On August 25, 2026, USCIS announced in its Policy Manual updates that it was reintroducing personal investigations, often called neighborhood investigations, for people applying to naturalize. For applicants in Dallas–Fort Worth, it means the case may involve more than the interview and the background checks.

What the policy says

The policy alert describes the change as reintroducing investigations under section 335(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and reinforcing the need to validate an applicant’s information and documents during the examination under section 335(b). The details now sit in Volume 12, Part B, Chapter 2 of the USCIS Policy Manual.

What an investigation involves

According to the Policy Manual, a neighborhood investigation includes witness interviews to gather information about an applicant’s conduct, residence, reputation and community ties, and it helps validate what the applicant wrote on the application. The manual says that, unless waived, the investigation applies to all applicants and will generally be conducted and completed before the naturalization interview is scheduled. It covers at least the five years immediately before filing.

Investigators must be USCIS employees who follow agency professional standards and may not disclose classified or sensitive information while doing the work.

How it fits with other checks

The investigation sits alongside the existing security process: biometrics at an Application Support Center and FBI name checks, which we explain in our article on background-check delays. Missing a fingerprint appointment without good cause and without notice can lead USCIS to treat the application as abandoned.

How to prepare

  • Make sure every address and employer on your Form N-400 matches your records and dates.
  • Expect that neighbors, landlords or employers could be contacted, and keep contact details current.
  • Gather proof of community ties: leases, school records for children, tax returns.
  • Review the most common citizenship application mistakes before filing.

Effect on timing

Because the manual says the investigation generally comes before the interview, it can add time before the interview notice arrives. Once the interview happens, the 120-day period in section 1447(b) starts; see our guide to N-400 delays. If the wait before the interview becomes excessive, mandamus.com explains how stalled N-400 cases are evaluated. For the interview itself, see how to prepare.

What has not changed

The investigation adds a step, but it does not change the eligibility rules. Applicants still have to meet the requirements described on Form N-400, attend biometrics and the interview, and answer any request for evidence. Keep copies of everything you submit and write down the date of every appointment and notice. Those dates matter later if you need to show that a case has stalled, and they help you answer questions consistently if a neighbor, landlord or employer is contacted.

Frequently asked questions

Does every applicant get a neighborhood investigation? The Policy Manual says it applies to all applicants unless waived.

When does it happen? The manual says it will generally be completed before the naturalization interview is scheduled.

What period does it cover? At least the five years immediately before the application was filed.

Key Takeaways

  • USCIS reintroduced neighborhood investigations for naturalization in an August 25, 2026 policy alert.
  • Investigators interview witnesses about conduct, residence, reputation and community ties.
  • Unless waived, the investigation applies to all applicants and generally precedes the interview.
  • Consistent addresses, employers and dates on the N-400 matter more than ever.
  • The investigation can add time before the interview; the 1447(b) clock starts only after the interview.

Disclosure: This site collaborates with the law firm that publishes mandamus.com and n600k.com; some articles link to their guides. General information only, not legal advice.

General information only, not legal advice. Immigration law and agency policy change often; confirm current rules before acting. Published October 26, 2026. Official sources checked October 26, 2026.