Citizenship Form N-400 Processing Time | Immigration Direct (2024)

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, 89 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.

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 i400 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.

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.

See Also:

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.

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 4th January 2024.

Field Office (Or) Service CenterProcessing Time
Agana GU8 Months
Albany NY9 Months
Albuquerque NM7 Months
Anchorage AK9 Months
Atlanta GA9 Months
Baltimore MD9.5 Months
Boise ID7 Months
Boston MA7 Months
Brooklyn NY7.5 Months
Buffalo NY10 Months
Burlington VT8.5 Months
Charleston SC13.5 Months
Charlotte Amalie VI8.5 Months
Charlotte NC9.5 Months
Chicago IL7.5 Months
Christiansted VI10.5 Months
Cincinnati OH6 Months
Cleveland OH5.5 Months
Columbus OH6.5 Months
Dallas TX7 Months
Denver CO8 Months
Des Moines IA8 Months
Detroit MI8 Months
El Paso TX7.5 Months
Fort Myers FL12 Months
Fort Smith AR8.5 Months
Fresno CA7.5 Months
Greer SC7.5 Months
Harlingen TX7.5 Months
Hartford CT8.5 Months
Helena MT7.5 Months
Hialeah FL7 Months
Honolulu HI7.5 Months
Houston TX7.5 Months
Imperial CA9.5 Months
Indianapolis IN8 Months
Jacksonville FL10 Months
Kansas City MO8 Months
Kendall FL7 Months
Las Vegas NV8 Months
Lawrence MA10.5 Months
Long Island NY8.5 Months
Los Angeles CA7 Months
Los Angeles County CA7.5 Months
Louisville KY7 Months
Manchester NH7.5 Months
Memphis TN10 Months
Miami FL8 Months
Milwaukee WI7.5 Months
Minneapolis-St. Paul MN8 Months
Montgomery AL7.5 Months
Mount Laurel NJ9 Months
Nashville TN12 Months
Newark NJ10 Months
New Orleans LA12.5 Months
New York City NY8 Months
Norfolk VA13 Months
Oakland Park FL8 Months
Oklahoma City OK7 Months
Omaha NE8.5 Months
Orlando FL8.5 Months
Philadelphia PA7.5 Months
Phoenix AZ7.5 Months
Pittsburgh PA7 Months
Portland ME7.5 Months
Portland OR7 Months
Providence RI8.5 Months
Queens NY8 Months
Raleigh NC10 Months
Reno NV7.5 Months
Sacramento CA9 Months
Saint Louis MO11 Months
Salt Lake City UT9 Months
San Antonio TX8.5 Months
San Bernardino CA7 Months
San Diego CA8.5 Months
San Fernando Valley CA7 Months
San Francisco CA8 Months
San Jose CA7 Months
San Juan PR7 Months
Santa Ana CA8 Months
Seattle WA7 Months
Spokane WA6.5 Months
Tampa FL7.5 Months
Tucson AZ8.5 Months
Washington DC8 Months
West Palm Beach FL8 Months
Wichita KS8 Months
Yakima WA7 Months

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.

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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.

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. Reach out for assistance to streamline your path to citizenship and manage the n400 processing time effectively.

Citizenship Form N-400 Processing Time | Immigration Direct (2024)
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