One of the most common questions we hear at the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen is: “How long will it take to become a U.S. citizen?”
It’s a question that carries weight. For many families, citizenship represents security, opportunity, and the end of years of uncertainty. You want to know when you can finally stop worrying about your immigration status and start planning for your future.
The truth is that the citizenship timeline varies depending on several factors, including where you live, USCIS processing times, and the complexity of your case. But with the right information and preparation, you can navigate the process more smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the U.S. citizenship timeline—from eligibility to oath ceremony.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility (Before Filing)
Before you file Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization), you need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. This step doesn’t have a fixed timeline—it depends on when you received your green card.
Eligibility requirements:
- You’ve been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- You’ve met the continuous residence and physical presence requirements
- You have good moral character
- You can speak, read, and write basic English (with some exceptions)
- You have knowledge of U.S. history and government
Timeline: You can file your N-400 up to 90 days before you meet the 3- or 5-year requirement.
Pro tip: Many applicants file too early and have their applications denied. At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we carefully review your timeline to ensure you file at exactly the right moment.
Step 2: File Form N-400 (Day 1 of the Process)
Once you’re eligible, the first official step is completing and submitting Form N-400 along with supporting documents and the filing fee.
What you’ll need:
- Completed N-400 form
- Copy of your green card (front and back)
- Two passport-style photos
- Filing fee ($710 as of 2025, which includes the $640 application fee and $85 biometrics fee)
- Supporting documents (marriage certificate, divorce decrees, tax returns, etc., if applicable)
Timeline: Filing can be done online or by mail. Online applications are generally processed faster.
Processing begins: USCIS will send you a receipt notice within 2–4 weeks of filing, confirming they’ve received your application.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment (1–2 Months After Filing)
After USCIS receives your N-400, they’ll schedule you for a biometrics appointment. This is where they collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for background checks.
What happens:
- You’ll receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of your appointment
- The appointment takes about 15–30 minutes
- USCIS uses your biometrics to run FBI and other background checks
Timeline: Most biometrics appointments are scheduled 1–2 months after filing.
What if you miss your appointment? Contact USCIS immediately to reschedule. Missing your biometrics appointment without rescheduling can result in your case being closed.
Step 4: USCIS Review and Background Check (2–10 Months)
After your biometrics appointment, USCIS reviews your application and conducts background checks. This is typically the longest part of the process.
What USCIS is doing:
- Reviewing your N-400 for completeness and accuracy
- Running FBI, DHS, and other security checks
- Verifying your immigration history, tax records, and criminal background (if any)
- Scheduling your citizenship interview
Timeline: This step can take anywhere from 2 to 10 months, depending on:
- USCIS field office workload (Dallas and Irving offices typically process cases in 8–12 months)
- Complexity of your case
- Whether USCIS requests additional evidence
Delays are common if:
- Your background check is flagged for additional review
- You have a criminal history that requires further investigation
- You’ve traveled extensively and USCIS needs to verify your trips
- Your case is randomly selected for quality review
How to check your status: You can track your case online using your receipt number at uscis.gov.
Step 5: Citizenship Interview (6–12 Months After Filing)
Once your background check is complete, USCIS will schedule your citizenship interview. You’ll receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location.
What happens at the interview:
- A USCIS officer will review your N-400 application with you
- You’ll be tested on your ability to speak, read, and write in English (unless you qualify for an exemption)
- You’ll take the U.S. civics test (you must answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly)
- The officer will make a decision: approved, continued, or denied
Timeline: Most interviews are scheduled 6–12 months after filing, depending on your USCIS field office.
Interview length: The interview typically lasts 15–30 minutes.
Decision: In most cases, the officer will tell you whether you’ve been approved at the end of the interview. If approved, you’ll receive a notice with your oath ceremony date. If continued or denied, you’ll receive written instructions.
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we prepare our clients thoroughly for the interview with practice questions, mock interviews, and personalized coaching.
Step 6: Oath Ceremony (2–6 Weeks After Interview)
The final step in your citizenship journey is the naturalization ceremony, where you take the Oath of Allegiance and receive your Certificate of Naturalization.
What happens:
- You’ll attend a ceremony with other new citizens (ceremonies can range from a few people to hundreds)
- You’ll take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States
- You’ll turn in your green card
- You’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization
Timeline: Most oath ceremonies are scheduled 2–6 weeks after your interview.
Location: Ceremonies may be held at the USCIS office, a courthouse, or a special venue.
You are now a U.S. citizen! You can immediately apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, and enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Total Timeline: 8–14 Months on Average
Putting it all together, here’s the typical timeline for U.S. citizenship:
- Filing to biometrics: 1–2 months
- Biometrics to interview: 5–10 months
- Interview to oath ceremony: 2–6 weeks
Average total time: 8–14 months from filing to becoming a citizen.
Dallas-Fort Worth area: Based on current USCIS data, applicants in the Dallas and Irving field offices typically see total processing times of 10–12 months.
Factors That Can Speed Up or Delay Your Case
Factors that speed up processing:
- Filing online (faster than mail)
- Clean background with no criminal history
- Straightforward travel history
- Complete and accurate N-400 application
- Passing the English and civics tests on the first try
Factors that cause delays:
- Incomplete application or missing documents
- Criminal history requiring additional review
- Extensive international travel
- Name changes or discrepancies in records
- Requesting accommodations (disability waivers, interpreter services)
- Failing the English or civics test (you get one more chance)
How We Help You Navigate the Timeline
At the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen, we understand that waiting for citizenship can be stressful. That’s why we guide you through every stage of the process with:
- Accurate eligibility assessments before you file
- Thorough N-400 preparation to avoid delays
- Regular case updates so you always know where you stand
- Interview preparation to ensure you pass the first time
- Accountability and persistence if complications arise
Our promise: You are not alone. We will guide you through the citizenship process with clarity, compassion, and the commitment that your case is always moving forward.
Ready to Start Your Citizenship Journey?
Contact the Law Office of Carrie Nguyen today. Let’s get your timeline started.
Call us: 817-330-9734
Email us: info@carrielegal.com
Visit us: 721 N Fielder Rd., Suite C, Arlington, TX 76012
