N-400 Processing Time — Application for Naturalization 2026

Last updated: July 22, 2026. Data refreshed weekly from USCIS.gov processing-time pages. USVisaStack is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of Labor, or the Department of State.

N-400 Processing Times by Service Center

Source: USCIS.gov. Data updated regularly.

About N-400 — Application for Naturalization

Form N-400 is used for: U.S. Citizenship. Processing times vary by USCIS service center and petition volume.

Premium processing (Form I-907) is available for many N-400 petitions — it guarantees a decision within 15 business days for an additional fee (currently $2,965).

What Is Form N-400 and Who Files It?

Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) is the application to become a United States citizen. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) who meet the eligibility requirements file N-400 to complete the naturalization process. General eligibility: 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (3 years if married to and living with a US citizen), with at least 30 months of physical presence in the US during that period (18 months for spouse-based cases), continuous residence, good moral character, English language proficiency, and knowledge of US civics and history.

Special provisions exist for certain groups: military members on active duty may file at any time; spouses of US citizens who are regularly stationed abroad may file at any time without the residency waiting period; and applicants 50 or older with 20+ years of LPR status are exempt from the English test (though not the civics test).

What Happens During N-400 Processing

After filing, USCIS mails a receipt notice (I-797) within 2–3 weeks, confirming they have your application. You will then receive a biometrics appointment notice — typically within 2–4 months of filing. At the biometrics appointment, USCIS collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for a background check.

After biometrics, USCIS schedules your naturalization interview, typically within 6–12 months of filing. At the interview, the USCIS officer administers the civics test (10 questions from a list of 100, need 6 correct), tests English reading and writing (one sentence each), and reviews your application in detail.

If approved at the interview, USCIS schedules your oath of allegiance ceremony — typically within 30–120 days. At the oath ceremony, you officially become a US citizen. If your case is "continued" (needs more information or a second interview), you receive instructions for next steps. If denied, USCIS provides a written explanation and information on how to appeal.

What to Do While Your N-400 Is Pending

• Study for the civics test: USCIS publishes the 100 official civics questions and answers at uscis.gov/citizenship. You will be asked up to 10 at your interview — you need 6 correct to pass. Use the official study materials and take practice tests regularly. The test is verbal, in English.
• Maintain continuous residence: Do not travel outside the US for more than 6 continuous months during the pending period. Extended absences can disrupt continuous residence and cause the officer to question your eligibility.
• Keep your address current: File AR-11 within 10 days of any move. Interview notices are mailed — missing one causes serious delays.
• Gather supporting documents: Organize your travel records (passport with all I-94 stamps), tax returns for the last 5 years, any name change documents, and any records related to criminal history disclosures on the application.
• Do not abandon LPR status: A pending N-400 does not affect your green card status. Continue to use your green card as identification and meet LPR obligations (taxes, residency) until citizenship is granted.

N-400 Interview: What to Expect and Bring

The naturalization interview takes 20–60 minutes. The USCIS officer will test English proficiency, administer the civics test, and review your application in detail. Bring the following documents:

• Your green card (Form I-551)
• All passports used during the N-400 eligibility period (with all travel stamps)
• Any name change documents (marriage certificate, court order)
• Tax returns for the past 5 years (or 3 years for spouse-based cases)
• Selective Service registration (for males who were required to register)
• Any documents related to items disclosed on the application (criminal history, prior immigration violations, memberships in organizations)

Possible outcomes at the interview: (1) Approved — oath ceremony will be scheduled; (2) Continued — officer needs additional documents or time; (3) Denied — officer finds you ineligible, with written explanation. If approved, you may receive a same-day oath ceremony if the USCIS office offers it, or be scheduled for a ceremony within 30–120 days.