The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced changes to the procedures related to citizenship and permanent residency (Green Card). Therefore, if you find yourself in this situation, it is advisable to stay informed about all the changes to avoid issues with your applications. Regarding the application for U.S. citizenship, the first step is to start the naturalization process, for which it is now necessary to submit the updated Form N-400 as of 01/20/25. Other forms that have also been updated and should be noted are Form N-600K, Form N-600, Form N-565, and Form N-470.
Additionally, the naturalization process has also modified its Policy Manual, now requiring a medical examination for those requesting an exemption due to a disability, which prevents them from taking the English or civics test. It is also important to review the eligibility requirements for obtaining U.S. citizenship for individuals over 18 years old, which must be met beyond the submission of Form N-400, such as the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Regarding permanent residency, Form I-485 has also been updated, in relation to which the process of Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status begins.
To complete this application, the updated Form I-693 must also be submitted, which corresponds to the Immigration Medical Examination Report and Vaccination Record. Although applicants for adjustment of status to permanent resident are exempted, they are required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. What happens to Green Card applicants? There have also been updates to Form I-485 necessary for the process, and standards for selection and verification for interviews with foreigners have been strengthened.
The immigration policy based on family ties has also been updated, aiming to ensure that they are verifiable and comply with the laws. Since August 15, 2025, both the U.S. Department of State and USCIS have been using the Final Action Date chart from the Visa Bulletin, with the aim of achieving a consistent age determination under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
If you find yourself in a situation where you want to change your residency or citizenship status in the United States, I recommend that you take paper and pen and note all the changes announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
American Citizenship
One of the most common processes to obtain American citizenship is through the naturalization process. It starts by submitting Form N-400, which has been updated, so you need to ensure that you are using the publication from 01/20/25. Additionally, other forms related to this process have been updated, such as:
- Form N-600K, Application for Citizenship and Issuance of Certificate under Section 322.
- Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
- Form N-565, Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document.
- Form N-470, Application to Preserve Permanent Residency for Naturalization Purposes.
Medical Exam
Another of the new requirements of the Policy Manual is the obligation of a medical examination for those individuals who submit Form N-648, requesting an exception for medical disability to take the English or civics tests.
Requirements to obtain citizenship
In addition to submitting the N-400 form, those over 18 years old must meet requirements such as being able to read, write, and speak basic English, demonstrating their legal residency in the country for a specified period of time, or taking the Oath of Allegiance to the United States, among others. It is worth noting that the fee for applying for naturalization is $710 if done online and $760 if done in person.
Permanent Residence, Green Card
To apply for residence, the process starts with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The Policy Manual has implemented certain selection standards for interviews with foreigners, with the aim of detecting fraud. They have also adopted the use of the Final Action Dates table from the Visa Bulletin to determine the age of minor applicants, always under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
For further information and/or resolve any questions regarding this, please refer to the official channels for greater clarity.
