N400 Timeline Visajourney (2024)

FAQs

How accurate are USCIS processing times? ›

Despite efforts to provide accurate estimates, it's not uncommon for USCIS timelines to shift. As mentioned above, USCIS recalibrates its processing time estimates to reflect current realities and caseloads periodically.

Approximately 3 to 5 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.

Apply for U.S. citizenship by submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form is available to file online. There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Processing time backlogs

In February 2024, USCIS announced it had reduced its case backlog for the first time in over a decade. The overall backlog decreased by 15%, processing nearly 11 million case filings and completing 10 million cases.

USCIS processing rate has greatly increased since November 2022. The processing rate now appears to be leveling off at around 2000 cases per working day (on average).

USCIS Case Status Message Explorer

According to Lawfully's data analysis of USCIS case status message updates, among the people who received the status message "Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCIS," the most probable next update message is "Interview Was Scheduled," (at 83%) after an average of 107 days.

After submitting your Form N-400 application (Application for Naturalization), you may wonder if you can travel abroad pending the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) decision on your application. The USCIS imposes no travel restrictions on green card holders.

Once you've passed the interview and citizenship test, USCIS will send you a notification that your application was approved. You will then be scheduled for your oath ceremony, usually 1–2 months after your successful interview.

In addition to the completed Form N-400, you must also submit the following documents as supporting evidence with your Application for Naturalization: Two identical recent passport-style photos (only applicants for who live abroad) A copy of the front and back of your Form I-551 (Permanent Resident Card)

What is the timeline for n400? ›

In Fiscal Year 2023, USCIS announced it had eliminated the backlog of citizenship applications, and processing times have continued to improve since the pandemic. Currently, the average time to get Form N-400 approved is about 5 months, and as of April 1, 2024, the N-400 form costs $760 when you file.

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.

To satisfy the residency requirement, you must have been a resident of the state or USCIS district where you plan to apply for citizenship for at least three months immediately prior to applying for naturalization. (See our detailed guide to naturalization for exceptions to this requirement based on military service.)

The whole naturalization process (including application processing, the citizenship interview and exam, and oath of allegiance ceremony) takes 18-24 months on average.

We make every effort to update the processing times every month. For most forms, the processing times displayed are based on data that are one month old. For forms that still use the cycle time methodology, the processing times displayed are based on data captured approximately two months prior to updating the page.

Many factors may affect how long it takes USCIS to complete an application, petition or request, such as the number of applications, petitions, or requests we receive, workload and staffing allocations, the time a benefit requestor takes responding to a request for more information, as well as policy and operational ...

Calling USCIS doesn't directly expedite your case. However, it can provide updates on the status of your application and clarify any queries you may have about the process.

For most cases, you may request an expedite by contacting the USCIS Contact Center or by asking Emma. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page). You need to explain why you need expedited processing.