What Happens After Filing N-400, Application for Naturalization

So, you’ve turned in your citizenship application? Now what happens? And how long will it take before you become a naturalized citizen?

Although there is a general timeline for the procedures involved in processing a N-400, Application for Naturalization, certain factors will affect the exact about of time it takes for each person’s case. Factors such as any errors or omissions in your paperwork, the USCIS office where you filed, and the current USCIS case load can all add weeks or months to your processing time.

Below, we describe the steps typically involved in the processing of Form N-400 and the general timeline associated with each step. Remember, each time frame given is merely an approximation.

Tip: Keep USCIS informed if your address changes- you don’t want to miss any important notifications!

It is important to save this notice as it contains your 10-digit receipt number that allows you to check the status of your case. If you do not receive this notice, you should file a case inquiry.

Appointment Notice for Biometrics

  3 to 5 weeks

The next item you will receive- approximately 3 to 5 weeks after filing- is a notification for your biometrics appointment, including the appointment date, time, and location. Typically, you will be scheduled at the USCIS Application Support Center closest to you. To conduct the security clearance and background check, USCIS requires that all applicants be fingerprinted.

While all applicants must be fingerprinted, USCIS waives the biometrics fee for applicants aged 75 years and older.

Appointment Notice for Naturalization Interview

  3 to 5 months

Once you have attended your biometrics appointment, USCIS will send an appointment notice for your naturalization interview. It is important to attend the appointment scheduled for you- rescheduling could delay your naturalization process by months.

Your interview is fast approaching, so you should be preparing! REED MORE

Naturalization Interview

   4 to 6 months

At your interview, the USCIS officer will most likely review your answers from your Form N-400 to be sure they are all still correct. The interviewing officer will use this opportunity to test your comprehension of English. You will also be asked to read and write a sentence in English. You will then be given the civics portion of the naturalization test (unless you have been granted any kind of exemption) and have the results of your background check reviewed with you. At this time, any unusual circumstances, such as arrests or back taxes will be addressed.

At the conclusion of the interview, USCIS will give you some type of result. The Form N-652 will notify that your application has been:

• Granted- Your N-400 has been approved based on proof of your eligibility for naturalization.
• Continued- Your N-400 cannot be approved at this time because you failed a test or did not provide all the proper documents USCIS needed, or
• Denied- Your N-400 has been denied because USCIS could not establish your eligibility to naturalize.

If you feel USCIS has unfairly or inaccurately denied your petition, you can file Form N-336, Request for a Hearing on a Decision in Naturalization Process and appeal the decision.

Oath of Allegiance Ceremony

  5 to 8 months after filing

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations! At your oath ceremony, you officially become a U.S. citizen, and not before then. The oath is administered at an administrative ceremony or by a judge in a judicial ceremony in certain USCIS jurisdictions. After you have taken the oath, you will surrender your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.