N-400 Processing Timeline: How Long It Takes to Get U.S. Citizenship

Start to Finish: How Long the Naturalization Process Really Takes

The naturalization process—filing Form N-400 and becoming a U.S. citizen—typically takes 6 to 9 months from start to finish. This includes application review, biometrics collection, the citizenship interview and exam, and the final Oath of Allegiance ceremony.

However, exact timelines can vary depending on your local USCIS field office, the completeness of your application, and your individual case circumstances. The estimated Form N-400 processing time is based on how long it took USCIS to complete 80% of cases over the past six months.

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a life-changing milestone. It’s often the final step in an immigrant’s journey to fully participate in American civic life. This guide breaks down each stage of the N-400 process, explains what affects your timeline, and shows how to avoid delays and track your progress with confidence.

Step-by-Step Timeline for the Form N-400 Process

The naturalization journey typically moves through the following stages:

1. Filing Form N-400
   Estimated time: 2–4 weeks after filing
   After submitting your application online or by mail, USCIS will send you a receipt notice (Form I-797C) confirming that they’ve received your case.
2. Biometrics Appointment
   Estimated time: 4–6 weeks after filing
   USCIS will schedule a biometric appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) for you to provide fingerprints, a photo, and a digital signature.
3. USCIS Interview & Civics Test
   Estimated time: 4–6 months after filing
   At this stage, you’ll attend an in-person interview, answer questions about your application, and take the English and civics test—unless you qualify for an exemption. Find the sample citizenship test questions and answers.
4. Decision on Your Application
   You may receive a decision immediately after the interview or within a few weeks. If more information is needed, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE) or schedule a second interview.
5. Oath Ceremony
   Estimated time: 5–7 months after filing
   You’ll receive an invitation to attend a naturalization ceremony. Once you take the Oath of Allegiance, you’ll officially become a U.S. citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Tip: Before submitting, make sure your application is complete. Use our N-400 application checklist to avoid missing any required documents. Check the historical processing timeline for Form N-400 and get an idea.

Quick Reference: Average Timeline at a Glance

Note: If there are mistakes or missing information in your application, USCIS may issue a rejection or a request for evidence. These setbacks can increase the cost of applying for U.S. citizenship if you need to resubmit.

The Key Stages of the Naturalization Process

Step 1: Submit Your Form N-400 Application for Naturalization

The naturalization process begins when you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You can submit your application either online through your USCIS account or by mail using the paper form. If you’re applying from outside the U.S. or requesting a fee waiver or reduction, you must file by mail.

Before submitting, make sure your application is complete, your answers are accurate, and you’ve included all required supporting documents. This includes a copy of your green card (Form I-551) and any certified English translations of documents not originally in English. Missing information or incorrect formatting can lead to delays or even a rejection.

Once USCIS receives your properly filed application, they’ll send you a receipt notice, officially called Form I-797C, Notice of Action, usually within 2–4 weeks. This notice confirms they have received your form and includes a 10-digit receipt number, which you’ll need to track your case status online.

If your application is incomplete or filed incorrectly, USCIS may reject your submission or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) — both of which can delay the process significantly. That’s why it’s critical to get everything right the first time.

Step 2: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

Approximately 5 to 8 weeks after USCIS receives your Form N-400, you’ll get a biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C) in the mail. This notice will include the date, time, and location of your appointment—usually at the nearest USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).

The biometrics appointment is not an interview. It’s a quick (typically 15–20 minutes) but essential step where USCIS collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. This information is used to complete background and security checks, including forwarding your fingerprints to the FBI.

What to Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment:

• Your appointment notice (Form I-797C)
• Your Permanent Resident Card (green card)
• A government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • A driver’s license
  • A state-issued ID card
  • A passport or military ID

Make sure to attend your appointment as scheduled. Rescheduling can delay your application, and missing it entirely without notice could result in USCIS considering your N-400 abandoned.

As in earlier stages, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence if background issues arise. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

It’s also possible for USCIS to deny your citizenship application based on the results of your biometrics screening. This can happen if your fingerprints reveal serious criminal activity or past immigration fraud. Learn more about the reasons your citizenship application may be denied during or after biometrics.

Important: If you have a criminal history, including a DUI or other arrests—even if it seems minor—it’s strongly recommended that you consult an immigration attorney before attending your biometrics appointment. Certain offenses could affect your eligibility for citizenship.

Get Expert Help with Your N-400 Application

ImmigrationDirect offers personalized support, auto-filled Form N-400 based on your answers, and attorney-reviewed applications to reduce mistakes and avoid rejection. Start your citizenship journey with confidence — we’re here to help every step of the way. Start Your N-400 Application.

Step 3: Citizenship Interview and Naturalization Exam

Once USCIS processes your biometrics, they will schedule your naturalization interview and citizenship exam. You’ll receive an official appointment notice (Form I-797C) with the date, time, and location of your interview — usually at a USCIS field office near you.

At the interview, a USCIS officer will review your N-400 application to verify your answers are still accurate. You’ll also take the U.S. citizenship test, which includes:

• English test: You’ll demonstrate your ability to read, write, and speak basic English.
• Civics test: You’ll answer up to 10 questions about U.S. history, government, and civic principles. You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.

Your spoken English and understanding will also be assessed as you answer questions during the interview. See the citizenship common test questions and how to answer them for your interview.

Important: Be sure to bring all required documents listed in your interview notice. If your address has changed since filing, update it with USCIS immediately to avoid missing this critical appointment.

If you can’t attend the scheduled interview, notify USCIS in advance to request a reschedule. Failure to show up without notice may result in your application being administratively closed — and if no action is taken for 1 year, it may be denied entirely.

Step 4: USCIS Makes a Decision on Your Citizenship Application

Once you’ve completed your interview and citizenship test, USCIS will begin reviewing your application. If everything is in order and all required documents have been submitted, you may receive an approval decision on the same day as your interview. If not, USCIS has up to 120 days (about four months) from your interview date to issue a written decision. You’ll receive this decision via Form N-652, officially known as the Notice of Examination Results.

1. Approved – Your application is approved, and you can proceed to the next step — your naturalization ceremony.

2. Continued – USCIS may place your application on hold for the following reasons:

• You didn’t pass the exam: You’ll need to attend a second interview to retake the portion(s) you didn’t pass. If you fail again, your application will be denied.
• Missing documents or information: USCIS will send you Form N-14, detailing what you need to submit. You’ll have 30 days to respond. Failure to respond on time may result in denial.

3. Denied – If your application is denied, USCIS will send you a letter explaining the decision and outlining your next steps. You have the right to appeal by requesting a hearing within 30 days. If the denial is upheld at the hearing, you can ask a U.S. district court to review your case.

If your N-400 application is denied and you believe the decision was made in error, you can appeal by filing the N-336 Form within 30 days of receiving the denial notice. This form allows you to request a hearing to challenge the decision under Section 336 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

No matter how complex your case may seem, ImmigrationDirect helps you apply with confidence. Our personalized support, easy-to-use form tools, and attorney-reviewed submissions can help minimize the risk of denial. Start your application today!

Step 5: Take the Oath and Become a U.S. Citizen

If your naturalization application is approved, the final step is attending your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. In some cases, this happens on the same day as your interview and exam. Otherwise, USCIS will schedule your ceremony within two to six weeks and send you Form N-445 (Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony) with the details.

During the ceremony, you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization—your official proof of U.S. citizenship. In many locations, you may also have the chance to register to vote on-site.

If you’re unable to attend, you must return the notice to your local USCIS office with a written explanation and request to reschedule. Missing more than one ceremony without notice may lead to denial of your application.

Important: You are not a U.S. citizen until you’ve taken the oath, so make sure to attend the ceremony as scheduled.

What Comes After Naturalization?

Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen! While taking the Oath of Allegiance marks your official status, there are a few important things to do soon after:

• Register to vote in local, state, and federal elections
• Update your Social Security record to reflect your new citizenship
• Apply for a U.S. passport so you can travel internationally with ease

These steps aren’t part of the naturalization process itself, but they’re essential for fully enjoying your rights and responsibilities as a new American. Also, be sure to learn more about the benefits of becoming a U.S. citizen.

USCIS Local Field Office Processing Times For Naturalization

The time it takes to process a citizenship application can vary depending on your local USCIS field office. Use the table below to check the average processing times in your area and plan accordingly. Immigration Direct updates this information monthly based on USCIS data. The below-mentioned processing time has been updated on 1st August 2025.

Historical Processing Times: N‑400 Naturalization (FY 2014–2025)

Understanding how long it took to process N‑400 applications in the past helps applicants assess whether current wait times are typical or unusually delayed. The median time indicates how long it took for half of the applications to be completed each fiscal year.

Here are the official median processing times (by USCIS) for Form N‑400:

Source: Check USCIS historical processing times for all other forms.

Can You Expedite the N-400 Naturalization Process?

In most cases, the naturalization process follows standard timelines. However, in rare situations, you may request USCIS to expedite your Form N-400 application.

USCIS reviews expedite requests case by case, and approval is not guaranteed. You must provide strong evidence showing why your case should be reviewed ahead of others.

Situations That May Qualify for Expedited Processing

USCIS may consider your request if you face:

• Serious financial hardship that isn’t caused by delays on your part (such as a missed deadline).
• Emergency or urgent humanitarian reasons.
• A nonprofit organization’s request that benefits the cultural or social interests of the U.S.
• Government-related cases, such as matters involving public safety or national interest.
• A clear USCIS error in handling your case.

Keep in mind: Meeting one of these conditions doesn’t guarantee approval. The agency will weigh your request against others in line.

If you think your case qualifies, you can contact USCIS directly or submit an expedited request through your USCIS online account.

Factors That Affect N-400 Processing Time

Several key factors can influence how long it takes USCIS to process your Form N-400 application for naturalization. Understanding these can help you better manage expectations and avoid unnecessary delays.

• USCIS workload: A high volume of applications in your local field office may increase wait times.
• Eligibility category: Certain applicants—like spouses of U.S. citizens—may be eligible for faster processing timelines.
• Application accuracy: Errors or incomplete responses on your N-400 can result in delays or Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
• Requests for additional information: If USCIS needs more documents or clarification, your case may be paused until you respond.
• Background checks: Delays may occur if there are discrepancies in your criminal history or records that require extra investigation.

While delays can be frustrating, understanding these factors helps you stay informed and avoid surprises. If your case is taking longer than the average time posted on the USCIS Case Processing Times page, you can submit a case inquiry for an update.

Tips to Speed Up Your Naturalization Form

Although the naturalization timeline is largely determined by USCIS, there are practical steps you can take to help avoid delays and keep your application moving forward.

• Submit a complete and accurate Form N-400: Double-check your application to ensure there are no errors or missing details that could trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE).
• Respond quickly to USCIS notices: If USCIS asks for additional documents or clarification, reply as soon as possible to prevent processing setbacks.
• Track your case and local field office times: Use USCIS tools to monitor your case status and estimated timelines based on your local field office.
• Request expedited processing (if eligible): While premium processing isn’t offered for Form N-400, you may qualify for expedited handling due to urgent circumstances—such as military service or emergencies. Check the valid USCIS forms for premium processing.

Pro Tip: Staying organized and checking your USCIS account regularly can help you act fast if any issues arise.

FAQs On N-400 Processing Time

Start Your Citizenship Journey with Confidence

Applying for U.S. citizenship through Form N-400 is a major step toward building your future in America. From understanding the process to tracking timelines and avoiding delays, being well-prepared can make a big difference.

At Immigration Direct, we simplify your N-400 filing with step-by-step guidance, helpful tools, and clear explanations—so you can file accurately and confidently. Whether you’re just starting or ready to submit your application, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t wait—start your citizenship application today.