N-400 Interview Prep in Light of Aug 2025 USCIS Policy Memos

[nagachn 0]

Hi all,

I filed my N-400 (naturalization) application on June 10, 2025 in Dallas, TX, and my interview is scheduled for September 29, 2025. I noticed USCIS released two memoranda on August 15 (Good Moral Character—holistic evaluation) and August 22 (resumption of neighborhood/workplace investigations under INA 335(a)).

Given these updates, could you please advise how best to prepare?  

08.15.2025-Restoring_a_Good_Moral_Character_Evaluation_Standard_for_Aliens_Applying_for_Naturalization-Policy_Memorandum_FINAL.pdf

[NorthByNorthwest 462]

14 minutes ago, nagachn said:

Hi all,

I filed my N-400 (naturalization) application on June 10, 2025 in Dallas, TX, and my interview is scheduled for September 29, 2025. I noticed USCIS released two memoranda on August 15 (Good Moral Character—holistic evaluation) and August 22 (resumption of neighborhood/workplace investigations under INA 335(a)).

Given these updates, could you please advise how best to prepare?  

08.15.2025-Restoring_a_Good_Moral_Character_Evaluation_Standard_for_Aliens_Applying_for_Naturalization-Policy_Memorandum_FINAL.pdf 323.83 kB · 5 downloads

 

The short answer is - nobody knows yet.

 

All you can do is prep for the usual stuff, it is unlikely that even USCIS staff knows what the new guidelines mean and most likely your interview will be routine. Please come back here and let us know how things go.

[Bob in Boston 787]

Well, is there ANYTHING in your GMC that can be questioned? Been Arrested or been to court? Paid your child support? Whats your social media look like? You cant really prep for good moral character, its your history. Dont hsve a history just answer the questions truthfully and you should have no problem. Where are you from? That could play a part.

[JeanneAdil 7,223]

please complete a timeline on your profile

[From_CAN_2_US 1,148]

Like others have said, no one knows...

 

The burden now is technically on the applicant to provide evidence of good moral character, not just the absence of anything negative. I have an interview on October 8 and my plan is to take with me evidence of good moral character, such as evidence of gainful employment, social ties in the community, gifts/ donations made, care-taking role for sick family members, continuing education, career advancement etc. I don't intend to produce it unless asked though.

[Lyubov 123]

I’m thinking of bringing evidence of blood donations and regular volunteering at a city animal shelter - just in case. Can’t think of anything else to prove GMC. They are going to see I’m employed from tax documents.

Good luck with your interview! Please let us know how it goes

Edited 9 hours ago by Lyubov