Form N-400: Naturalization — Fees, Processing Time & Requirements

Yes. USCIS allows applicants to file Form N-400 online through a USCIS account. CitizenPath customers can prepare their application and upload it directly to USCIS for online filing, helping ensure accuracy before submission.

N-400 processing time varies by field office. Many applicants complete the process in less than a year, but some cases move slower. After you file, you’ll typically see a receipt, biometrics, interview, decision, and oath ceremony. For more detail, you can see what happens each step of the way after filing in our breakdown of the N-400 processing time →

For more perspective, check current USCIS processing times for your field office →

Small errors can often be corrected at the naturalization interview, but serious mistakes or omissions may cause delays, RFEs, or even denials — especially if they look like misrepresentation. Therefore, if you discover an error after filing, bring corrected information and documents to your interview and be prepared to explain honestly. You may be able to update your USCIS application when applicable.

You must disclose all arrests and many citations, even if they were dismissed or happened years ago. For significant offenses, USCIS usually expects certified court and police records. For minor traffic tickets, officers may still ask for proof of payment or disposition, especially if there are repeated violations.

At the interview, a USCIS officer reviews your N-400 line by line and asks about your background, trips, family, and any immigration or criminal history. You’ll also take the English and civics tests. If you file Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, you'll get the newer civics test. The officer will ask you up to 20 questions from the official list of 128 possible questions; you must answer 12 correctly.

The good news is that these questions are available for you to review in our overview of the U.S. citizenship test and interview →

You become a U.S. citizen on the day you take the Oath of Allegiance at your ceremony. In fact, you can apply for a U.S. passport and register to vote right away once you receive your naturalization certificate, according to the rules in your state.

Yes. If you've legally changed your name through marriage, you can generally use it immediately. Naturalization is a great time to switch your identification documents. To learn more about filing correctly so that your naturalization certificate includes your married name, review our our post on which names to use on USCIS forms →

Generally, temporary travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400 is not a problem. However, you need to remember there are various N-400 appointments you must attend. Rescheduling these appointments may significantly delay your case. Also, the time outside the United States will continue to count against your continuous residence and physical presence requirements. Learn more about travel after filing Form N-400 →

The continuous residence and physical presence requirements are similar but unique criteria for naturalizing. Naturalization applicants must satisfy both requirements. Continuous residence refers to the period of time a permanent resident must be living in the United States before naturalizing. Applicants can look at the "Residence Since" date on their green cards to see when this began. Long trips (6 months or more) can disrupt continuous residence.

Generally, applicants must also be physically present in the U.S. for half of this time.