USCIS Revises Naturalization Certificate

Effective Monday, October 25, 2010, USCIS started issuing a redesigned U.S. naturalization certificate (Form N-550).  The new certificate includes enhanced security features and, important for some, it is designed to be “a higher-quality certificate, which will now be easier to showcase in a standard 8 ½ by 11 inch frame.”  See a sample.

New Features

The naturalization candidate’s digitized photo and signature are embedded in the security-enhanced certificate. Its background features a color-shifting ink pattern that is difficult to recreate. Additionally, USCIS will use a more secure printing process, making it more tamper-proof.

Production Begins October 25

The USCIS offices in Atlanta, Denver and Baltimore will begin to utilize the automated production process this week, including digitizing photos and signatures on all certificates.  USCIS will deploy the automated production system agency-wide by the end of the calendar year when all new N-550 naturalization certificates will feature the new design.

Older-Design Naturalization Certificates Remain Valid

It is important to note that naturalization certificates issued and printed using the older design remain valid and unaffected.   Only new naturalization applications (upon approval) and replacement applications would be issued with the new design.