Citizenship
N-400 Processing Time 2026
N-400 — Application for Naturalization
Typical processing time
5–10 months
0 mo6 mo12 mo18 mo24+ mo
Most cases land around 7 months. Ranges vary by service center, field office, and category.
Data snapshot as of July 2026 — check the official USCIS tool for your specific office and category.
What the N-400 is
The N-400 is the application to become a U.S. citizen. The process includes biometrics, a civics and English test, an interview, and the oath ceremony.
Who files it: Green card holders after 5 years (or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen), and certain military applicants.
Why N-400 cases get delayed
- Interview capacity at your local field office drives most of the variation between cities.
- Extensive travel history or name changes can lengthen background checks.
- Failing the civics/English test at the first interview adds a re-exam appointment (typically 2–3 months later).
- Oath ceremony scheduling after approval can add weeks to a couple of months in busy offices.
Practical tips for N-400 filers
- You can file up to 90 days before hitting the 5-year (or 3-year) residency mark.
- Online filing gives you a document upload channel and status tracking.
- Bring your green card, passports, and any requested originals to the interview — missing documents are a common reason for continuation.
Waiting longer than 10 months?
If your receipt date is older than the official case inquiry date for your office, you can submit an “outside normal processing time” request. See how the case inquiry date works →