N-400U.S. Citizenship

N-400 Timeline: How Long Does Application for Naturalization Take?

Form N-400 is the application to become a U.S. citizen through naturalization. Eligible green card holders (lawful permanent residents) file it after meeting the required years of residence — typically 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.

Typical timeline

8–24 months (varies significantly by field office)

Stage-by-stage breakdown
1
Application filed

USCIS receives your N-400 and mails you a receipt notice. You can track the case online with your receipt number.

2–4 weeks to receive receipt notice
2
Biometrics appointment

USCIS schedules an appointment at your local Application Support Center to collect fingerprints, photo, and signature for an updated background check.

1–3 months after filing
3
Interview scheduled

USCIS sends a notice scheduling your naturalization interview and civics test at your local field office.

6–20 months after filing (field-office dependent)
4
Naturalization interview & civics test

An immigration officer reviews your application, asks questions about your background and loyalty, and administers the 10-question civics test. You need 6 of 10 correct to pass.

30–60 minutes
5
Decision

USCIS grants or continues your application. If granted at the interview, you may be scheduled for an oath ceremony the same day. If not, a notice follows.

Same day or days/weeks later
6
Oath of Allegiance ceremony

You attend an oath ceremony, recite the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. You are now a U.S. citizen.

Days to months after interview — no guaranteed date
Key things to know
  • 1You must have been a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 5 years — or 3 years if you have been continuously married to and living with a U.S. citizen for those 3 years.
  • 2Continuous residence means you have not taken any trip abroad of 6+ months (or multiple shorter trips that add up to signal you abandoned U.S. residence) during the required period.
  • 3Physical presence means you must have been physically inside the U.S. for at least half of the required period (30 months of the 5-year requirement, or 18 months of the 3-year requirement).
  • 4There is no guaranteed date for your oath ceremony — USCIS schedules them in batches, and field offices vary widely. Some applicants are sworn in the same day as their interview; others wait months.
  • 5You do not need to renew your green card while N-400 is pending — being in the naturalization process is evidence of your continued LPR status.
  • 6Certain trips abroad and criminal history can affect eligibility. Consult an immigration attorney if you have either.

Related forms

I-485 — Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status →

Frequently asked questions

How long does N-400 take?+
Typically 8 to 24 months, with wide variation by field office. USCIS publishes current processing times by office at uscis.gov/processing-times. Field offices in major metro areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago) tend to have longer waits than smaller offices.
What is the civics test?+
USCIS asks you 10 questions drawn from a list of 100 civics questions about U.S. history and government. You need to answer at least 6 correctly to pass. Applicants 65 or older who have been a permanent resident for 20+ years only need to study a shorter list of 20 questions (the "65/20" exception). Practice materials are free at uscis.gov.
What happens at the naturalization interview?+
An immigration officer reviews your N-400 application, checks your documents (green card, passport, travel records), asks questions about your background and any criminal history, and gives you the civics and English tests. English proficiency is tested through your reading and writing of a sentence and answering the officer's questions in English. The interview is conversational and typically takes 30–60 minutes.
Can I travel while my N-400 is pending?+
Yes, but be cautious. International travel while N-400 is pending is generally allowed — your green card remains valid. However, a trip of 6 months or more could disrupt your continuous residence requirement and complicate your application. Consult an immigration attorney before any long trip.
How do I prepare for the civics test?+
Download the official USCIS list of 100 civics questions and answers from uscis.gov/citizenship/find-study-materials-and-resources. Study all 100 answers — USCIS will ask 10 at your interview. Many public libraries and community organizations offer free naturalization prep classes.
Status messages to watch

When your N-400 moves through stages, you may see these status updates on my.uscis.gov. Click any to learn what it means.

Case Was Received →Fingerprints Were Taken →Interview Was Scheduled →Case Was Approved →
Official USCIS page for N-400
Forms, instructions, and filing fees directly from USCIS.
uscis.gov →

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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any U.S. government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Timelines are typical ranges — your case may differ based on your individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation. Verify all information at uscis.gov.