The time it takes to become a U.S. citizen depends on several factors, including how you obtained your Green Card, your location, and current U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times.
In general, the citizenship (naturalization) process takes about 8 to 14 months from start to finish — but the total wait time before you’re even eligible to apply can be 3 to 5 years after becoming a Green Card holder.
Let’s break it down step by step
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Period
Before you can even apply, you must have had your Green Card for a specific number of years:
| Eligibility Type | When You Can Apply |
|---|---|
| Green Card through family, employment, or lottery | After 5 years of permanent residence |
| Green Card through marriage to a U.S. citizen | After 3 years of permanent residence |
| Military service members | Often eligible sooner under special rules |
You can actually apply 90 days before reaching your 3- or 5-year mark.
Step 2: File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
Once you’re eligible, the first formal step is submitting Form N-400.
Processing time:
About 1–3 months to receive your receipt notice and biometrics appointment.
Step 3: Attend Biometrics Appointment
You’ll be scheduled for fingerprinting and background checks.
Processing time:
Usually 1 month after filing.
Step 4: Citizenship Interview and Civics Test
Next, USCIS will schedule an interview where you’ll:
-
Answer questions about your application and background.
-
Take an English test (unless exempt).
-
Take a U.S. civics test about American history and government.
Processing time:
Typically 6–10 months after you file.
Step 5: Receive the USCIS Decision
After the interview, USCIS will:
-
Approve your application ✅
-
Request more information (RFE)
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Or deny it ❌
Processing time:
Usually 1–2 months after your interview.
Step 6: Take the Oath of Allegiance
If approved, you’ll receive a notice to attend the oath ceremony, which officially makes you a U.S. citizen.
Processing time:
About 1–2 months after approval (sometimes faster).
Total Citizenship Timeline (Average):
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Eligibility waiting period | 3–5 years |
| N-400 processing | 8–14 months |
| Total time from Green Card to citizenship | ~4–6 years |
Why the Timeline Can Vary
Several factors can speed up or delay your case:
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Backlogs at your local USCIS field office
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Missing or incorrect documents
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Background check delays
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Rescheduling of interviews or biometrics
You can check current USCIS processing times anytime at:
https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning ahead, submit your Form N-400 as soon as you become eligible (up to 90 days early) to save time. Also, make sure your Green Card is still valid when applying — if it’s about to expire, renew it first.
In summary:
➡️ The citizenship process takes about 8–14 months once you file Form N-400, but you must first wait 3–5 years after getting your Green Card to apply.
So, from the moment you become a permanent resident to the day you take the Oath of Allegiance, it usually takes around 4–6 years total.