Form N-400 Timeline and Processing Time

When pursuing U.S. citizenship, one typically wonders about the duration of the entire process, from submitting the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) to taking the Oath of Allegiance. It’s essential to understand that the time frame can fluctuate based on various factors. These include the caseload at USCIS, the specific office handling your application, the accuracy of your application submission, and the intricacies of your individual case.

Currently, 90 field offices across the United States and its territories are responsible for conducting interviews for non-asylum cases and holding naturalization ceremonies. The processing times for Form N-400 at these offices average 15.5 months. However, it’s important to note that this is a general estimate, and actual processing times can vary. The complete naturalization journey, from application to the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, generally spans between 18 to 24 months.

Quick Summary: N-400 Processing Time

• Average total time: Typically 6 to 18 months from application to oath ceremony
• Key stages: Submission → Biometrics → Interview → Decision → Oath
• Delays depend on: Field office backlog, application errors, background checks
• Tips to avoid delays: Submit complete and accurate forms, respond to USCIS promptly, attend all appointments
• Check your local processing times here: USCIS Processing Times

Understanding the Timeline for Form N-400 Naturalization Process

Embarking on the path to U.S. citizenship involves several key stages. Understanding these steps can help you navigate the process more smoothly and manage expectations regarding n400 processing times. Here’s what you can anticipate:

1. Submission of your N-400 application.
2. Attendance at a biometrics appointment.
3. Participation in the citizenship interview and exam.
4. Awaiting USCIS’s decision on your application.
5. Participation in the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.

These steps collectively contribute to the n400 processing time, reflecting the commitment of USCIS to thoroughly review and process each application with the attention it requires. For the most accurate and updated information, applicants are encouraged to refer to their receipt notice for form, category, and office details and visit the USCIS website for the latest data on case processing times.

Key Steps for Successfully Submitting Your N-400 Naturalization Application

When you send your Form N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship, USCIS will confirm they received it by mailing you a receipt notice called Form I-797C. You should get this notice about two to three weeks after you send your form.

If there are mistakes or missing information in your application, USCIS will either send you a letter rejecting your application or asking for more details. If you need to reapply or provide more information, expect to wait another two to three weeks for their response.

If you fill out your application correctly the first time, you won’t be subjected to an extensive period of delay. Even for applications without issues, the waiting time is usually between five and nine months. The latest reports show that, on average, the n400 processing time across the United States is around 6.4 months. But you can expect those numbers to drastically increase if you have to go back and rewrite your application.

Before submitting, make sure your application is complete. Use our N-400 application checklist to avoid missing any required documents.

What to Expect from Your N-400 Biometrics Appointment

After your application is accepted, the USCIS will send you the date for your biometrics appointment. They will also give you additional information that includes the date, time, place, and what to bring. This notice usually comes one to two weeks after the receipt notice.

At your biometrics appointment, you’ll have your fingerprints taken, as well as a photo, and you’ll have to provide your signature. You won’t waste time with your appointment because it’s a quick process that lasts about 30 minutes.

It’s best to go to your appointment when it’s scheduled because If you miss it and need to reschedule, it could delay the process of application.

Preparing for Your N-400 Citizenship Interview and Test

After USCIS processes your Form N-400, they will send you a notice about your citizenship interview and test, which will usually be set for about two months later.

If you miss your interview, your application could be rejected, and rescheduling could lead to more waiting.

At the interview, you’ll be asked about your application and take a short English reading and writing test. You will also take a civics test, where you must answer ten questions correctly out of 100 possible questions. The interview usually takes less than 30 minutes.

If everything goes well, USCIS will approve your application and invite you to the Oath of Allegiance ceremony. If they need more information, they will tell you. If they deny your application, you have to start over, but you can also appeal their decision. For tips on preparing for your interview and civics test, check out our citizenship interview guide.

How to Handle the USCIS Decision on Your N-400 Application

Upon the successful completion of your naturalization interview, you will be scheduled for your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. It is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. You will receive Form N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony, within a month of your interview, and the ceremony itself is often scheduled within a few weeks of receiving your notice.

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).

The Final Step: Your N-400 Oath of Allegiance Ceremony

The Oath of Allegiance Ceremony is a significant event, sometimes featuring multimedia presentations like “Faces of America” and “America the Beautiful” to celebrate the history and values of the United States. There are two types of ceremonies: judicial, where a court administers the oath, and administrative, where USCIS does so. 

You’ll be asked to check in with USCIS at the ceremony and complete a questionnaire on Form N-445. It’s crucial to bring your Permanent Resident Card to the ceremony, as you will exchange it for your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the oath. 

Note: Missing more than one scheduled ceremony without proper notification may lead to the denial of your application.

At the ceremony, you’ll receive a U.S. Citizenship Welcome Packet, which includes an application for a U.S. passport. You’ll also have the opportunity to register to vote and are advised to update your Social Security record with the new citizen status approximately ten days post-ceremony.

For future applicants looking at n 400 processing time, it’s important to monitor the USCIS website as these times can vary based on a number of factors, including changes in immigration law, case volume, and office workload.

Average Processing Times for N-400 Citizenship Applications

Processing N-400 forms, which are used to apply for becoming a U.S. citizen, take about six months to one year. When you schedule an approximate time frame, you need to add in your calendar time for your interview and the ceremony where you promise loyalty to the U.S., which could make it up to one and a half years.

If there are mistakes in your application, it may take even longer. To finish this process quickly, start as soon as you can after you are allowed to apply for citizenship. You can send your N-400 form up to 90 days before you have been a permanent resident for the needed time. It is also important to note that the time it takes to process the N-400 form can change. For example, the n400 processing time Chicago might be different from other places.

Take a look at the table below in order to have a general idea of how much it may take for your application to be processed, depending on your location. Keep in mind that these estimations are not 100% accurate, and they might suffer changes depending on each individual case. The below mentioned processing time has been updated on 2nd July 2025.

Exploring the Variability of USCIS N-400 Processing Times

The variation in USCIS processing times, including for the n400 timeline and n-400 processing time, can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, mistakes in the application can lead to delays. Additionally, the location where you apply matters because the volume of applications at different USCIS offices can differ greatly. For instance, as shown beforehand, some areas might see a higher number of naturalization applications, affecting how quickly the local office can process each one.

USCIS has experienced a growing backlog, leading to longer waiting times compared to past years. This backlog can be due to a range of reasons, including increases in the number of applicants, limited staffing resources, policy changes, and operational shifts within the agency. These factors collectively contribute to the unpredictability of processing times for USCIS applications.

Are There Strategies for Reducing N-400 Citizenship Application Processing Times?

Yes, the n400 timeline 2024 and n 400 processing time can be improved. USCIS has made strides in reducing the backlog of citizenship applications that accumulated during the pandemic and under the prior administration’s restrictive immigration policies. With the easing of those policies and the subsiding of the pandemic, processing has accelerated.

Further enhancements could come from increased funding for USCIS, allowing for the expansion of offices and hiring additional staff. Such measures would help streamline the process further, potentially reducing the n400 processing time and making the path to citizenship more efficient for applicants. For the most current information and any recent improvements, it’s best to refer to the official USCIS website.

Actions to Take if Your N-400 Application Exceeds Normal Processing Times

If your naturalization application is taking longer than the typical n400 processing times, you should first check your case status online. This will tell you if USCIS needs more information to continue with your application.

If everything looks normal online, you can reach out to USCIS to ask about your case. When you do this, you’ll need to give them:

• Your Form N-400 receipt number,
• Your unique Alien Registration Number (A-number), which is an eight or nine-digit number assigned to noncitizens,
• The date you filed your N-400 application.

USCIS will then be able to give you more information on the i400 processing time for your application. For the latest guidelines and steps to take if your application is delayed, always check the official USCIS website.

FAQs On N-400 Processing Time

We Offer Professional Assistance with Your N-400 Application to Accelerate Processing

To reduce your n400 processing time, consider using a service like ImmigrationDirect. We specialize in guiding people through the completion of Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Our expertise can help you avoid errors that might extend your processing time.

The journey to U.S. citizenship can be lengthy, but with the right help, you can potentially shorten the wait. ImmigrationDirect offers support to ensure your application is accurate and complete, helping to prevent additional delays. Check USCIS case processing times and request assistance to streamline your path to citizenship and effectively manage the N-400 processing time with ImmigrationDirect.