N-600 Processing Time: What to Expect When Applying for a Certificate of Citizenship

If you were born outside the United States but have a U.S. citizen parent—or you automatically became a citizen after birth—you may already be a U.S. citizen by law. But to make it official and get legal proof of that status, you’ll need to file the N-600 form, also known as the Application for Certificate of Citizenship.

One of the most common questions applicants ask is: “How long will the N-600 processing time take?”

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the N-600 form, including how the process works, what the current timelines look like, what might delay your application, and how to avoid unnecessary wait times.

What is the N-600 Form?

The N-600 form is the official application used to request a Certificate of Citizenship from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This certificate serves as permanent legal proof of U.S. citizenship for individuals who:

• Acquired citizenship at birth through a U.S. citizen parent (even if born abroad), or
• Automatically derived citizenship after birth while residing in the U.S. under the legal custody of a U.S. citizen parent.

About the N-600 Form Process

Filing the N-600 form involves multiple steps. Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish:

Step 1: Prepare and File the N-600 Form

Your application package should include:

• A completed and signed N-600 form
• Supporting documents to prove your U.S. citizen parent’s status, your relationship to them, and your immigration history
• Passport-style photographs 
• Filing fee of $1,385 for paper filing, or $1,335 for online filing

Make sure to check the official USCIS website for the latest information on fees.

Step 2: Receive Your USCIS Receipt Notice

Once your N-600 form is submitted, USCIS will mail you a Form I-797C (Notice of Action). This receipt confirms your case was received and provides a case number you can use to track your application status online.

Step 3: Attend Your Biometrics Appointment

In many cases, USCIS will require a biometrics appointment. You’ll be asked to go to a local Application Support Center (ASC) where your fingerprints, photo, and signature will be collected for identity verification and background checks.

Step 4: Respond to Any Requests for Evidence (RFE)

If your application is missing any information or USCIS needs clarification, they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). You must respond by the deadline in the notice. 

Read our comprehensive guide on RFEs to learn more.

Step 5: USCIS Review and Interview (if applicable)

In some cases, USCIS will schedule an interview to ask additional questions, but in most cases they will make a decision based on the documents submitted. Once USCIS has all required documents and information, they will let you know that case processing has been completed and schedule you for an oath ceremony. 

Step 6: Attend Your Oath Ceremony

If you are more than 14 years old, you’ll need to go to the USCIS office on the scheduled time to take the Oath of Allegiance. After taking the oath, you will receive and sign your Certificate of Citizenship.

Median N-600 Form Processing Time (in Months)

According to the latest USCIS data for fiscal year 2025, the median N-600 form processing time continues to increase due to higher application volume and resource strain. As of this year, it takes about 11.2 months for most applicants to receive a decision on their N-600 form—a sharp rise from just 3.2 months in 2020.

These processing times reflect the median time it takes for 50% of applicants to receive a decision. Some families may hear back sooner, while others may experience delays based on case complexity, documentation, or service center workload.

Below is the median N-600 form processing time (in months) over the past six fiscal years:

Source: USCIS Historic Processing Times

Common Factors That Affect N-600 Form Processing Time

The processing time for the N-600 form can vary significantly based on your individual case and conditions that are beyond your control. 

Below are the most common reasons your N-600 form processing time may take longer than expected:

High Volume of Applications

USCIS often receives a surge of N-600 form filings during certain times of the year—especially ahead of school enrollment deadlines, before major holidays, or after changes to immigration law or policy. These seasonal or policy-related spikes can lead to longer queues at service centers and increase your wait time.

Missing or Incomplete Documentation

Many N-600 form delays happen because the initial application was missing required evidence or had incomplete information. Common issues include:

• Failing to include the parents’ proof of U.S. citizenship
• Omitting documents that show legal and physical custody of the child
• Submitting a birth certificate without an English translation
• Forgetting to sign the form or include the correct filing fee

These mistakes often lead to a Request for Evidence (RFE), which pauses your case until you respond—adding weeks or even months to the total timeline.

Complex Citizenship Claims

The N-600 form is used to confirm citizenship that was acquired or derived through a parent, and these cases can sometimes involve legal complexities USCIS will have to resolve before issuing a Certificate of Citizenship. Delays are more likely if:

• Your parent became a citizen after your birth, requiring analysis under derivative citizenship laws
• Your case involves adoption, divorce, or unclear legal custody
• There are discrepancies in names, dates, or identity documents

For these cases, USCIS may take additional time to verify family relationships and legal status.

Service Center Workload and Resources

USCIS processing times also depend on where your N-600 form is being handled. Some field offices and service centers have higher case backlogs or limited staffing, leading to slower overall processing—even for well-prepared applications. 

How to Avoid Delays When Filing the N-600 Form

While you can’t control everything, here are some steps you can take to reduce your N-600 form processing time:

Double-Check Your Application

Make sure every field on the N-600 form is filled out. Avoid common errors like:

• Missing signatures
• Incorrect filing fee
• Incomplete documentation
• Missing translations for non-English documents

Submit Strong, Organized Evidence

Include all documents USCIS needs to verify your claim to citizenship, such as:

• Birth certificate
• Parents’ U.S. citizenship documentation
  Proof of legal and physical custody
• Green card or immigration status evidence

Respond Quickly to RFEs

If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, don’t wait—gather everything and respond as early as possible. A fast, complete reply can keep your case moving without additional setbacks.

If you received an RFE for your case, check out our comprehensive guide or reach out to an immigration attorney for assistance. 

Work With an Immigration Attorney

Although it’s not required, having a qualified immigration attorney review your N-600 form can help avoid mistakes and ensure your case is as strong as possible from the start. 

Request a consultation with Manifest Law to learn more about how our team can help.

Monitor Your Case Status

Use your receipt number to track your N-600 form status on the USCIS Case Status website. If your case is significantly delayed, you may qualify to submit a case inquiry.

FAQs About the N-600 Form Processing Time

How can I speed up my N-600 form processing time?

To avoid delays, make sure your N-600 form is complete, accurate, and submitted with all required supporting documents. Respond quickly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs), and if your case is complex, it may help to consult with an immigration attorney. A well-prepared application is often the fastest one.

Can I expedite my N-600 form application?

USCIS only considers expedited processing for N-600 form cases in very limited and urgent circumstances, such as a life-threatening medical emergency, risk of statelessness, or other serious humanitarian reasons. 

Requests for routine travel, school enrollment, or passport needs are generally not accepted as valid reasons to expedite. If you believe your case qualifies, you can submit an expedited request with documentation to support it.

Does N-600 require an interview?

An interview is not always required for the N-600 form, but USCIS may schedule one if they need to verify certain details in more complex cases. Many applicants receive a decision on the N-600 form without an interview. 

What happens after my N-600 form is approved?

If the USCIS officer determines that you have established proof of U.S. citizenship, you will be granted a Certificate of Citizenship. For applicants over 14 years of age, USCIS will schedule you for an oath ceremony, where you will swear the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. After taking the oath, you will receive your Certificate of Citizenship. This document is permanent legal proof of your U.S. citizenship and can be used to apply for a U.S. passport, register to vote, or confirm your status for Social Security and employment.