One of the USCIS applications that often has a fairly long processing time is the N-400 application for naturalization. Even before the pandemic, it was usually taking the USCIS at least 9 months on average to process an N-400 application (before Civics and English test). Right now, wait times are on average 12 months for an N-400 applicant, although depending on where you live in the U.S. can absolutely influence your wait time. Even though you file your N-400 online now (in most cases), the U.S. state you are residing in will make a difference in whether you are waiting longer than a year to have your application approved or declined.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the N-400 wait times as of April, 2022, covering some of the most populated areas in the country:
Chicago- Current wait times for residents in Chicago is 12-16.5 months.
Denver- Current wait times for residents in Denver is 9-16 months.
Dallas- Current wait times for residents in Dallas is 12-17.5 months.
Los Angeles- Current wait times for residents in Los Angeles is 6.5-18 months.
Miami- Current wait times for residents in Miami is 8-17.5 months.
NYC- Current wait times for residents in New York City is 11-18 months.
Atlanta- Current wait times for residents in Atlanta is 12.5-18 months.
Cleveland- Current wait times for residents in Cleveland is 8.5-16 months.
Even though some of the minimum wait times are between 6 and 8 months, it is advisable for N-400 to waiting at least a year given the current backlog of applications. If you are using the
Check Case Times Processing link, refer to the receipt date for a case inquiry, listed on the bottom half of the link.
Also keep in mind that the above wait times do not reflect the time it will take the USCIS to schedule an interview to review your file, or to schedule an oath of allegiance ceremony. In many cases, these remaining steps will take an additional 2-3 months.