Naturalization

Form N-400, officially called the “Application for Naturalization,” is a government form used in the United States. It’s the first step if you’re a green card holder who wants to become a U.S. citizen through a process called naturalization. This process has specific eligibility requirements. After meeting those requirements, you’ll submit the N-400 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to officially apply for U.S. citizenship.

How long is N-400 taking now?

The current median processing time for Form N-400 is around 4.9. USCIS has prioritized naturalization applications in recent years, and has cut the N-400 approval time in half, since 2019.

Generally, the speed of processing depends on the USCIS field office handling the application, and some applicants can get a head start on the process.

How long do I have to wait to apply for citizenship after I get my green card?

Usually, someone who is not a citizen needs to live in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years to apply for citizenship. However, if they are married to a U.S. citizen, they only need to be a resident for 3 years. According to USCIS data, the average time of marriage before applying for citizenship is 7 years.