Form N-400 processing time
N-400 Application for Naturalization
Processing time trend
Months to decision
FY diamonds are USCIS-published yearly national averages. Weekly points average our daily snapshots. Daily points are individual USCIS snapshots from the last 30 days.
Summary · Updated 2026-06-23
As of 2026-06-23, USCIS reports a 9.5 Months to 12.5 Months processing time for Form N-400 Application for Naturalization cases handled by Imperial CA. This range represents the time to complete 80% of these cases. If your filing receipt is dated before June 19, 2025, you may submit a case inquiry to USCIS.
How long does N-400 Application for Naturalization take?
USCIS currently publishes a range of 9.5 Months to 12.5 Months for Form N-400 Application for Naturalization cases handled by Imperial CA, as of . This is the time to complete 80% of cases of this type at this office — your case may resolve faster or slower than the published range.
Can I submit a case inquiry?
USCIS accepts case inquiries when your receipt date is older than the published inquiry date. For N-400 Application for Naturalization at Imperial CA, that date is currently June 19, 2025. If your filing receipt is dated before that, you can submit a service request through your USCIS online account.
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How to read the chart
The chart combines four data sources, oldest to newest: USCIS-published fiscal-year averages from FY2014 (including the current partial year), drawn from USCIS's Historic Processing Times page; weekly averages computed from our daily snapshots; and daily snapshots for the most recent 30 days. A flat line means the published range was unchanged in our snapshots, not that nothing is happening on individual cases.
Source & methodology
All processing-time figures on this page come directly from USCIS's official Processing Times tool. We snapshot the published ranges every weekday and store the time series for trend analysis. Historic fiscal-year medians come from USCIS's Historic Processing Times page. This site is independent and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency.
Frequently asked questions about N-400
When can I file Form N-400?
You can file up to 90 days before reaching your eligibility window: 5 years of continuous LPR status (or 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen during that entire period). Filing earlier than 90 days before risks denial.
What's the difference between continuous residence and physical presence?
Continuous residence means you've maintained LPR status without abandoning it (trips of 6+ months can break it, 1+ year almost certainly breaks it). Physical presence is your actual time in the US — 30 months in 5 years (or 18 months in 3 years) is the minimum.
What's on the civics test?
USCIS pulls from a pool of 100 questions covering US history, geography, government, and rights. Officers ask up to 10 questions during the interview; you must answer 6 correctly. Senior applicants (65/20 rule) get a smaller question pool. Study materials are free on USCIS.gov.
What's the English test?
Three components: speaking (assessed during the interview as you answer the officer's questions), reading (read one of three short sentences correctly), and writing (write one of three short sentences correctly). The 50/20 rule (50+ years old, 20+ years as LPR) and 55/15 rule waive the English test.
Will my prior arrests cause a problem?
All arrests must be disclosed, even if dismissed or expunged. USCIS evaluates 'good moral character' over the statutory period (5 years for most, 3 years for spouse-based naturalization). Certain criminal convictions are permanent bars (aggravated felonies, murder); many others fall on the case-by-case continuum. Consult an immigration attorney if you have any criminal history.
What happens at the oath ceremony?
You return your green card, take the Oath of Allegiance, and receive your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550). You're a US citizen from that moment — you can register to vote that day, apply for a US passport, and begin sponsoring relatives faster than as an LPR.
Can I travel while my N-400 is pending?
Yes, but watch out for trips of 6+ months which can reset your continuous-residence clock. Keep all travel records (passport stamps, boarding passes). If your green card expires during the wait, request an ADIT stamp at USCIS (the card extension is automatic on the N-400 receipt notice for some applicants).
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