Processing time for N-400

[StevenG 0]

Hi All,

Could anyone give me a time frame for N-400 processing times? I live in Chicago, IL, but information about any other state will be useful.

What happens if you have to move abroad after you filed your N-400? Do you lose your eligibility?

Thank you

[ExPatty 502]

No you don't lose eligibility. Of course you can travel internationally while the N-400 is pending; it doesn't change the status of your green card until you become a citizen and thus lose the green card. Your best bet reviewing processing times is to review the monthly filing times threads. Find people who have filed at the same field office that will cover your location and see what their times are. You should be able to see a pattern within that, and the processing times do vary by field office. Safest times to travel are right after filing, as you'll have several weeks before biometrics. Then immediately after biometrics you'll have a good 4-8 weeks before you need to go back for anything. Then your next step is the interview and whether you take the oath that day or at a later time (can be days or even months, depending on field office) depends on where you are serviced.

[JimmyHou 610]

Hi All,

Could anyone give me a time frame for N-400 processing times? I live in Chicago, IL, but information about any other state will be useful.

What happens if you have to move abroad after you filed your N-400? Do you lose your eligibility?

Thank you

Yes, if you move abroad after filing your n400 and before you become a citizen your application will be denied.

You need to be living in the U.S. to naturalize.

You can take temporary trips abroad after you file as long as you don't break your continuous residency and still meet the physical precense requirements.

No you don't lose eligibility. Of course you can travel internationally while the N-400 is pending; it doesn't change the status of your green card until you become a citizen and thus lose the green card. Your best bet reviewing processing times is to review the monthly filing times threads. Find people who have filed at the same field office that will cover your location and see what their times are. You should be able to see a pattern within that, and the processing times do vary by field office. Safest times to travel are right after filing, as you'll have several weeks before biometrics. Then immediately after biometrics you'll have a good 4-8 weeks before you need to go back for anything. Then your next step is the interview and whether you take the oath that day or at a later time (can be days or even months, depending on field office) depends on where you are serviced.

OP asked about moving abroad.

If you're not living in the US you can't naturalize.

[ExPatty 502]

Yes, if you move abroad after filing your n400 and before you become a citizen your application will be denied.

You need to be living in the U.S. to naturalize.

You can take temporary trips abroad after you file as long as you don't break your continuous residency and still meet the physical precense requirements.

OP asked about moving abroad.

If you're not living in the US you can't naturalize.

Oops, I read as traveling. Yes, he said move, though.