payment.
• Sustained community involvement or service, including documented participation in community, school, charitable, religious, or civic organizations. 

What Is on the 2026 N-400 Civics Test?

The 2026 N-400 civics test depends on when you filed your Form N-400. Applicants who filed before October 20, 2025, generally take the 2008 civics test, while those who filed on or after October 20, 2025, take the 2025 test with 128 possible questions. Qualifying applicants may also receive the 65/20 special consideration.

• Filed before October 20, 2025: 2008 civics test with 100 questions; up to 10 questions are asked, and you need 6 correct answers to pass.
• Filed on or after October 20, 2025: 2025 civics test with 128 possible questions; up to 20 questions are asked, and you need 12 correct answers to pass.
• 65/20 special consideration: If you are 65 or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you study 20 designated questions and take a 10-question test.

How Should You Prepare for the 2026 N-400 Civics Test?

Prepare with USCIS’s official civics-test study materials rather than relying on older or unofficial question lists. The 2025 civics test contains 128 possible questions, and USCIS provides official study materials and updates for applicants.

• Study the official materials: Use the USCIS 2025 Civics Test Study Guide as your primary study source.
• Check for updates: Review USCIS’s official test-update information before your naturalization interview.
• Know your test version: Your N-400 filing date determines whether you take the 2008 or 2025 civics test.
• Check 65/20 eligibility: If you were 65 or older when you filed your N-400 and had been a permanent resident for at least 20 years, you may qualify for the special 65/20 consideration. Also, you may study only the questions marked with an asterisk in USCIS’s official materials.
• Verify changing answers: Some civics answers, including answers about current government officials, can change. Check USCIS’s current guidance close to your interview rather than relying on an older article or study list.

How Do I Prepare for My N-400 Interview and a Possible Neighborhood Check?

Prepare by reviewing your N-400 and supporting records for accuracy before your interview. Because USCIS may use a neighborhood investigation to corroborate information about your residence, employment, good moral character, and other naturalization requirements, make sure your answers and documents are consistent with your application. The investigation is discretionary and does not occur in every case.

1. Review your N-400 carefully: Compare your current and past addresses, employment history, marital history, and other answers with your supporting records. Be prepared to explain any changes or gaps clearly.
2. Check your travel history: Review your passport stamps, travel records, and other documents so you can accurately discuss your trips outside the United States and any periods that could affect continuous residence.
3. Organize supporting evidence: Keep relevant records such as leases, employment documents, tax records, volunteer or community-service records, and other evidence that supports the information in your application.
4. Consider relevant character evidence: If appropriate for your case, you may submit voluntary testimonial or character-reference letters from people who know you personally and can provide specific information about your character and conduct. USCIS may consider such evidence when deciding whether a neighborhood investigation can be waived.
5. Be prepared for possible third-party contact: USCIS may contact people who know you, including neighbors, employers, coworkers, or other associates, as part of a discretionary investigation. You do not need to arrange statements from these people, but your application should accurately reflect your residence, employment, and other relevant history.
6. Get legal advice if your case has complications: Consider consulting an immigration attorney if your case involves a past arrest or conviction, possible continuous-residence problems, a prior immigration violation, or eligibility under the 3-year rule for spouses of U.S. citizens.

Who Should Write My Character Reference Letter?

A character reference letter should come from someone who knows you personally and can give specific examples of your character and conduct. USCIS allows applicants to voluntarily submit testimonial or character reference letters, particularly from people who can provide relevant, firsthand information.

• Choose a non-family member: A coworker, longtime neighbor, employer, or community leader may be appropriate.
• Use specific examples: Include real situations, dates, and details rather than general praise.
• Explain the relationship: State how long and in what context the person has known you.
• Avoid generic statements: “She is a good person” provides less useful detail than a specific example of her conduct.

Who Should I Avoid Asking for a Character Reference Letter?

Avoid people who cannot provide firsthand information about you or who may create questions about the reliability of the letter.

• Close family members: USCIS guidance prefers references from people who are not family members.
• People who barely know you: They may not be able to provide meaningful examples of your character.
• Someone with limited knowledge of your conduct: A reference should be based on personal experience, not assumptions.
• Anyone who would exaggerate or provide inaccurate information: The letter should contain truthful, specific, and supportable statements.

Sample Testimonial Letter for N-400 Application

[Your Neighbor’s or Employer’s Letterhead if available]

Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter in support of [Applicant’s Full Name], who is applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400.

I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [X years] as their [neighbor/employer/coworker/community leader]. During this time, I have found them to be a person of good moral character who consistently demonstrates honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Examples of their positive contributions include:

• [Volunteering/community service/assisting neighbors]
• [Strong work ethic, punctuality, professionalism]
• [Friendly and supportive behavior in the community]

Based on my experience, I believe [Applicant’s Name] would make an excellent U.S. citizen and continue making meaningful contributions as a valued member of our community.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].

Sincerely,

[Full Name]

[Signature]

[Address]

[Phone Number]

[Email]

How Long Does N-400 Processing Take in 2026?

N-400 processing times vary by USCIS field office and case circumstances. USCIS currently reports a 7.1-month national median processing time for N-400 cases for FY2026 through June 30, 2026, compared with 5.6 months for FY2025. A case involving additional investigation, missing information, or discrepancies may take longer than the published processing time.

Check your own case’s current processing time using USCIS’s official processing times tool, because processing times vary by field office and are updated as new data becomes available. 

Can My U.S. Citizenship Be Revoked After I Am Sworn In?

Yes. U.S. citizenship obtained through naturalization can be revoked through denaturalization in certain circumstances. This generally involves proving that the naturalization was illegally procured or obtained through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. Denaturalization generally requires a legal proceeding rather than simply canceling citizenship administratively.

According to the latest data from TRAC Reports, As Denaturalization Lawsuits Surge, Their Basis Lacks Transparency, at least 105 denaturalization lawsuits were filed during the first seven months of 2026, including 50 in July alone. TRAC notes that the actual number may be higher because denaturalization complaints are not always readily accessible in federal court records.

What Are the Reasons for Denaturalization?

Denaturalization generally focuses on whether the person was legally entitled to become a U.S. citizen when naturalization was granted.

Common issues include:

• Ineligibility for naturalization: The person did not meet a required eligibility condition when naturalization was granted.
• Material concealment: The person intentionally concealed an important fact that could have affected the naturalization decision.
• Willful misrepresentation: The person intentionally provided false information about an important matter during the naturalization process.
• Other statutory grounds: Federal law provides additional grounds that may apply in specific circumstances.

How Does the Denaturalization Process Work?

Denaturalization is generally a judicial process. The government can ask a federal district court to revoke a naturalized person’s citizenship and cancel the Certificate of Naturalization. If the court orders revocation, the person’s naturalization is revoked and the certificate is cancelled.

The process generally involves:

1. Government investigation: The government develops evidence indicating that naturalization may have been illegally procured or obtained through material concealment or willful misrepresentation.
2. Federal court action: The United States brings a denaturalization case in federal district court.
3. Court proceedings: The naturalized citizen has an opportunity to respond to the government’s allegations.
4. Court decision: If the court orders revocation, the person’s naturalization is revoked and the Certificate of Naturalization is cancelled.

For more information, see our guide on protecting yourself from denaturalization.

What Documents Might I Need for My N-400?

The documents you need for Form N-400 depend on your eligibility category and personal circumstances. Common evidence includes documents showing your identity, immigration status, residence, marital status when applicable, and any issues that may affect your eligibility or good moral character.

I recommend every client review my steps to naturalization guide before filing, since it explains eligibility and the filing process in more detail than this article covers.

Frequently Asked Questions About USCIS Neighborhood Checks

Do my neighbors have to give a sworn statement for my N-400?

No, they do not. Under the August 2026 USCIS Policy Manual update, character references from neighbors, coworkers, or community members are voluntary, not mandatory sworn statements. USCIS may still contact these people directly as part of its own investigation. Character-reference letters submitted by the applicant are voluntary, and the absence of reference letters alone does not establish that the applicant lacks good moral character. 

Are USCIS neighborhood checks new in 2026?

The practice itself restarted in August 2025 after a 34-year pause that began in 1991. What changed on August 25, 2026 is that USCIS incorporated detailed neighborhood-investigation procedures into its Policy Manual, building on the August 2025 memorandum that resumed the practice.

How many questions are on the 2026 civics test, and how many do I need right?

Under the 2025 Civics Test, USCIS will ask you up to 20 questions from the 128-question bank. You must answer 12 correctly to pass. Under the previous 2008 Civics Test, applicants were asked up to 10 questions and needed 6 correct answers to pass. 

Can the government take away my citizenship after I become a citizen?

Yes, through denaturalization, but the government generally must prove that the naturalization was illegally procured or obtained through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation in a legal proceeding. Recent TRAC reporting shows an increase in denaturalization lawsuits in 2026, which highlights why accurate and complete information during the naturalization process remains important. 

Will a neighborhood investigation delay my N-400 processing time?

Not necessarily. A neighborhood investigation is discretionary, and it does not automatically delay every case. USCIS’s FY2026 national median processing time for N-400 applications was 7.1 months through June 30, 2026, although times vary by field office. If the investigation raises questions or USCIS needs additional evidence, the case may take longer to complete. 

Should I hire an immigration attorney before I file my N-400?

Consider consulting an immigration attorney if your case involves a past arrest, continuous-residence gap, prior immigration violation, or marriage-based filing under the 3-year rule. An attorney can review your N-400 and supporting documents for potential eligibility issues or inconsistencies before filing.

How Can Attorney Alicia N. Morgan Help With Your Naturalization Case?

Attorney Alicia N. Morgan can help you assess your naturalization eligibility, prepare your N-400 and supporting documents, and address potential issues before filing. She also handles naturalization cases as part of a broader immigration practice covering family, employment, humanitarian, and removal defense matters.

What Are Attorney Alicia N. Morgan’s Qualifications?

• 16+ years of immigration law experience.
• J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law, where she served in the Immigration Law Clinic.
• Founder of Immigration Lawyers USA in Miami, Florida.
• Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) South Florida Chapter.
• Handles naturalization and other federal immigration matters, including family-based, humanitarian, employment, and removal defense cases.

What Results Has Attorney Alicia N. Morgan’s Firm?

• 3,500+ cases won.
• 97%+ of complex green card cases won.
• 99%+ of marriage and fiancé visa cases won.
• 285+ five-star Google reviews.
• Client reviews describe the firm’s work in N-400 naturalization, I-751, deportation defense, asylum, VAWA, U visa, and other immigration matters.

Could there be an issue with your naturalization case that you haven’t noticed yet? Schedule a strategy session with Attorney Alicia N. Morgan to discuss your case and next steps.