Naturalization Applicants Must be Fingerprinted; Do Not Have to Reside Permanently in the U.S.

USCIS announced two changes in its policy manual regarding naturalization.  Naturalization is a legal process through which a permanent resident may become an American citizen.  

All naturalization applicants, regardless of age, must attend a biometrics appointment during which his/her biometrics such as fingerpints will be captured for background check purposes.   Since March 1998, the fingerprint requirements have been waived for naturalization applicants age 75 or older. Under the new policy, naturalization applicants with disabilities who are unable to provide fingerprints or are unable to provide legible fingerprints may still obtain waivers of the biometrics requirements.

Separately, USCIS also amended its policy manual to confirm that naturalization applicants do not have to have the intent to live in the United States permanently.