Citizenship & naturalizationPOLICY UPDATE
Access to Voter Registration Services during Naturalization Ceremonies
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding access to voter registration services during administrative naturalization ceremonies. As of August 31, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rescinding PA-2025-21, Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies, and the related provisions. The USCIS Policy Manual version effective June 28, 2017, found in Volume 12, Part J, Chapter 5, Sections F and H, is reinstated.
Effective date and application
This guidance, contained in Volume 12 of the Policy Manual, is effective immediately
Key changes
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing updated policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding access to voter registration services during administrative naturalization ceremonies. As of August 31, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is rescinding PA-2025-21, Voter Registration at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies, and the related provisions. The USCIS Policy Manual version effective June 28, 2017, found in Volume 12, Part J, Chapter 5, Sections F and H, is reinstated.
- Affirms that USCIS provides access to voter registration services at each administrative naturalization ceremony and information regarding points-of-contact for voting and voter registration.4 1 For a definition of voter registration services, see Volume 12, Citizenship and Naturalization, Part J, Oath of Allegiance, Chapter 5, Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies, Section F, Voter Registration After Naturalization Ceremonies, Subsection 2, Voter Registration Services [12 USCIS-PM J.5(F)(2)].
- Provides that USCIS offices request election officials from state or local government election offices to attend ceremonies to distribute, collect, and review voter registration applications, and to officially register new citizens to vote.
- Affirms that USCIS offices coordinate with nonpartisan nongovernmental organizations for voter registration services when state and local government election officials are not available.
- Provides that, to the extent feasible, USCIS offices invite governmental or nongovernmental organizations offering on-site voter registration services to introduce themselves and address the naturalization candidates before the ceremony.
- Explains that nongovernmental agencies requesting participation at administrative naturalization ceremonies to offer voter registration services submit a one-time Voter Registration Services Attestation (Form N-401) for participation at a field office.
