N-400 Processing Time in 2026: Citizenship Timeline, Fees & New Civics Test

Wondering how long the N-400 processing time in 2026 really is? For most applicants, naturalization now takes roughly 5 to 8 months from filing to the Oath of Allegiance, though some field offices run longer. This guide breaks down the full timeline, the current filing fees, and the new 2025 civics test that applies to anyone who filed on or after October 20, 2025.

Quick answer: The national median for Form N-400 is about 5–6 months in 2026, but total time can exceed a year in busy field offices. Filing online ($710) is $50 cheaper and generally faster than paper ($760).

N-400 processing time in 2026 at a glance

Stage	Typical timeframe (2026)
Receipt notice (Form N-400 accepted)	1–4 weeks
Biometrics (if required)	3–6 weeks after receipt
Interview + civics/English test	3–6 months after filing
Oath of Allegiance ceremony	Days to a few weeks after approval
Total (filing to citizenship)	~5–8 months (varies by field office)

Processing speed depends heavily on your local USCIS field office workload. Check the latest official estimate on our N-400 processing times page, and compare across forms on the main USCIS processing times hub.

When you can file the N-400

You can file up to 90 days before you meet the continuous residence requirement:

• 5 years as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or
• 3 years if you have been married to and living with a U.S. citizen spouse.

You must also meet physical presence, good moral character, age (18+), and English/civics requirements. If you are still working through your green card, see our green card process guide.

N-400 filing fees in 2026

USCIS filing fees for naturalization are:

Filing method	Fee (2026)	Notes
Online	$710	Biometrics included; $50 cheaper; faster case management
Paper	$760	Biometrics included; required for fee waiver/reduction requests
Reduced fee	$380	Household income 150–400% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (file by paper)
Military (INA §328/§329)	$0	No filing fee
Fee waiver (Form I-912)	$0	For applicants who qualify based on hardship

Online filing lets you pay, track status, view estimated completion dates, and respond to any Requests for Evidence in one place. Fee waivers and reduced fees must be requested on paper.

The new 2025 civics test — which version applies to you

USCIS implemented an updated naturalization civics test in 2025. Your filing date determines which test you take:

• Filed before October 20, 2025: the 2008 civics test — 10 oral questions, 6 correct to pass.
• Filed on or after October 20, 2025: the 2025 civics test — the officer asks 20 questions from a list of 128, and you must answer 12 correctly; you fail if you answer 9 or more incorrectly.

Special provision for older, long-term residents

Applicants who are 65 or older and have been lawful permanent residents for 20+ years may study a smaller bank of 20 questions (10 asked), and may take the test in their language of choice.

Everyone must also demonstrate basic English reading, writing, and speaking, unless they qualify for a statutory exemption.

How to speed up your naturalization timeline

• File online to shave time and manage your case digitally.
• Answer requests for evidence quickly — delays here are a common bottleneck.
• Keep your address current with USCIS so you never miss an interview or oath notice.
• Prepare early for the correct civics test version based on your filing date.
• If USCIS does not decide within 120 days of your interview, you may have a federal court remedy — consult an immigration attorney.

Frequently asked questions

How long does N-400 take in 2026?

Most applicants complete naturalization in about 5–8 months, with a national median near 5–6 months. Some field offices take a year or more, so check your local estimate.

Is the N-400 fee $710 or $760 in 2026?

It is $710 if you file online and $760 if you file on paper. Biometrics are included in both, and a reduced $380 fee is available for qualifying incomes.

Which civics test will I take?

If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 test (10 questions, 6 to pass). If you filed on or after that date, you take the 2025 test (20 questions asked from 128, 12 correct to pass).

Can I apply for citizenship before my 5-year anniversary?

Yes. You may file up to 90 days before meeting the 5-year (or 3-year, if married to a U.S. citizen) continuous residence requirement.

Do I still need biometrics for the N-400?

Many applicants attend a biometrics appointment after filing, though USCIS may reuse existing biometrics in some cases. The fee is already included in your filing fee.

Related reading

Track other timelines and fee changes on the US Visa Tracker blog, or review current USCIS processing times.

Sources: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — Form N-400 page, Fee Schedule (G-1055), and 2025 Naturalization Civics Test guidance (uscis.gov). This article is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current fees and timelines on USCIS.gov.