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As an immigrant in the U.S., you can face many restrictions. These can affect your federal job opportunities, international travel, and more.
Becoming a U.S. citizen allows you to bypass these limitations and live in the country with greater freedom.
But exactly how long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? Your US citizenship timeline depends on local processing times, your background, and your eligibility.
In this guide, we will explore the factors that can affect your path to US citizenship, as well as the general processing times that affect the overall timeline.
Quick Answer: How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?
The time to become a U.S. citizen varies based on the circumstances of your case and USCIS processing times. On average, USCIS processes Form N-400 in about 5.5 months. In addition, you must hold a green card for 3 to 5 years before applying for citizenship. The exact time for holding a green card depends on your eligibility category. So, overall, the average time to become a U.S. citizen can take you anywhere from 4 to 6 years from the date you receive your green card.
The Key Factors that Affect Your US Citizenship Processing Time
Your local USCIS office, the number of applications they are handling, and available staff all affect how long your citizenship process takes. Let's review the specific factors that can influence your green card to citizenship timeline.
Factor 1. Your Green Card Eligibility Category and Waiting Period
Source: Freepik
Before you can apply for U.S. citizenship, you must hold a green card for a certain period. So, how long after a green card can you apply for citizenship? The wait depends on your specific eligibility category:
- Standard Permanent Residents: If you are a permanent resident in the US, you must wait five years from the date on your green card before applying for citizenship.
- Spouses of U.S. Citizens: According to USCIS, if you are married to a U.S. citizen and continue living together in a material union for at least three years, you can apply for citizenship. Your marriage must be valid both when you apply and at your naturalization interview.
- Military Service Members: If they serve during non-war times, they usually need to complete at least one year of service before applying. If they serve during a time when the U.S. is officially at war or in conflict, they could get citizenship right away.
In short, the time you must wait with a green card is the first step in your path to US citizenship. Apart from citizenship, if you’re still planning your immigration to the US, check out our guide on the common immigration mistakes and how to avoid them.
Factor 2. USCIS Processing Times and Field Office Location
After you submit Form N-400, the USCIS measures your citizenship application processing time from the day it receives your application until it makes a final decision. This processing time does not include any waiting period before you submit your application.
On average, it may take about 5 and a half months to process a naturalization application. But this can change a lot depending on where you live.
Your location matters because some USCIS offices handle more applications than others. For example:
- Busy offices in Seattle, New York City, or Los Angeles may take 8 to 12 months.
- Smaller offices in less populated areas may finish in 3 to 4 months.
You can see the latest estimate for your area by using the USCIS Processing Times tool. Just enter your form type (N-400) and the location of your local USCIS office to get an up-to-date estimate of your local US citizenship processing time.
Factor 3. Accuracy and Completeness of Your Application
Source: Freepik
The time it takes to become a U.S. citizen depends in large part on how accurate and complete your application is. If there are any mistakes, like missing information or documents, it will delay your progress by weeks or even months. And USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). USCIS gives you 84 days to respond to this notice.
Each time you respond to an RFE, the processing can take an additional 30 to 90 days. Apart from this, USCIS might conduct background checks on you, which can also cause delays. These can happen if you:
- Use multiple names
- Frequently change your address
- Have a common last name
Factor 4. The Interview and Test Scheduling
How long it takes to get a US citizenship is also significantly affected by the interview phase. USCIS usually schedules naturalization interviews 4 to 7 months after you file your application. The exact timing depends on your local USCIS office, how quickly your background check is completed, and the speed of biometrics processing.
After your biometrics are collected, USCIS completes an FBI background check before setting your interview date. Some offices can hold the oath ceremony on the same day as your interview if you are approved.
Also, if you reschedule your interview, you may have to wait an extra 2 to 6 months, because your application goes to the back of the queue. So, make sure to attend all scheduled appointments to keep your process on track.
Mistakes in your interview can also complicate your case. Therefore, it's best to hire a US immigration lawyer who has experience in handling green cards and citizenship to understand how to prepare for it best.
Factor 5. Individual Circumstances and Red Flags
Your naturalization processing time can also increase significantly when your personal situation requires extra review by USCIS. Here are some examples.
- Time spent outside the U.S.: If you spend long periods abroad while holding a green card, USCIS may question whether you meet the continuous residence requirement. According to the INA Section 316, you must stay physically present in the country for at least half of the required period. A trip that lasts more than six months usually breaks continuous residence.
- Criminal history: Arrests or legal problems can lead to detailed background checks. This includes cases that did not result in a conviction. USCIS reviews these records carefully. As a result, the agency may delay your application. In some cases, it may deny your request for citizenship.
- Taxes: USCIS reviews your tax compliance to evaluate your moral character. Good moral character is a key legal requirement to be eligible for naturalization. Missing returns or unpaid balances can delay your case.
- Complex immigration history: Past visa overstays, prior denials, or asylum applications can increase scrutiny. USCIS examines these records in detail. Unresolved immigration violations can stop your application. Even minor violations can lead to serious delays.
Final Words
In short, the answer to how long does it take to become a U.S. citizen depends on how fast USCIS processes your application and the unique situation of your case. If your case is complex or you’ve faced denials before, it’s best to seek legal guidance so you can avoid being permanently barred from the US.
