For many people, becoming a U.S. citizen is one of the most meaningful milestones of their immigration journey. It opens the door to full participation in American civic life, including the ability to vote, obtain a U.S. passport, and petition for qualifying family members to immigrate. However, the process can be lengthy and requires careful preparation. Understanding how long naturalization takes and what steps are involved can help you plan and avoid unnecessary delays. It is also recommended to seek professional guidance from an experienced immigration attorney .
An Overview of the N-400 Naturalization Process
The process to become a U.S. citizen officially begins when a lawful permanent resident files the Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form establishes your eligibility and starts your case with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After filing, you will be scheduled for several important steps: a biometrics appointment, an interview, and two exams (an English language test and a civics test on American history.) If everything goes smoothly, you will then be permitted to attend the Oath of Allegiance ceremony, marking the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen.
Even small mistakes, such as an unsigned form, missing evidence, or incorrect filing fee, can cause your citizenship application to be delayed for months. It’s also important to know that USCIS continues to evaluate your eligibility until the day you take the official Oath, so it is extremely important to maintain continuous residence, good moral character, and compliance with all requirements throughout the naturalization process.
How Long Are Processing Times for Citizenship?
As of 2025, the national average processing time for the N-400 application ranges around 12 to 18 months, but this varies widely depending on where you live. For example, in large metropolitan areas such as New York City, processing can take up to 24 months, while smaller immigration field offices may move faster, sometimes even completing the process in under a year. These estimates include the time from filing the N-400 to attending your oath ceremony.
However, it is important to understand that several factors can also significantly affect how long your U.S. citizenship process takes. Processing times can fluctuate based on the number of applications received by USCIS, staffing shortages, policy changes, or the unique circumstances or complexity of a person’s individual case.
Delays may also occur if USCIS requests additional documentation, if you need to reschedule an interview, or if background checks take longer than expected.
Best Preparation Before You Apply for Citizenship
To avoid unnecessary delays, you should first confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements before filing. According to USCIS, applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have held lawful permanent resident (Green Card) status for at least five years (or three years if married to a U.S. citizen or eligible under VAWA).
- Have maintained continuous residence and physical presence in the United States.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Show proficiency in English and Civics
Submitting a complete, accurate application is one of the best ways to keep your case moving smoothly. Staying proactive and responding promptly to all USCIS correspondence can also help prevent these setbacks and keep your case running on schedule. Consulting an immigration attorney is also critical to ensure eligibility and accuracy when filing your application.
Contact Aspire Immigration for Help with the U.S. Citizenship Process
At Aspire Immigration, we understand that applying for U.S. citizenship is one of the most important decisions you will make. From our Dallas, Texas office, we proudly assist clients worldwide with naturalization and all aspects of U.S. immigration law. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping you navigate every step of the N-400 process efficiently and successfully.
At Aspire Immigration, a skilled attorney can review your case, help resolve any issues such as prior criminal records or extended absences abroad and guide you confidently through the naturalization interview and oath process. Contact us today to begin your path toward citizenship with confidence and peace of mind.
