N-400 Processing Time 2026
Form N-400, Application for Naturalization: how long USCIS takes, from its own quarterly data for Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3).
National median
Half of the cases USCIS completed in Apr–Jun 2026 took this long or less (national median). Your case may differ: offices and individual cases vary. Not legal advice.
Trend by quarter
National median in months for each USCIS fiscal-year quarter we have the report for (FY = October–September). “n/a” = USCIS no longer hosts that quarter’s report.
| Quarter | Civilian | Military |
|---|---|---|
| FY26 Q3 Apr–Jun 2026 | 9.5 | 2.6 |
| FY26 Q2 Jan–Mar 2026 | 7.4 | 3.7 |
| FY26 Q1 Oct–Dec 2025 | — | — |
| FY25 Q4 Jul–Sep 2025 | 5.7 | 3.2 |
Track your own case
Paste your receipt number to see which office has it, how old it is compared with this median, and the next steps. Free; without an account your cases stay in your browser.
Open the case tracker →What is Form N-400?
Form N-400 is the application a green card holder files to become a US citizen. The process includes biometrics, an interview with English and civics tests, and the Oath of Allegiance.
USCIS reports civilian and military naturalization applications separately.
What affects the processing time
- Your local field office’s interview backlog, which varies widely between cities.
- Security and background checks, which can take much longer for some applicants.
- Interview outcome: a continuance (for more evidence or a retest) adds time.
- Oath ceremony scheduling; some offices give the oath on the interview day.
- Case transfers between service centers or field offices.
Typical steps
- Receipt notice (I-797C)USCIS accepts the filing and mails/posts a receipt with your receipt number and received date.uscis.gov
- Biometrics (if applicable)Fingerprints for background checks.uscis.gov
- Interview and testsAn officer reviews your application and gives the English and civics tests.uscis.gov
- DecisionGranted, continued (e.g. for more evidence or a retest), or denied.uscis.gov
- Oath ceremony noticeYou’re scheduled for the Oath of Allegiance; sometimes the same day as the interview.uscis.gov
- Oath and certificateTake the oath, return your green card, receive your Certificate of Naturalization.uscis.gov
FAQ
How long does N-400 take in 2026?
In USCIS’s latest quarterly report (Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3)) the national median for N-400 was Civilian: 9.5 months; Military: 2.6 months. Half of the cases completed in that quarter took longer, and your office may be faster or slower.
Does the N-400 median include the oath ceremony?
The median measures time to completion (decision) for cases completed in the quarter. Oath scheduling after approval can add time, depending on the office.
Can I practice for the civics test?
Yes. USCIS publishes the official civics questions and study materials, and Xaplore has a free bilingual civics practice test at civics.xaplore.dev.
My case is taking longer than the median. What can I do?
Look up your form and office on USCIS’s official processing-times page. If your receipt date is earlier than the “receipt date for a case inquiry” it shows, you can ask USCIS about the case through e-Request. Answer any notices on time, and consider an attorney if something looks wrong.
Source
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “Number of Service-wide Forms By Quarter, Form Status, and Processing Time”, Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3), data queried 7/2026 (quarterly_all_forms_fy2026_q3_v1.xlsx).
- Download the report (uscis.gov)
- USCIS immigration and citizenship data
- Office-level processing times (egov.uscis.gov)
This page is rebuilt automatically when USCIS publishes a new quarter.