The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced a new edition of the naturalization application (Form N-400) without prior notice or a grace period for applicants to transition to the updated version. The agency has issued a warning that any applications submitted using an outdated edition of the form may be rejected.
“If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same form edition. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different form edition, we may reject your form,” the USCIS website states.
This sudden change has raised concerns among applicants and immigration attorneys, as individuals preparing their naturalization applications might face delays if they unknowingly submit older forms. USCIS has emphasized that only the latest edition, available on its official website, will be accepted moving forward.
Starting March 4, 2025, the new versions of Form N-400, dated January 20, 2025, will replace the previous editions from April 1, 2024. These updates introduce notable changes in terminology and inclusivity, reflecting the current administration’s policies and marking a shift from previous approaches to immigration documentation.
The older edition offered three gender options—Male, Female, and Another Gender Identity—while the new edition limits the options to Male and Female. Language updates also distinguish the two: the older edition used gender-neutral terms like “they,” “child,” and “noncitizens,” while the new edition reverts to “he or she,” “son or daughter,” and “aliens.”
For Selective Service registration, the older edition specified “person born as a male,” whereas the new edition uses “male.” Similarly, the interpreter’s and preparer’s certifications in the older edition employed “they,” while the new edition uses “he or she.” Minor textual changes, such as “their religion” in the older edition versus “his or her religion” in the new edition. The new edition appears less inclusive compared to the older edition, reversing some gender-neutral and contemporary language updates.
On March 4, 2025, USCIS also released a new edition of Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, Parole Document, and Arrival/Departure Record, effectively phasing out the June 17, 2024, edition.
Additionally, starting March 3, 2025, USCIS implemented updates to several immigration forms, including the widely used Green Card application, Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The new versions, dated January 20, 2025, replace the previous editions from October 24, 2024.
One of the most significant changes in the new Form I-485 is the reduction of gender identity options. The previous edition allowed applicants to select from “Female,” “Male,” and “Another Gender Identity.” However, the updated form limits these options to just “Female” and “Male,” eliminating the “Another Gender Identity” category. This adjustment aligns with an executive order from the current administration, which mandates that gender identification on government documents be restricted to male and female.
The terminology used in the forms has also changed, with the reintroduction of the term “alien.” In the October 2024 edition, “foreign national” and “noncitizen” were used to describe individuals. The new edition replaces these terms with “alien” in multiple sections, including the public charge section and questions about military service exemptions.
Beyond Form I-485, these updates extend to several other immigration-related documents, all bearing the January 20, 2025, edition date and taking effect on March 3, 2025. These include Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-485 Supplement J, Confirmation of Valid Job Offer or Request for Job Portability Under INA Section 204(j); and Form I-485 Supplement A, Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(i). Additionally, Form G-325A, Biographic Information (for Deferred Action); Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support; and Form I-192, Application for Advance Permission to Enter as a Nonimmigrant, have also been revised.
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These updates are part of a broader initiative by the current administration to align immigration paperwork with executive orders issued by President Donald Trump. This policy shift is already evident in other areas, such as the U.S. Department of State’s removal of the “X” gender marker from passport applications, limiting passport gender designations to “Male” or “Female.”
USCIS sparked confusion among applicants by releasing updated versions of key immigration forms, without prior notice or a grace period. Unlike typical updates, which include a transition period, the new forms took effect immediately, leaving many uncertain about their applications.
Immigration attorneys are also grappling with the change. New York-based attorney Ramesh Shrestha said, “Applicants who mailed their forms with the outdated version are especially confused. They’re left unsure of their next steps.”
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
