Updated August 2026

Form N-400 Processing Time 2026

Application for Naturalization (US Citizenship)

The N-400 is the application for US citizenship through naturalization for eligible green card holders.

Current national metric

Official USCIS selector required

GreenLight does not publish an unsourced national N-400 range. Use the official USCIS selector for the applicable field office.

Processing time by service center

Service Center	Receipt Prefix	Typical Range
CSC	WAC	Official tool required	Details →
VSC	EAC	Official tool required	Details →
NSC	LIN	Official tool required	Details →
TSC	SRC	Official tool required	Details →
NBC	MSC	Official tool required	Details →
PSC	YSC	Official tool required	Details →

* GreenLight does not apply national aggregates to individual service centers. Exact times vary by case type, category, and workload. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times for your specific case.

How to check your Form N-400 case status

Find your receipt number on Form I-797C (Notice of Action). It starts with 3 letters (WAC, EAC, LIN, SRC, MSC, or IOE) followed by numbers.
Visit my.uscis.gov and enter your receipt number in the case status tool.
Got a confusing status message? Paste it into GreenLight's decoder for a plain-English explanation.
Check the official processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times to see if your case is outside normal time.

Community dataView recent anonymous Form N-400 status-change activity when enough observations are available.Form guideForm N-400 instructions, checklist, and filing tips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does N-400 citizenship take in 2026?+

Use the official USCIS processing-time selector for the applicable N-400 field office. GreenLight does not publish a hand-authored national range or interview-to-oath clock.

When can I apply for citizenship?+

Most green card holders can apply 90 days before their 5-year anniversary (3 years if married to a US citizen). You must have been physically present in the US for at least half the required period.

What is the N-400 interview like?+

The officer reviews your application and administers the applicable English and civics tests. Your filing date controls: before Oct. 20, 2025 uses the 2008 civics test (100-question pool, up to 10 asked, 6 correct to pass); on or after Oct. 20, 2025 uses the 2025 test (128-question pool, up to 20 asked, 12 correct to pass). Confirm your version at uscis.gov/citizenship/2025test.

What happens if I fail the civics test?+

USCIS generally schedules a reexamination 60-90 days after the first interview. At the reexamination, USCIS retests only the English or civics portion, or both portions, that you failed. If you do not pass a required portion on the second attempt, USCIS will deny the N-400; follow the decision notice for next steps.

Can I travel while N-400 is pending?+

Yes, with your green card. However, extended absences abroad can affect your continuous residence requirement. Keep trips under 6 months, and total absences under 30 months during the 5-year period.

Related forms

Form I-485 Processing Time →

Got a USCIS status update on your Form N-400? Paste it in and we'll explain what it means in plain English.

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GreenLight is an independent tool and is NOT affiliated with USCIS, DHS, or any US government agency. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.