Form N-400 Processing Times 2026

As of April 2026, N-400 naturalization processing takes 10–24 months depending on the service center handling your case. The National Benefits Center (NBC) and California Service Center (CSC) typically process faster than other centers. Processing steps include: receipt of your application (~2 weeks), initial review (~3–6 months), biometric appointment notice (~2–4 months after filing), interview scheduling (~6–12 months), and oath ceremony (within 120 days of approval if you are not in removal proceedings). You can track your case at uscis.gov/casestatus using your receipt number.

To naturalize, you generally need: (1) 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (3 years if married to a US citizen); (2) Continuous residence in the US for those 5 years (3 years for spouse-based); (3) Physical presence in the US for at least 30 months (18 months for spouse-based) during the residency period; (4) Good moral character during the 5-year period; (5) English language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking) and US civics knowledge (test on US history and government); (6) Attachment to the US Constitution. Applicants 50+ who have lived in the US as LPR for 20+ years are exempt from the English test (but must still take the civics test in their native language).

The civics test covers 100 questions. You will be asked up to 10 during your interview, and must answer 6 correctly to pass. Study resources: (1) USCIS naturalization test study materials at uscis.gov/citizenship — free official study guide and practice tests; (2) USVISASTACK tools/green-card-pathway-planner — includes naturalization prep resources; (3) USAGov official study materials. Key focus areas: names of branches of government, constitutional amendments, rights and responsibilities of citizens, major events in US history. The test is verbal — you must understand the English question and respond in English.

At the naturalization interview, a USCIS officer will: (1) review your application and supporting documents (ID, LPR card, travel records); (2) ask questions about your application and background (be consistent with what you wrote — inconsistencies can trigger denial); (3) test your English language ability (reading, writing one sentence each); (4) administer the civics test (up to 10 questions, 6 correct to pass); (5) review good moral character (criminal history, taxes, child support, Selective Service). The interview takes 20–60 minutes. If the officer finds you eligible, approval can happen same day and oath ceremony scheduling begins.

As of April 2026: $760 standard filing fee. A $85 biometric services fee applies for applicants 75 and older (total: $845). Fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for applicants with household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. The fee increased from $640 to $760 under the April 2024 USCIS fee rule. Military veterans, certain refugees, and asylees may have fee exemptions. Always verify current fees at uscis.gov/n-400 before filing. Some applicants over 75 on active military service may have fee exemptions — check with USCIS.

Yes — traveling abroad while your N-400 is pending does not affect the application as long as you maintain continuous residence in the US. Keep records of all international travel — the officer will review your I-94 records at the interview. If you spend more than 6 months outside the US during the statutory period, USCIS may question your continuous residence. Extended trips (6–12 months) require a re-entry permit (I-327) before departure to preserve your residency claim. Do not travel after your oath ceremony is scheduled — your LPR status converts to citizenship upon taking the oath.