What does “Naturalization” mean?

Informational
Direct answer

USCIS is processing your N-400 naturalization application to become a U.S. citizen.

What comes next

The N-400 process includes biometrics when required, an interview with English and civics tests, and an oath ceremony if approved. Use your N-400 filing date to select the 2008 or 2025 official civics-test materials.

Typical timeline

N-400 timing varies by field office and case. Use the official USCIS processing-time selector for a current office-specific reference; GreenLight does not publish a hand-authored national range.

If you're stuck on this status

If your N-400 has been pending beyond USCIS's published processing time, you can submit an e-Request. After your N-400 has been pending for more than 120 days after the interview, you may be able to petition a federal court to adjudicate your case.

What to do now
  • 1Use your N-400 filing date to select the official 2008 or 2025 civics-test materials
  • 2Practice reading and writing English for the test
  • 3Gather all documents listed on your appointment notice
  • 4Review your N-400 application for accuracy before the interview
When to contact an attorney

You usually do not need an attorney for this status by itself. Consider legal help if your case is outside published processing times, you receive a confusing notice, or your facts are complicated.

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic requirements for U.S. naturalization?
Generally: (1) 5 years as a permanent resident (3 years only when all requirements for the spouse-of-a-U.S.-citizen path are met), (2) physical presence for at least half the applicable period, (3) continuous residence under the travel rules and any applicable exceptions or preservation provisions, (4) good moral character, (5) English language ability unless an exception applies, and (6) knowledge of U.S. civics and history unless an exception applies.
What happens at a naturalization interview?
An officer reviews your N-400 and administers the applicable English and civics tests. Filing before Oct. 20, 2025 uses the 2008 civics test (100-question pool, up to 10 asked, 6 correct to pass). Filing on or after Oct. 20, 2025 uses the 2025 test (128-question pool, up to 20 asked, 12 correct to pass). Your filing date controls; confirm the version at uscis.gov/citizenship/2025test.
How difficult is the civics test?
Study the USCIS materials for the version selected by your filing date. Before Oct. 20, 2025, that is the 2008 test (100-question pool, up to 10 asked, 6 correct). On or after Oct. 20, 2025, that is the 2025 test (128-question pool, up to 20 asked, 12 correct). USCIS publishes both versions and test updates at uscis.gov/citizenship/2025test.
What if I fail the civics or English test at my N-400 interview?
USCIS generally schedules a reexamination 60-90 days later. You are retested only on 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 apply for naturalization if I've traveled a lot outside the U.S.?
Extended trips abroad can interrupt the continuous-residence requirement. An absence of more than 6 months but less than 1 year generally creates a rebuttable presumption that continuous residence was interrupted. An absence of 1 year or more generally breaks continuous residence, subject to any applicable statutory preservation rule or other exception. Multiple shorter trips and the facts of your residence can also matter. A qualified immigration attorney can help assess your travel history.

Related status messages

Oath Ceremony →Fingerprints Were Taken →Interview Was Scheduled →
Official and related resources
Check your official USCIS case status →Check USCIS processing times →Compare timelines by USCIS form →Browse the USCIS status glossary →

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Related
Use the interactive decoder →See current USCIS processing times →Status: Oath Ceremony→Status: I-751→Status: Conditional Green Card→What Every USCIS Case Status Actually Means (2026 Guide)→USCIS Processing Times 2026: How to Check the Official Tool→

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. Always verify at my.uscis.gov.