Current N-400 Processing Times in 2026
USCIS publishes N-400 processing-time estimates as the time it took to complete 80% of cases over the prior six months, and those estimates vary widely by field office. Naturalization processing improved significantly from pandemic-era levels, but many offices still show timelines longer than 5-6 months for 80% of cases.
Current national figures:
| Metric | Current Value |
|---|---|
| National median processing time | 5-6 months |
| Fastest field offices | 2.5-3 months |
| Slowest field offices | 12-18 months |
| Current approval rate | 91% |
| FY2024 naturalizations | 818,500 new citizens |
These processing times measure how long it takes USCIS to complete 80% of cases - from the day they receive your application to the day USCIS completes adjudication (approval or denial). The oath ceremony is typically scheduled after approval and may add additional time.
Why processing times improved
Several factors contributed to the faster processing:
USCIS hired more staff. After processing times peaked in 2022, the agency expanded its workforce and streamlined procedures.
Biometrics reuse became standard. USCIS now often reuses fingerprints from previous applications, eliminating a step that used to add weeks to the process.
Online filing expanded. More applicants file N-400 online, which speeds up receipt processing.
Fee changes took effect April 1, 2024. The Form N-400 fee is \$760 if filing by paper or \$710 if filing online.
Processing times by field office: why location matters
Your field office assignment makes a bigger difference than most applicants realize. USCIS assigns your case based on where you live, and processing speeds vary dramatically by location.
| Category | Field Offices | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Cincinnati OH, Des Moines IA | 2.5-3 months |
| Fast | St. Louis MO, Washington DC area | 3-4 months |
| Average | Chicago IL, Houston TX, Seattle WA | 5-6 months |
| Slow | Newark NJ, Boston MA | 8-10 months |
| Slowest | Los Angeles CA, Miami FL, New York City | 12-18 months |
| Extreme delays | Harlingen TX | Up to 18 months |
The difference between Cincinnati (about 3 months) and Harlingen (about 13 months) can be close to a year of waiting for the same application.
How to find your field office processing time
You can check current processing times for your specific field office:
- Go to the USCIS Processing Times tool
- Select "N-400" as the form
- Enter your state or field office
- View the estimated processing range
The tool shows the time to process 80% of cases. Your actual timeline could be faster or slower depending on your specific situation.
The complete N-400 timeline: what to expect at each step
Understanding each stage helps you know when to worry - and when waiting is normal. Here's the typical timeline from filing to becoming a citizen.
Step 1: Filing and receipt notice (2-4 weeks)
After you submit your N-400 application, USCIS will mail you a receipt notice (Form I-797C). This typically arrives within 2-4 weeks of filing.
What to expect:
- Confirmation that USCIS received your application
- Your receipt number (starts with IOE, MSC, LIN, SRC, WAC, or EAC)
- A Form N-400 receipt notice that, when presented with your Green Card, automatically extends the Green Card's validity for 24 months from the "Card Expires" date (if you properly filed on or after Dec. 12, 2022)
If you filed online, you'll see confirmation in your myUSCIS account immediately, with the receipt notice following by mail.
What this means for your timeline: You're officially in the queue. Most cases move directly to biometrics after this step.
Step 2: Biometrics appointment (3-8 weeks from filing)
USCIS needs your fingerprints to run a background check. You'll either be scheduled for a biometrics appointment or receive notice that your biometrics were reused from a previous application.
Biometrics reuse: If you've applied for an immigration benefit in the past few years (green card, work permit, travel document), USCIS may have your fingerprints on file. In these cases, you'll skip the appointment entirely.
New biometrics appointment: If USCIS needs new fingerprints, you'll receive an appointment notice about 3-5 weeks after your receipt notice. The appointment typically occurs 5-8 weeks after filing.
The actual biometrics appointment takes about 15 minutes. You'll have your photo and fingerprints taken at an Application Support Center (ASC).
Step 3: Background check and interview scheduling (4-9 months from filing)
After biometrics, your case enters the review phase. USCIS conducts background checks using your fingerprints and reviews your application for completeness.
What happens during this period:
- FBI background check runs against criminal databases
- USCIS reviews your application for accuracy
- Your case waits in queue for interview scheduling
This is typically the longest part of the process. Your online status may show "Actively reviewing your Form N-400" for months with no updates. This is normal.
You'll receive an interview notice about 2-3 weeks before your scheduled interview date.
Step 4: Naturalization interview (5-11 months from filing)
The citizenship interview is where USCIS reviews your application, tests your English, and administers the civics test.
The interview includes:
- Review of your N-400 application (confirm all answers are accurate)
- English reading test (read one sentence aloud)
- English writing test (write one sentence)
- Civics test (answer questions about U.S. history and government)
About the 2025 civics test: Starting October 20, 2025, USCIS implemented a new civics test format. You'll be asked up to 20 questions from a pool of 128 and need to answer 12 correctly to pass (USCIS 2025 Civics Test). Study materials are available in our 128 civics questions study guide.
If you pass all portions, the officer will typically approve your application on the spot. You'll sign your application and receive a decision notice.
Step 5: Oath ceremony (1-4 weeks after interview approval)
The oath ceremony is the final step. You'll take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a U.S. citizen.
Timing varies by location:
- Some offices offer same-day oath ceremonies immediately after your interview
- Administrative ceremonies (at USCIS offices) typically happen within 1-4 weeks
- Judicial ceremonies (at courthouses) may occur monthly or quarterly
After the ceremony, you'll receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You're now a U.S. citizen.
Total timeline summary
| Stage | Time from Filing |
|---|---|
| Receipt notice | 2-4 weeks |
| Biometrics (if required) | 5-8 weeks |
| Interview notice received | 4-9 months |
| Interview date | 5-11 months |
| Oath ceremony | 5-14 months (total) |
| Most applicants complete | 5-6 months |
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How to check your N-400 case status
Tracking your case status helps you know where you stand in the process. USCIS offers several ways to check.
Using your myUSCIS account
The most reliable way to track your case is through your myUSCIS account. Log in to see:
- Current case status
- Estimated completion timeframe
- Any action required from you
- Interview appointment details (when scheduled)
If you filed online, all updates appear in your account automatically. If you filed by paper, you can link your receipt number to track status.
Understanding status messages
Common status updates and what they mean:
| Status Message | What It Means |
|---|---|
| "Case Was Received" | USCIS has your application and it's in the queue |
| "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed" | Your case is in processing (this can last months) |
| "Interview Was Scheduled" | Check your account/mail for date and location |
| "Interview Was Completed" | Decision pending or already made |
| "Case Was Approved" | You passed—oath ceremony is next |
| "New Card Is Being Produced" | Your Certificate of Naturalization is being prepared |
The "actively reviewing" status often frustrates applicants because it can last for months with no updates. This is normal - it doesn't mean something is wrong.
What causes N-400 delays?
While most applications move through smoothly, certain situations can extend processing time.
Background check issues
The FBI background check typically takes weeks, but some cases require additional review:
- Common names that generate multiple matches
- Previous immigration violations
- Past criminal history (even minor offenses)
- Prior security concerns flagged in government databases
If your background check takes longer, you'll remain in "actively reviewing" status until it clears. There's little you can do to speed this up, but the delays are usually resolved without requiring action from you.
Pending I-751 (conditional green card removal)
If you have a conditional green card (2-year card) and filed your I-751 to remove conditions, your N-400 may be affected.
USCIS will process both applications together, but your N-400 cannot be approved until your I-751 is resolved. If your I-751 is still pending, this can add significant time to your citizenship process.
That said, you can still file N-400 while your I-751 is pending. Some applicants find this actually speeds up both cases because USCIS processes them at the same office.
Documentation problems
Missing or inconsistent information can delay processing:
- Incomplete application responses
- Missing supporting documents
- Discrepancies between your N-400 and previous applications
- Tax issues or missing returns
If USCIS needs additional information, they'll send a Request for Evidence (RFE). Responding promptly and completely helps get your case back on track.
Can you expedite N-400 processing?
Unlike some immigration applications, N-400 does not have premium processing. You cannot pay extra for faster handling.
However, USCIS may grant expedite requests in limited circumstances:
- Severe financial loss to a company or person
- Emergency situations
- Humanitarian reasons
- USCIS error causing delay
- National interest (rare)
These expedite requests are rarely approved for routine applications. In most cases, you'll need to wait for normal processing.
Real applicant timelines: what people actually experience
Processing times on the USCIS website are averages. Real experiences show the range you might expect.
Fast processing examples
Cincinnati, Ohio (3-year rule):
- Filed: December 1, 2024
- Biometrics: Reused same day
- Interview scheduled: December 16, 2024
- Interview date: January 22, 2025
- Total: 7 weeks filing to interview
Seattle, Washington:
- Filed: May 15, 2024
- Interview: November 2024
- Oath ceremony: November 19, 2024
- Total: 6 months
Houston, Texas:
- Filed under 3-year marriage rule (90 days early)
- Biometrics reused
- Interview: 9 days after 3-year eligibility date
- Oath: 2 weeks after interview
- Total: Under 3 months from eligibility
Moderate processing examples
Washington D.C.:
- Filed: May 10, 2024
- Biometrics: May 31, 2024
- Expected timeline: 8-10 months based on DC office volume
Anchorage, Alaska:
- Filed: May 18, 2024
- Interview and oath: January 21, 2025
- Total: 8 months
Delayed processing examples
Newark, New Jersey:
- Filed: June 2024
- Biometrics: Reused immediately
- As of October 2024: Still waiting for interview after 4+ months
- Expected timeline: 10-12 months based on Newark processing
San Francisco Bay Area (I-751 complication):
- N-400 filed: June 2020
- Oath ceremony: August 2021
- Total: 14 months (delayed by pending ROC at different office)
These examples show why field office matters so much. The same application can take anywhere from 7 weeks to over a year depending on location and circumstances.
N-400 fees in 2026
Understanding the filing fees helps you budget for the process.
| Filing Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Online filing | $710 |
| Paper filing | $760 |
| Reduced fee (income 150-200% of poverty) | $380 |
| Fee waiver (income under 150% of poverty) | $0 |
| Military (under INA 328 or 329) | $0 |
Important changes:
- As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders for most paper-filed applications - electronic payment (ACH debit using Form G-1650 or card payment using Form G-1450) is required unless an exemption applies
- Biometrics fee is now included in the filing fee (no separate \$85 charge)
- Online filing saves you \$50
Use our free N-400 eligibility checker to see if you qualify for citizenship and understand your fee options.
Check Your Citizenship Eligibility in 5 Minutes
Answer a few simple questions to see if you meet the requirements for naturalization - before you pay filing fees or start paperwork.
Official sources
This guide is based on current USCIS policy and federal regulations. All information was verified against these official sources as of January 2026:
USCIS resources
Federal regulations
- 8 CFR Part 316 - General Naturalization Requirements
- 8 CFR Part 312 - Educational Requirements
- Federal Register: 2025 Civics Test Implementation
Immigration and Nationality Act
- INA § 316(a) - General Naturalization Requirements
- INA § 312(a) - English and Civics Requirements
Immigration law changes frequently. We monitor USCIS policy updates and revise this guide when regulations change.