U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new guidance that could affect individuals applying for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.

On August 25, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Alert PA-2026-10, Investigations and Examinations for Naturalization Eligibility, updating the USCIS Policy Manual regarding personal investigations—sometimes called “neighborhood investigations”—of applicants for naturalization. The guidance is effective immediately.

Importantly, this does not mean that USCIS will visit the home, neighborhood, or workplace of every person who files Form N-400. USCIS retains discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a neighborhood investigation should be conducted or waived.

A neighborhood investigation can be used to corroborate information provided in a naturalization application and to help USCIS determine whether an applicant satisfies the legal requirements for citizenship. The inquiry may concern matters such as an applicant’s residence, employment, good moral character, and other facts relevant to naturalization eligibility.

The applicable regulation refers to the places where an applicant has resided and worked or conducted business during at least the five years immediately preceding the filing of the naturalization application. The relevant statutory period may differ for certain categories of naturalization applicants.