How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?
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Becoming a U.S. citizen is a significant milestone that involves a detailed naturalization process. In this guide, we will outline the timeline and essential steps to ensure a smooth application experience, highlighting the importance of understanding your eligibility and the potential need for an attorney near you for assistance.
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Discover the timeline to become a U.S. citizen with our comprehensive guide, detailing each step from meeting residency requirements to taking the Oath of Allegiance. Understand how processing times, potential delays, and eligibility categories can affect your journey, and find an experienced immigration attorney near you to assist with your naturalization application.
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A flat vector illustration of the U.S. naturalization timeline, showing key milestones in the citizenship process. The image includes a green card holder applying for citizenship, a biometrics appointment with fingerprint scanning, an interview with a USCIS officer, a citizenship test, a USCIS approval notice, and a U.S. citizenship oath ceremony. A calendar, clock, and U.S. passport icon emphasize the 6-18 month processing time.
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Feb 25, 2025 09:23 PM
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How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?
The journey to U.S. citizenship is exciting but often requires patience. Many applicants wonder: How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The answer depends on several factors, including your eligibility category, processing times, and potential delays.
In this guide, we’ll break down the naturalization timeline step by step, covering:
- General processing times for naturalization (Form N-400)
- How long you need to wait before applying
- Delays and factors that can affect your application
- Ways to track your application status
By understanding the process and expected wait times, you can better prepare for your path to U.S. citizenship.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
Step 1: Meeting the Residency Requirement (3–5 Years)
Before you can apply for U.S. citizenship, you must meet the residency requirement as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder):
- Most applicants: Must have a green card for at least 5 years.
- Marriage-based applicants: If married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply after 3 years.
- Military service members: Some may qualify for expedited naturalization.
Continuous Residence & Physical Presence Requirements
During this period, you must also meet:
- Continuous residence – You cannot leave the U.S. for long periods (no trips over 6 months).
- Physical presence – You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least:
- 30 months out of the last 5 years (for most applicants).
- 18 months out of the last 3 years (for spouses of U.S. citizens).
Once you meet these requirements, you can move on to the application stage.
Step 2: Filing Form N-400 (2–4 Weeks to Receive USCIS Receipt)
Once eligible, you must submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with the required fees ($725 total, including the $640 application fee and $85 biometric fee).
- Online Filing: You can submit Form N-400 electronically through the USCIS website for faster processing.
- Paper Filing: If mailing a paper application, USCIS takes 2–4 weeks to send a receipt notice confirming they received your form.
Once your application is filed, USCIS will schedule your biometrics appointment.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment (1–2 Months After Filing)
USCIS will send a biometrics appointment notice, usually 4–8 weeks after filing your N-400.
At your biometrics appointment, USCIS will:
- Take your fingerprints and photograph.
- Collect your signature.
- Conduct an FBI background check.
This step is mandatory and helps USCIS confirm your identity and check for any criminal history.
Step 4: The Naturalization Interview & Citizenship Test (8–14 Months After Filing)
After your biometrics are completed, USCIS will schedule your naturalization interview—the most important part of the process.
What Happens at the Interview?
- The USCIS officer reviews your application and asks about your background.
- You take the English and civics test (unless exempt).
- If you pass, the officer may approve your case on the spot, or they may need more information.
For tips on how to prepare, check out How to Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Test.
USCIS typically schedules your interview 8 to 14 months after filing your application, but this can vary by location.
Step 5: USCIS Decision (Same Day to Several Weeks After Interview)
After your interview, USCIS may:
- Approve your application – You will receive a Notice of Oath Ceremony.
- Request more evidence (RFE) – If USCIS needs additional documents.
- Schedule a second interview – If the officer needs clarification on your case.
In most cases, applicants receive a decision the same day as their interview or within a few weeks.
Step 6: Taking the Oath of Allegiance (1–2 Months After Approval)
The final step in the naturalization process is attending the Oath of Allegiance ceremony.
- You will receive a Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony (Form N-445) with the date, time, and location.
- At the ceremony, you officially become a U.S. citizen and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
The oath ceremony typically occurs 1 to 2 months after approval. In some cases, USCIS may schedule same-day ceremonies, allowing applicants to take the oath immediately after their interview.
Total Timeframe for U.S. Citizenship: 6–18 Months After Applying
From the time you submit Form N-400 to taking the oath, the entire naturalization process usually takes 6 to 18 months.
Estimated Timeline Breakdown
Stage | Processing Time |
Meeting residency requirements | 3–5 years (before applying) |
Form N-400 processing | 2–4 weeks for receipt notice |
Biometrics appointment | 1–2 months after filing |
Citizenship interview & test | 8–14 months after filing |
USCIS decision | Same day to a few weeks after interview |
Oath ceremony | 1–2 months after approval |
Total timeline | 6–18 months after applying |
Processing times vary depending on:
- USCIS workload – Some offices process applications faster than others.
- Applicant background – Delays can occur if additional security checks are required.
- COVID-19 and other disruptions – Some USCIS offices still have backlogs.
To check current wait times, visit the USCIS Processing Time Tool.
Factors That Can Delay Your Application
Several issues can slow down the naturalization process, including:
- Errors on Form N-400 – Any mistakes can cause delays or even rejections.
- Missing documents – Failing to submit required paperwork may result in a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- Criminal history – Past arrests or convictions may require additional review.
- Extended trips outside the U.S. – Long absences can disrupt the continuous residence requirement.
- Background check delays – If the FBI cannot verify your identity, processing can take longer.
To avoid delays, double-check your application and prepare for your interview in advance.
How to Track Your Naturalization Case
Once you submit your N-400, you can track your application status online.
Ways to Check Your Status
- USCIS Case Status Online: Enter your receipt number at USCIS.gov.
- USCIS Processing Time Tool: Check wait times for your local USCIS office.
- Case Status Updates via Text or Email: Sign up for notifications at myUSCIS.
Conclusion
The journey to U.S. citizenship takes time and patience, but understanding the process helps you prepare for each step. While the average timeline is 6–18 months, factors like USCIS processing times, your background, and interview success can impact the length of time.
If you need assistance with your naturalization application, ReferU.AI can connect you with experienced immigration attorneys near you. Don’t risk unnecessary delays—get expert help today and start your journey to U.S. citizenship!