Form N-600 Processing Time
What Happens After Filing Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship
Submitting your Application for Certificate of Citizenship is a big moment, but then the waiting begins. You’re probably anxious to know what happens after filing Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, and how long it takes to receive the certificate. The N-600 processing time can vary.
Although the steps that take place are fairly consistent, the Form N-600 processing time will vary based on the USCIS case load, the USCIS office where you filed, and your ability to properly file an accurately prepared citizenship application package. The following outline describes the basic steps of the N-600 time line for most people.

Receipt of Application
APPROXIMATELY 2 TO 3 WEEKS AFTER FILING
Tip: Save this important letter. It contains your 10-digit receipt number. You can use this receipt number to check your case status. If you didn’t receive a Notice of Action, you can make a case inquiry.
Nearly 9% of Form N-600 applications are rejected, and thousands more are denied. A poorly prepared application can also delay the approval process and even create significant immigration problems. When you prepare your N-600 on CitizenPath, we provide simple, step-by-step instructions and alerts to help you avoid costly delays. We even guarantee USCIS will approve your application. No credit card is required to try it.

Appointment Notice for Biometrics
APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 5 WEEKS AFTER FILINGBiometrics Appointment
APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 8 WEEKS AFTER FILINGThe biometrics appointment, also known as a biometrics screening, is generally a short appointment (approximately 30 minutes) so that USCIS can collect your fingerprints, photograph and signature. Your appointment notice will tell you what you need to take to the appointment. Expect to take some form of government-issued photo identification to enter the building. USCIS can accept ID documents such as:
- Passport or national photo identification issued by your country
- Driver’s license
- Military photo identification
- State-issued photo identification card

Appointment Notice for Interview
APPROXIMATELY 6 TO 10 MONTHS AFTER FILINGAfter completing the biometrics appointment, USCIS use the next several weeks to adjudicate your case. This is a lengthy process, but they will send another appointment notice for your N-600 citizenship interview. Make every attempt to attend the interview time as scheduled for you. Rescheduling an interview may add several months to the process to get your certificate.
The interview notice will arrive by mail as another Form I-797, Notice of Action. USCIS will schedule the N-600 interview at an office near you, and it probably will last less than 30 minutes.
Tip: You must notify USCIS if you change your address after filing your Form N-600. Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to change the address on your pending N-600 application.
Citizenship Interview
APPROXIMATELY 8 TO 12 MONTHS AFTER FILINGGenerally, you must appear for the interview with your U.S. citizen parent if you are under 18 years of age. If you are 18 years of age or older, you may appear for your N-600 interview without your U.S. citizen parent.
Assuming that USCIS approves your Form N-600, you will likely be scheduled to take the Oath of Allegiance. In many cases, the Oath ceremony may be conducted on the same day as the interview. However, the USCIS office may have to schedule you for a later date. If you are under the age of 14, you may not be required to take the Oath of Allegiance. Upon approval of the N-600 application and taking the Oath (if applicable), USCIS will issue you a Certificate of Citizenship.
