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Delays in the U.S. Citizenship Process: What You Need to Know

an image of the USCIS Naturalization N400 application on a U.S. flag with the word "delayed" stamped on the application

Delays in the U.S. Citizenship Process

For many lawful permanent residents, becoming a U.S. citizen marks a profound and hard-earned milestone. But when naturalization delays occur—whether due to backlogs, lost paperwork, or government inaction—the journey can feel uncertain and frustrating. Understanding what causes these delays and how to address them is crucial to protecting your immigration future.
Experiencing delays with U.S. Citizenship?

Understanding Naturalization Delays

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally takes several months to process Form N-400, the application for naturalization. However, excessive delays—especially those that stretch far beyond published processing times—may signal a legal problem that requires intervention.

Delays can occur at different stages of the process, including:

⦁ After filing Form N-400
⦁ After attending the citizenship interview
⦁ While awaiting a decision
⦁ Prior to receiving the oath ceremony notice
Knowing where your case stands—and when it has been unreasonably delayed—can help you determine your next steps.

Common Causes of Citizenship Delays

Background and Security Checks

USCIS conducts background checks and FBI name checks on all applicants. If your name matches another person in a criminal database or if your records are incomplete, these checks can significantly delay adjudication.

Administrative Processing

Sometimes cases are moved into administrative review due to concerns about prior immigration history, criminal records, or additional security checks.

Lost or Missing Documentation

Failure by USCIS to properly receive, log, or process required documents can stall your application indefinitely.

Application Errors

Mistakes on the N-400 form—including missing information or inconsistencies with past immigration records—can delay interviews or decisions.

COVID-19 and Post-Pandemic Backlog

USCIS offices nationwide experienced closures and resource shifts during the pandemic, which led to long-term case processing delays in many jurisdictions.

Interview or Oath Ceremony Delays

Even after your interview is complete, local USCIS offices may experience delays in scheduling your oath ceremony, leaving applicants in limbo.

How Long Is Too Long?

  • While USCIS publishes estimated processing times for Form N-400 based on field office, these timelines are not always reliable indicators. In general:
  • If more than 120 days have passed since your naturalization interview without a decision, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit under INA § 1447(b) in federal court.
  • If your case status is stuck at “Interview Was Completed and My Case Must Be Reviewed,” legal intervention may be warranted.

Options for Addressing a Citizenship Delay

If your case has stalled, several options may be available:

Submit a USCIS Case Inquiry

Applicants can request a status update online if their case is outside of the normal processing window.

Congressional Assistance

U.S. Senators and Representatives can sometimes inquire on your behalf and expedite the case under certain circumstances.

Ombudsman Assistance

The DHS Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman may assist with persistent or unexplained delays.

N-336 Request for a Hearing (for Denied Cases)

If your citizenship application was denied, you may file Form N-336 to request a new hearing before a USCIS officer.

File a Federal Lawsuit (INA § 1447(b))

If over 120 days have passed since your naturalization interview and no decision has been issued, you may file a lawsuit in federal district court. This allows a judge to either decide the case or compel USCIS to act.

When to Speak with an Immigration Attorney

While some delays may resolve on their own, others require legal intervention. You should consider speaking to an immigration attorney if:

  • USCIS has not responded after months of inquiries
  • You’ve completed your interview, but no decision has been made within 120 days
  • Your oath ceremony has been repeatedly delayed or canceled
  • The delay is impacting on your ability to travel, obtain benefits, or reunite with family
  • You suspect your case has been flagged or mishandled

An attorney can assess whether legal action—such as a writ of mandamus or a 1447(b) lawsuit—is appropriate for your situation.

Why Partner with Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration?

At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we understand the emotional and legal toll that naturalization delays can take. Our team has helped hundreds of applicants navigate stalled cases and assert their right to timely citizenship.

🎯 Experience with complex naturalization cases and litigation
📎 Strategic use of federal lawsuits when USCIS fails to act
📬 Effective communication with congressional offices and agencies
🤝 Compassionate, responsive guidance throughout your case

We don’t just wait on USCIS. We take action.

See What Our Clients Say About Us!

Frequently Asked Questions About Citizenship Application Delays

Why is my U.S. citizenship application taking so long?

Delays can be caused by background checks, missing documents, administrative processing, or interview scheduling issues. Some cases are delayed due to USCIS backlogs or post-pandemic resource constraints.

You can submit a case inquiry to USCIS, request help from your congressional representative, or seek assistance from the DHS Ombudsman. If more than 120 days have passed since your interview, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit in federal court.

USCIS has 120 days from the date of your naturalization interview to issue a decision. If no decision is made within that time, you may file a federal court action under INA § 1447(b).

Yes. If your case has been pending more than 120 days after the interview, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court to compel USCIS to act or to have the court decide the case.

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