The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant change in its naturalization process by introducing a “third gender option” on Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization, effective April 1. This new option, labeled as “Another Gender Identity” or simply “X,” aims to provide inclusivity for individuals who do not identify within the traditional gender binary.
Previously, USCIS forms only offered two gender choices: “Male (M)” and “Female (F).” This limitation created barriers for applicants whose gender identity did not fit within these categories and posed administrative challenges when official documents differed from the binary options. The introduction of the third gender option aligns USCIS practices with federal and state agencies, such as the U.S. Department of State, which now offers a “gender X” option in passport applications.
Applicants selecting the third-gender option on Form N-400 will not be required to provide additional documentation, and the gender choice does not need to match other official documents. However, individuals opting for the “X” gender option may need to visit a Social Security office for card issuance or citizenship status updates, as the systems to accept this option are still being developed.
For those who submitted naturalization forms before April 1, USCIS allows requests to update their gender information, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the immigration process. This change marks a significant step forward in recognizing and accommodating the diverse identities of individuals seeking U.S. citizenship.