Aug 26 2001

Revised Naturalization Application Form N-400 Implemented by INS

WASHINGTON -The Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) implemented a revised Application for
Naturalization, Form N-400 - the form used by eligible
immigrants to obtain United States citizenship on Aug
1, 2001. The revised INS Form, N-400 to make the form easier for applicants to complete, address recent
statutory provisions and process applications faster
by capturing more required information initially on
the N-400 rather than on separate forms later in the
naturalization process.

The INS has already begun using the new
edition of Form N-400 - which specifies "Rev.
05/31/01" in the lower right-hand corner - the agency
will continue to accept the previous edition of the
form through December 31, 2001. Beginning on January 1, 2002, all prior editions of Form N-400 will become obsolete, and the INS will stop accepting them.
Interested Applicants can obtain the revised Form
N-400 by calling the toll-free INS Telephone Information Service Line at 1-800-375-5283 or by
downloading it from the INS Web site at www.ins.gov .

The revised N-400 includes.

1. Additional questions to address disability
accommodations, disability waivers, illegal voting,
terrorism and persecution, and removal proceedings.

2. Explanation of the 90-day early filing provision
for certain applicants.

3. Simpler filing instructions.

4.New format that reorganizes topic headings for
smoother flow of information and breaks up lengthy and complex questions into shorter, more specific ones.

Community-based organizations and applicant focus
groups provided valuable input to the INS in redesigning the form.