Why does becoming a U.S. citizen take so long?

USCIS receives a large number of applications for citizenship and has a lot of backlogs, which is why it will take over 14 months for USCIS to process your application. Note that exact USCIS processing times may vary based on your location.


Why is US citizenship taking so long?

Processing times for Form N-400 (officially called the “Application for Naturalization”) have increased significant between FY 2017 and FY 2022, with FY2021 processing times averaging 11 months. The spike in recent years is largely due to a naturalization application backlog.

What is the average wait time to become a U.S. citizen?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below). The overall naturalization process involves more steps and a longer citizenship timeline.


Why is USCIS taking so long 2022?

Jaddou on agency-wide backlog reduction efforts and processing times on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 2-3 p.m. Eastern. COVID-19 restrictions, fiscal issues, a hiring freeze, and other factors have greatly exacerbated processing delays and backlogs, and placed burdens on applicants and petitioners.

How long is taking the citizenship process 2022?

Overall, the processing time for form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is about 8 to 12 months.


Why is my immigration case taking so long?



Will USCIS speed up in 2023?

USCIS will increase capacity, improve technology, and expand staffing to achieve these new goals by the end of FY 2023. Currently, the agency's publicly posted processing times show the amount of time it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the past six months.

Will USCIS speed up in 2022?

USCIS committed to improving processing times for petitions and key documents back in March 2022, which we reported on in detail here. Specifically, USCIS announced the following goals: I-765 Employment Authorization Document (EAD): within three months.

How do I speed up USCIS processing time?

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page).


How much time it takes to get n400 2022?

The current average processing time for Form N-400 is around – months. Generally, however, the speed of processing depends on the USCIS field office handling the application, and some applicants can get a head start on the process (see “Filing Early” below).

What happens when USCIS takes too long?

Contact An Immigration Lawyer And File A Lawsuit

The judge will weigh the evidence you present and determine if USCIS has exceeded a reasonable timeline in reviewing your application.

Is there a faster way to become a U.S. citizen?

There are several routes to becoming a citizen in the United States, but by far, the fastest is to become naturalized by marriage. Expedited naturalization by marriage requires you to live in the United States with your citizen spouse for three years.


Is there a faster way to get US citizenship?

The fastest way to become a U.S. citizen is to be born in the United States. How long do you have to live in the US to become a citizen? You may qualify for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen if you have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years. 3 years in case you are married to a U.S. citizen.

Can I travel while waiting for citizenship?

You may travel to another country, including your home country, provided no other legal impediment precludes you from doing so. However, if a trip lasts longer than 180 days, USCIS may determine that you have not continuously resided in the United States and therefore are ineligible for naturalization.

Is the a way to speed up citizenship process?

Making an Expedite Request to USCIS

To request expedited processing of your naturalization application, you can either go through the USCIS Contact Center (800-375-5283) or write a letter to your local USCIS field office (the one handling your N-400 application).


What is the shortest time to get citizenship?

The fastest way to obtain citizenship is in Vanuatu; on average, it takes a month. Caribbean citizenship has become popular among entrepreneurs.

Is now a good time to apply for citizenship?

Now is a great time to apply for citizenship. Permanent residents who file Form N-400 by the end of November get to take the current civics test. Applicants who file the naturalization application on or after December 1, 2020, will take the updated version of the test.

How long do you have to wait to apply for citizenship after green card?

If you're a green card holder with no special circumstances, you can apply for United States citizenship at least five years after obtaining your green card.


What are the 5 requirements to become a U.S. citizen?

Become a U.S. Citizen Through Naturalization
  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
  • Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;


Can a lawyer speed up the immigration process?

Immigration attorneys can help speed up your immigration case in a few different ways. The most obvious is by using their knowledge and experience to make the process go more smoothly and easily.

What is the fastest Uscis office?

Cleveland – The Fastest City in the U.S. in Naturalization
  • If you are a green card holder for 3-5 years;
  • If you have served in the U.S. military.


Can I call USCIS to ask about my case?

Here are some ways to do so: Submit an e-Request to USCIS if your case is beyond the published processing times. You can also submit an e-Request to check on appointment accommodations, typographic errors, or delayed delivery of documents, notices, or cards. You may also call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283.

What does it mean when USCIS is actively reviewing your case?

Unfortunately, this active review stage begins when the assigned reviewer receives your file and lasts until they request more information or make a decision. Depending on the circumstances, this could last for weeks, months, or longer. You can check your estimated processing time on the USCIS website.

How many cases does USCIS process a day?

On an average day we:

Adjudicate more than 32,500 requests for various immigration benefits. Process 3,700 applications to sponsor relatives and future spouses. Analyze nearly 550 tips, leads, cases and detections for potential fraud, public safety and national security concerns.


How far out are USCIS interviews scheduled?

As we've mentioned above, you could wait for anything between 1 month and 24 months for your interview to be scheduled. These times are not guaranteed in any way, however. So, if there is a long delay at your field office, it could even take even longer.

Can I select a faster USCIS processing center?

Unfortunately, no you cannot choose the processing center or USCIS office where your paperwork is sent to. It's going to be sent to one of two lock boxes either in Phoenix, Arizona or Chicago, Illinois.