How Long Does It Take to Process Form N-600?

You got your form N-600 ready and started wondering how long it would take. That’s a fair question. The short answer is – it depends. The long answer? Well, the long answer is, well… long.

So, buckle up, because we’re about to go deep into the form N-600 timeline, delays, and tips to help you speed things up.

What Is Form N-600?

Before we jump into the timeline and other nuances, let’s make sure you don’t have trouble understanding Form N-600 for citizenship.

Form N-600, officially known as the Application for Certificate of Citizenship, serves to request a certificate that proves that you’re a U.S. citizen. People file this form when they automatically acquire U.S. citizenship through their parents but are unable to prove it with a certificate.

This form is different from Form N-400, which is for naturalization. If you’re applying for citizenship, that’s the form you need. But if you are already a citizen, and you just need the proof for it, N-600 is the way you go.

Now, when we got that out of the way, let’s break down the processing times.

How Long Does Form N-600 Take to Process?

USCIS processing times can vary depending on many different factors. Still, we could say that the average timeline is somewhere between 6 and 14 months. Not quite a precise prediction, right? Like ordering food delivery and the app telling you it will arrive anytime between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what happens after you file for Form N-600:

1. Receipt Notice (2–4 Weeks): Once USCIS receives your Form N-600, it issues a receipt notice (Form I-797C). This confirms they’ve got your application and will start processing it. You’ll get a receipt number, which allows you to track your case online.
2. Biometrics Appointment (4–8 Weeks): Not everyone needs a biometrics appointment for Form N-600, but if USCIS requests one, you’ll receive a notice to show up at an Application Support Center (ASC). They take fingerprints, photos, and signatures to confirm your identity.
3. USCIS Review (6–12 Months): Officers review your application, supporting documents, and eligibility. If anything is missing, they send a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can add months to your processing time.
4. Interview (6–14 Months): Some applicants must attend an interview at a USCIS office. Others get their approval without an interview. If an interview is required, you’ll receive a notice with the date, time, and location.
5. Decision and Certificate Issuance (8–14 Months): If USCIS approves your application, you get a Certificate of Citizenship. If denied, you’ll receive a letter explaining why, along with appeal instructions.

What Affects Form N-600 Processing Time?

Now that we covered the typical timeline, let’s talk about factors that could speed up or slow down the process, so there aren’t any (big) surprises for you down the line:

1. USCIS Workload: USCIS processes thousands of applications daily, so processing times vary depending on their current backlog. If there’s a surge in applications, expect delays.
2. Location of USCIS Field Office: Not all USCIS field offices move at the same pace. Some are notorious for delays, while others process applications relatively quickly. Your location can make a big difference.
3. Completeness of Your Application: Submitting an incomplete application is a guaranteed way to slow things down. Missing documents? Expect an RFE. Incorrect fees? They’ll send your application back. Double-check everything before filing.
4. Background Checks: If USCIS needs extra time to verify your background, processing can take longer. Issues like name mismatches, prior immigration violations, or unclear records might lead to additional scrutiny.
5. Interview Requirement: Some applicants skip the interview stage, while others must attend one. If an interview is required, your timeline depends on how soon you get scheduled.

What are Common Delays and How to Avoid Them?

Processing delays are frustrating, and the best way to avoid frustration (since you can’t avoid the delays) is to familiarize yourself with common delays and prepare yourself for them.

Here, we’ll help:

1. Request for Evidence (RFE): RFE delays happen when USCIS needs additional proof of eligibility. You can avoid this delay (or at least try doing that) by submitting all required documents with your initial application. Use the checklist provided by USCIS.
2. Lost or Misplaced Application: This doesn’t happen very often, but sometimes applications get lost in transit. You could try avoiding this by using tracking when you mail the application. If you don’t get a receipt notice within a few weeks, you should contact USCIS.
3. Processing Backlogs: Backlogs happen when USCIS offices experience delays due to staff shortages or high application volumes. This is something you can’t really avoid, but checking current processing times can help you set expectations/
4. Biometrics or Interview Rescheduling: This happens if you miss your appointment, or you need to reschedule. Avoid this delay by showing up on time for any USCIS appointments, because rescheduling will add weeks (or even months) to your case.

How Can You Speed Up the Process?

As all of us who kinda hate waiting for things, somewhere along the line, you might think “There’s got to be a way to speed this up.”

Well, maybe, and here are some of the options:

1. Expedite Request: USCIS allows expedited requests in cases of severe financial loss, urgent humanitarian reasons, government interests, or in the case of the USCIS error. To be fair, they are rarely granted, but it’s worth trying if you qualify.
2. Contact USCIS: If you notice that your case is outside normal processing times, you can submit an inquiry through the USCIS website or call their helpline.
3. Reach Out to Your Congress Member: Sometimes, contacting your local congressperson can help push things along. They have a direct line to USCIS and can inquire about your case on your behalf. Just don’t call them in the middle of the night.

What If Your Form N-600 is Denied?

Denials happen. But don’t lose hope, it’s not the end of the world. If USCIS rejects your application, here’s what you can do:

1. File Form N-336 (Request for a Hearing): This lets you appeal and have your case reviewed by another officer.
2. Reapply with Stronger Evidence: If your case was denied due to insufficient proof, gather the missing documents and reapply.
3. Consult an Immigration Attorney: If you’re unsure why your application was denied, a lawyer can help figure out the next steps.

Final Thoughts

Processing Form N-600 takes patience. While most applicants get their certificate within 6 to 14 months, delays happen for various reasons. The best way to avoid unnecessary slowdowns is to submit a complete application, check for updates regularly, and respond to USCIS requests quickly.

If you’re stuck waiting, remember: You’re already a U.S. citizen, it’s just the paperwork catching up.