Quick Answer: What Is the Form N-600 Processing Time in 2026?
There is no single N-600 processing time that applies to every applicant. Current processing time depends on the USCIS field office handling the case. If your Form N-600 receipt notice lists the National Benefits Center (NBC), USCIS instructs you to check the processing time for your local field office.
USCIS currently measures processing time by how long it took to complete 80% of cases during the previous six months. This is different from the national historical median. For FY2026 through June 30, 2026, the N-600 historical median was 5.5 months, meaning half of completed N-600 cases nationwide were finished within that time. It is not a current estimate for every applicant.
| N-600 processing question | What it means |
|---|---|
| Current processing time | Varies by USCIS field office |
| Current USCIS measure | Time to complete 80% of cases during the previous 6 months |
| FY2026 historical median | 5.5 months through June 30, 2026 |
| Case inquiry | Uses a separate USCIS threshold |
| Your individual case | Check using your USCIS receipt number |
Last checked: September 2026
Preparing Form N-600?
ImmigrationDirect can guide you through preparing Form N-600, organizing your information, and reviewing your responses before filing. ImmigrationDirect does not control USCIS processing times or application decisions.
Before filing, you can also review the current Form N-600 filing fee, including online and paper fees, exemptions, and fee-waiver options.
Which N-600 Processing Time Should You Use?
Use the processing time for the USCIS office currently handling your Form N-600 case.
Start with your Form I-797 receipt notice and check which USCIS office is listed. If the receipt shows the National Benefits Center (NBC), USCIS tells N-600 applicants to use the processing time for their local field office rather than looking for an NBC processing-time estimate.
If you are not sure which field office applies to you, use the USCIS Field Office Locator.
To check the correct time:
- Review your Form N-600 receipt notice.
- Go to the USCIS Processing Times tool.
- Select Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship.
- Select the field office that applies to your case.
- Review the processing time shown for that office.
If USCIS later transfers your N-600 case to another office, use the processing time for the new office handling the case.
This gives you a more relevant estimate than using a national average or an unrelated USCIS service center.
What Does the USCIS N-600 Processing Time Actually Mean?
The processing time shown by USCIS is not a guaranteed decision date for your Form N-600 case. It shows how long it took USCIS to complete 80% of recently adjudicated cases during the previous six months for the selected form and office.
For example, if a field office shows a certain number of months for Form N-600, that does not mean every case will be decided within that exact time. Some cases may finish sooner, while others may take longer depending on the facts of the case and any additional steps USCIS requires.
USCIS updates its processing-time data periodically, so the number is not real-time. Use it as a current reference for the selected office, not as a fixed deadline for your individual application.
Current Processing Time vs. Historical Median vs. Case Inquiry Date
USCIS uses several different measures when discussing Form N-600 processing. They answer different questions and should not be used interchangeably.
| Term | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Current processing time | How long it took the selected USCIS office to complete 80% of recently adjudicated N-600 cases. |
| Historical median | How long it took USCIS nationwide to complete half of N-600 cases during a past fiscal-year period. |
| Case inquiry date | The date USCIS uses to determine when you may ask about a case that is outside normal processing time. |
| Case status | The latest update on your individual N-600 application. |
The historical median is useful for comparing past processing trends, but it is not your expected decision date. Likewise, the current processing time does not by itself tell you when you can submit a case inquiry.
Current Form N-600 Processing Times by USCIS Field Office
The table below shows the current Form N-600 processing time for each USCIS field office. Use the field office that applies to your case. These figures can change as USCIS updates its processing-time data.
Last checked: September 2026; Source: USCIS Processing Times.
| USCIS Field Office | Current N-600 Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Agana, GU | 11.5 months |
| Albany, NY | 20 months |
| Albuquerque, NM | 11 months |
| Anchorage, AK | 9 months |
| Atlanta, GA | 5.5 months |
| Baltimore, MD | 12 months |
| Boise, ID | 7 months |
| Boston, MA | 15.5 months |
| Brooklyn, NY | 10 months |
| Buffalo, NY | 11 months |
| Burlington, VT | 9.5 months |
| Charleston, SC | 7 months |
| Charlotte Amalie, VI | 3 months |
| Charlotte, NC | 10 months |
| Chicago, IL | 11 months |
| Christiansted, VI | 4 months |
| Cincinnati, OH | 4 months |
| Cleveland, OH | 14.5 months |
| Columbus, OH | 3.5 months |
| Cranbury, NJ | 5.5 months |
| Dallas, TX | 8.5 months |
| Denver, CO | 11.5 months |
| Des Moines, IA | 12 months |
| Detroit, MI | 10 months |
| El Paso, TX | 19 months |
| Fort Myers, FL | 10.5 months |
| Fort Smith, AR | 4 months |
| Fresno, CA | 11 months |
| Greer, SC | 7 months |
| Harlingen, TX | 11 months |
| Hartford, CT | 7 months |
| Helena, MT | 11 months |
| Hialeah, FL | 6.5 months |
| Honolulu, HI | 10.5 months |
| Houston, TX | 10.5 months |
| Imperial, CA | 9.5 months |
| Indianapolis, IN | 6.5 months |
| Jacksonville, FL | 12.5 months |
| Kansas City, MO | 14.5 months |
| Kendall, FL | 8.5 months |
| Las Vegas, NV | 9.5 months |
| Lawrence, MA | 7.5 months |
| Long Island, NY | 10 months |
| Los Angeles, CA | 8 months |
| Los Angeles County, CA | 9 months |
| Louisville, KY | 7 months |
| Manchester, NH | 5 months |
| Memphis, TN | 15.5 months |
| Miami, FL | 12 months |
| Milwaukee, WI | 13 months |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN | 30 months |
| Montgomery, AL | 10.5 months |
| Mount Laurel, NJ | 9 months |
| Nashville, TN | 10 months |
| Newark, NJ | 7 months |
| New Orleans, LA | 10 months |
| New York City, NY | 7.5 months |
| Norfolk, VA | 9 months |
| Oakland Park, FL | 8.5 months |
| Oklahoma City, OK | 10.5 months |
| Omaha, NE | 7 months |
| Orlando, FL | 12 months |
| Philadelphia, PA | 8 months |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10 months |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 10 months |
| Portland, ME | 6 months |
| Portland, OR | 6 months |
| Providence, RI | 3.5 months |
| Queens, NY | 7.5 months |
| Raleigh, NC | 12.5 months |
| Reno, NV | 17 months |
| Sacramento, CA | 8 months |
| Saint Louis, MO | 12 months |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 12.5 months |
| San Antonio, TX | 9.5 months |
| San Bernardino, CA | 11 months |
| San Diego, CA | 15.5 months |
| San Fernando Valley, CA | 4.5 months |
| San Francisco, CA | 12 months |
| San Jose, CA | 8 months |
| San Juan, PR | 10 months |
| Santa Ana, CA | 11.5 months |
| Seattle, WA | 13.5 months |
| Spokane, WA | 10 months |
| Tampa, FL | 9.5 months |
| Tucson, AZ | 10 months |
| Washington, DC | 10 months |
| West Palm Beach, FL | 11.5 months |
| Wichita, KS | 10.5 months |
| Yakima, WA | 8 months |
Historical Form N-600 Processing Times
USCIS also publishes national median processing times for Form N-600 by fiscal year. These figures are useful for seeing how completed N-600 cases have changed over time, but they are different from the current field-office processing times shown above.
| Fiscal year | N-600 historical median |
|---|---|
| FY2021 | 5.8 months |
| FY2022 | 6.3 months |
| FY2023 | 6.9 months |
| FY2024 | 4.3 months |
| FY2025 | 2.9 months |
| FY2026* | 5.5 months |
*FY2026 covers October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
The FY2026 figure is partial-year data, so it should not be treated as directly comparable with a completed fiscal year or as the current processing time for every N-600 applicant. The historical median means that half of completed cases nationwide were finished within that amount of time.
N-600 Processing Timeline: What Happens After Filing?
After USCIS receives Form N-600, the case moves through several review steps. Not every applicant will go through every stage, and USCIS does not publish a fixed timeline for each step.
- Receipt notice: USCIS accepts the application and issues a receipt notice with a case number. You can use this number to track the application.
- Biometrics, if required: USCIS may ask you to provide fingerprints, a photograph, a signature, or other identity information. Some applicants may not need a separate biometrics appointment.
- Evidence review: USCIS reviews the documents submitted with Form N-600 to confirm the citizenship claim. If more information is needed, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Interview, if required: USCIS may schedule an interview to review the application and supporting evidence. In some cases, the interview may be waived when USCIS has enough information to make a decision.
- Decision: After completing its review, USCIS will approve or deny Form N-600.
- Oath and Certificate of Citizenship: If the application is approved, the applicant may need to complete the Oath of Allegiance before receiving the Certificate of Citizenship. The oath may be waived when USCIS rules allow it, including generally for children under age 14.
Because each case can require different steps, there is no standard USCIS timeframe for moving from one stage to the next.
For eligibility, required documents, filing steps, and other Form N-600 requirements, see our complete Form N-600 guide.
How Long Does N-600 Take After Biometrics?
USCIS does not publish a standard processing time from an N-600 biometrics appointment to approval. Completing biometrics does not mean a decision will follow within a set number of weeks.
After biometrics, USCIS may still need to review your supporting evidence, request additional documents, schedule or waive an interview, and complete its final review of the application.
To estimate how long your case may take, use the current N-600 processing time for the USCIS field office handling your case and check your individual case status with your USCIS receipt number.
Does Form N-600 Take Longer for a Child or Minor?
USCIS does not publish a separate N-600 processing-time estimate just because the applicant is a child or minor. In general, minors use the same field-office processing-time data as other N-600 applicants.
Some procedural steps can differ by age. For example, USCIS generally waives the Oath of Allegiance for children under age 14. However, that does not mean a minor’s Form N-600 will be processed faster or receive priority over other cases.
Why Is My Form N-600 Taking So Long?
An N-600 case can take longer when USCIS needs more information or additional steps before making a decision. Common reasons include:
- More evidence is needed: USCIS may need additional proof to confirm the citizenship claim.
- USCIS sends a Request for Evidence (RFE): Processing can pause while USCIS waits for the applicant’s response.
- Biometrics or an interview is required: These steps can add time, especially if an appointment must be scheduled.
- An appointment is missed or rescheduled: This can delay the next stage of the case.
- The case is transferred: If USCIS moves the application to another office, the new office’s workload may affect processing.
- Citizenship evidence needs extra review: Some cases require closer review of parentage, residence, custody, adoption, or other supporting records.
- Field-office workload changes: Staffing and case volume can affect how quickly the office completes N-600 applications.
- USCIS is waiting for action from the applicant: Delays can continue until requested information or documents are provided.
Applicants living outside the United States can also face additional timing issues. USCIS may accept Form N-600 in some circumstances, but being abroad can affect when certain parts of the case can be completed.
A longer processing time does not by itself mean the application has a problem or will be denied.
How to Check Your N-600 Case Status
You can check the status of your Form N-600 using the USCIS receipt number shown on your receipt notice. This is a 13-character receipt number, usually three letters followed by 10 numbers.
Enter the receipt number in USCIS Case Status Online or sign in to your USCIS online account to see the latest update on your application.
Your case status tells you what is happening with your individual application, while the field-office processing time provides a general reference for similar N-600 cases.
When Can You Submit an N-600 Case Inquiry?
You should not assume that your Form N-600 is outside normal processing time just because it has passed the 80% processing-time estimate shown for your USCIS field office.
USCIS uses a later threshold to decide when a case is eligible for an outside-normal-processing-time inquiry. That threshold is based on the point at which 93% of comparable cases have been completed.
To check whether you can submit an inquiry:
- Open the USCIS Processing Times tool.
- Select Form N-600 and the office handling your case.
- Enter your receipt date.
- Review the case inquiry date shown by USCIS.
If your receipt date is earlier than the inquiry date, USCIS may tell you that the case is still within normal processing time. If the case has passed that date, you may be able to submit a service request.
What to Do If Your N-600 Is Outside Normal Processing Time
If USCIS shows that your Form N-600 is eligible for an inquiry, you can submit an outside-normal-processing-time service request.
Before submitting the request:
- Keep your USCIS receipt number and filing details ready.
- Check your USCIS online account for any notices, Requests for Evidence, or appointment updates.
- Make sure USCIS has your current mailing address and contact information.
- Submit the service request using the USCIS online inquiry process.
USCIS may review the case and provide an update after the request is submitted. However, a service request does not guarantee an immediate decision or faster approval. In some cases, other follow-up options may be available if the delay continues.
Can You Expedite Form N-600 Processing?
USCIS may consider a request to expedite Form N-600 when the case meets its expedite criteria. Examples include:
- Severe financial loss to a person or company;
- Urgent humanitarian reasons;
- Compelling U.S. government interests, such as certain national security or public safety needs; or
- Clear USCIS error.
Expedite requests are reviewed case by case and are not automatically approved. USCIS may ask for documents or other evidence showing why faster action is needed. Ordinary waiting time, inconvenience, or general travel plans do not by themselves guarantee expedited processing.
Form N-600 also does not have Premium Processing. Premium Processing is a separate USCIS service available only for certain eligible forms and categories listed for Form I-907; N-600 is not included.
An approved expedite request may move a case faster, but it does not guarantee approval of Form N-600.
Form N-600 Processing Time FAQs
Does the USCIS N-600 processing time include time spent on biometrics or an RFE?
Yes. USCIS says its processing-time calculation includes the time from when it receives the application until it completes the case. This includes time spent completing biometrics, responding to a Request for Evidence or other request for information, and rescheduling an interview when applicable.
What if my field office does not show an N-600 processing time?
According to the USCIS processing-time FAQs, if Form N-600 is not listed for your situation, you may submit an inquiry after the case has been pending for more than six months. This is a default timeframe for submitting an inquiry; it does not mean USCIS is expected to decide the application within six months.
Does filing Form N-600 online make USCIS process it faster?
USCIS does not publish separate N-600 adjudication timelines showing that online-filed applications are decided faster than paper-filed applications. Online filing can make submitting and managing the application easier, but it does not guarantee a faster USCIS decision. Use the processing time for the field office handling your case.
Preparing Form N-600?
ImmigrationDirect can help you prepare Form N-600 with guided questions, filing instructions, and support for organizing the information needed for your application. The service can also help you review your responses for missing or inconsistent information before filing.
ImmigrationDirect is not USCIS and does not control USCIS processing times, expedite decisions, or application outcomes. USCIS makes the final decision on every Form N-600 application.
