The USCCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has reminded the users that starting 05 May, 2014, Monday, that it will take and receive (i.e. accept) only the latest and current edition of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which is dated 9/13/2013. It is the decision of the USCIS that it will not accept and thus return all other earlier versions of the naturalization applications after Sunday, May 04. Also, the applicant can easily find the edition date at the bottom portion of any Form N-400.
Actually, the USCIS first issued revised version of the Form N-400 on February 4, 2014. As the department transitioned to the newer version of the form, it let the applicants to allow the use of the older version for a 90-day period, as a period of transition. So, this period of transition ends on 04, May 2014.
According to the USCIS, the revised form has a few significant changes and improvements to it. It has an improved user-friendly interface, better clarity of directions/instructions and improved 2D barcode technology that will enhance productivity and correctness of data, and should result in lesser number of rejected forms. The USCIS has provided more information about the changes, etc. to the form on its site through a ‘youtube’ channel. But, the users ought to note that the eligibility requirements for Naturalization have not changed.
USCCIS requests its customers to leverage the use of the electronic technology and the bar 2D code by accessing the appropriate URL on their web site. Those who are still more at ease with a printed form my of course take this route. But, the usual rules remain the same. Care while filling up the form, remembering to sign it, attaching the pertinent documentation and sending along the proper fees, too, will all remain the same.
