In a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, USCIS has added a third gender option, “X,” defined as “Another Gender Identity” on their naturalization application (Form N-400), which grants US citizenship to lawful permanent residents. This is the first USCIS form to include a third gender option. 

Starting April 1, 2024, applicants using USCIS’s revised Form N-400 can select “X” as their gender. Those with pending applications filed before this date can request to update their gender to “X” after April 1, 2024. 

For all other forms, individuals must wait for USCIS to update the forms to include the X-gender option. USCIS is continuing to update guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual for all future form revisions that will add a third gender option, as seen in their Policy Alert.

If you filed your Form N-400 before April 1, 2024 and the application is still pending, here are the options available to have your gender reflected as X: 

• If you received a Request for Evidence (RFE) or interview notice: Provide a letter in response explaining that you requested to change your gender X.

• If you have an online account: Upload a letter as new evidence to your pending N-400 application explaining that you requested to change your gender to X. 

• If you do not have an online account: Email USCIS-updategenderinfo@uscis.dhs.gov and request to change your gender to X.

• If you have a pending or approved VAWA, T, or U-related case: Refer to the Contact Us webpage (Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings section).

If your naturalization application has already been approved and you would like your gender to be reflected as X, you will need to wait until USCIS revises Form N-565 Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document to add the X gender option. 

You do not need to provide supporting documents to select/change your gender to X for Form N-400. It does not need to match the gender on other immigration/identity documents such as your birth certificate, passport, etc. 

The addition of a third gender option on the naturalization application is a major positive development in breaking down the barriers to accessing immigration benefits, while still maintaining the integrity of identity verification procedures.

If you would like to learn more about obtaining US citizenship through naturalization, here is a podcast I recorded on this topic.  

The alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss these developments further.