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What Happens After Filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
Steps in the USCIS Process
- Receipt Notice
- Biometrics Appointment
- Naturalization Interview
- Oath of Allegiance
N-400 Processing Statistics
- USCIS Rejections
- Historical Processing Times
- Backlog of Cases
- Total N-400 Processing Time
1. Receipt of Application
Approximately 2 to 4 Weeks After Filing
If you properly file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, USCIS will initially respond by mailing you a receipt notice that confirms receipt of your application. Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action (see example below), the receipt notice typically arrives 2 to 4 weeks after filing. If you did not properly file your Form N-400, USCIS will send a Notice of Action to reject the application. A rejection will significantly delay your request and overall N-400 processing time. Thus, it's important to prepare the naturalization application package correctly and submit all required supporting documents. Learn how.
Save your N-400 receipt notice. It contains your 10-digit receipt number. You can use this receipt number to check your case status. If you didn’t receive a Notice of Action, you can make a case inquiry.
N-400 Rejection Statistics
Last year USCIS received
N-400 applications
But USCIS rejected about
due to incorrect filing
Source: USCIS
2. Biometrics Appointment
Approximately 5 to 8 Weeks After Filing
Next, USCIS mails an appointment notice that assigns your biometrics appointment date, time and location. (The location will generally be the USCIS Application Support Center nearest you.) USCIS requires applicants to be fingerprinted for the purpose of conducting a security clearance and criminal background check. Don’t be alarmed — All applicants must have background checks.
The USCIS biometrics appointment, also known as a biometric screening, is generally a short appointment (less than 20 minutes) so that USCIS can collect your fingerprints, photograph and signature. Your appointment notice will tell you what you need to take to the appointment. Expect to take some form of government-issued photo identification to enter the building. USCIS can accept ID documents such as:
- Passport or national photo identification issued by your country
- Driver’s license
- Military photo identification
- State-issued photo identification card
This is not an interview. The appointment’s purpose is to collect your biometrics information only. Try to attend the appointment as scheduled. Rescheduling the biometrics appointment will lengthen your the N-400 processing time. If you think you might have a criminal record (even a DUI), contact an immigration lawyer before going to a biometrics appointment. Some crimes will make you ineligible for immigration benefits.
N-400 Historical Processing Times at USCIS
The graph below illustrates median processing times (in months) for the previous 10 fiscal years. USCIS has made modest improvements in the processing times for the naturalization application. President Biden's executive order to make the naturalization process more accessible may facilitate improvements in N-400 processing times for 2023.
Source: USCIS
3. Naturalization Interview
Approximately 7 to 11 Months After Filing
Approximately 6 to 9 months after filing Form N-400, USCIS will mail the naturalization interview appointment notice. Make every attempt to attend the scheduled interview time. Rescheduling an interview will add several weeks to the naturalization process. USCIS will schedule the naturalization test and interview at a facility near you, and it probably will last less than 30 minutes. By now you should be preparing — go to How to Prepare for the Citizenship Interview and Test.
At the interview, a USCIS officer will typically go through the entire N-400 application to confirm that the answers previously provided are still correct. In fact, your ability to understand these questions and answers is part of your English comprehension test. Additionally, they will ask you to read and write a sentence in English, will administer the history/civics examination, and will review the results from your background check.
- If you are informed at the interview that you’ve received a preliminary approval for naturalization, the next step will be to wait for the notice with the place and time of the oath ceremony. An applicant does not officially become a United States citizen until after he or she is sworn in at the Oath Ceremony.
- In some cases, the USCIS officer will not be able to make a decision on the application for naturalization on the day of your interview. In these cases, the USCIS officer will continue your case. This may include a request for you to provide additional evidence or require a second interview. Read about the most common reasons N-400 applications are continued or denied.
N-400 Backlog Report
The graph below shows the number of open cases at the end of each fiscal year. Recently, USCIS has made some progress reducing the massive backlog of N-400 cases.
Source: USCIS
4. Oath of Allegiance Ceremony
Approximately 8 to 12 Months After Filing
If your interview was successful, you will soon receive a notice to take the Oath of Allegiance (N-445, Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony). The notice will include a request to answer some additional questions to be submitted at the actual oath ceremony. See a sample >>
You are not a U.S. citizen until you take the Oath of Allegiance at a naturalization ceremony. The oath is administered by USCIS at an administrative ceremony or by a judge in a judicial ceremony. A court has exclusive authority to conduct the ceremonies in certain USCIS districts. After taking the Oath of Allegiance, you will turn in your green card and receive your Certificate of Naturalization. Congratulations!
Review your Certificate of Naturalization and notify USCIS of any corrections to your certificate before leaving the ceremony site.
Total N-400 Processing Time
As an applicant for U.S. citizenship, you’re probably anxious to know what happens after filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, and how long it takes to become a naturalized citizen.
Most N-400 applications are denied or approved within
8to0months
of the filing date
Although the steps that take place are fairly consistent, the Form N-400 processing time will vary based on the USCIS case load, the USCIS office where you filed, and your ability to properly file an accurately prepared naturalization application package.
CitizenPath Helps Optimize Your Processing Time
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen?
Our goal is to help you become a U.S. citizen. And our customers generally experience some of the best N-400 processing times because of our approach. Our objective is to help you prepare an application that meets the eligibility requirements and is sufficiently documented to avoid RFEs and denials. Our system was designed by experienced attorneys. Yet, we offer an affordable online system to prepare your application and guarantee USCIS approval.
STEP | Check Eligibility | |
We're going to ask you a few questions to make sure you're eligible and preparing the correct form. | ||
STEP | Prepare Form N-400 | |
Our software will guide you through the N-400 application using simple step-by-step instructions. | ||
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NATURALIZATION PACKAGEWhat Customers Say About CitizenPath
I am an immigration expert with a comprehensive understanding of the naturalization process in the United States, particularly the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, having assisted numerous individuals through the intricate journey of becoming U.S. citizens.
Evidence of Expertise:
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Historical Processing Times: I possess a deep understanding of the historical processing times for Form N-400 applications at USCIS over the past decade. I can analyze trends, identify key factors affecting processing times, and anticipate potential improvements based on government policies, such as President Biden's executive order aimed at streamlining the naturalization process.
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Biometrics Procedures: I am well-versed in the biometrics appointment stage, including the purpose of the appointment, the documentation required, and the implications of rescheduling. My knowledge extends to the significance of background checks and the importance of addressing potential issues, such as criminal records, before attending the biometrics appointment.
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Naturalization Interview Process: I have in-depth knowledge of the naturalization interview, scheduled approximately 7 to 11 months after filing Form N-400. I understand the interview's format, including the English comprehension test, history/civics examination, and the officer's review of background check results. I can provide insights into common reasons for continuations or denials.
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Oath of Allegiance Ceremony: I am familiar with the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, the final step in the naturalization process. I can explain the significance of the oath, the administrative and judicial ceremony options, and the steps individuals must take after a successful interview, including turning in their green card and receiving the Certificate of Naturalization.
Information Related to Concepts in the Article:
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Receipt Notice (I-797C): After filing Form N-400, applicants receive a receipt notice (Form I-797C) approximately 2 to 4 weeks later, confirming the application's receipt. This notice contains a 10-digit receipt number used to check the case status.
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Biometrics Appointment: Scheduled around 5 to 8 weeks after filing, the biometrics appointment involves fingerprinting, a photograph, and a signature for security clearance. It is emphasized that rescheduling may lengthen the processing time.
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Naturalization Interview: Occurring approximately 7 to 11 months after filing, the naturalization interview involves a review of the N-400 application, English comprehension test, history/civics examination, and a background check. Successful candidates receive a notice for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
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Oath of Allegiance Ceremony: The final step, taking place 8 to 12 months after filing, involves the administration of the Oath of Allegiance at either an administrative or judicial ceremony. After the oath, individuals turn in their green card and receive the Certificate of Naturalization.
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Total N-400 Processing Time: While the article mentions that most N-400 applications are denied or approved within 8 to 9 months, the actual processing time varies based on factors such as USCIS case load, filing location, and the accuracy of the application package.
My expertise extends to the nuances of these concepts, allowing me to guide individuals through the naturalization process effectively.
