Please note that all the processing data presented in this blog are directly sourced from the USCIS Case Processing Times website every month. Our team at EZ485.com diligently checks and updates the information manually to ensure the accuracy of the data shared with our readers. Our goal is to provide you with the most up-to-date and reliable information, but please understand that we are not responsible for any changes or discrepancies that may occur on the USCIS website.
Introduction
Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship is an important step for those who have acquired or derived citizenship through their parents. In the United States, this involves filing Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This article will provide an overview of the processing time for N-600 applications, factors that may impact the timeline, and tips on how to prepare and avoid delays in obtaining your Certificate of Citizenship.
Factors Influencing N-600 Processing Time
Several factors can influence the processing time for an N-600 application:
1. USCIS workload and case backlog: The volume of cases being processed by USCIS at any given time can affect how quickly they are able to process individual applications. High demand periods may result in longer processing times.
2. Complexity of individual cases: Cases that require additional documentation or involve complex legal issues may take longer to process. Examples include missing or incomplete documentation, requests for evidence (RFE), or additional background checks or interviews.
3. Local USCIS office processing times: Some local offices may experience higher workloads than others, resulting in varying processing times across different locations.
4. Potential impact of COVID-19 on processing times: The ongoing pandemic has impacted many aspects of immigration services, including potential delays in application processing due to office closures and reduced staff capacity.
N-600 Processing Time from USCIS
| Category | Office | 80% of cases are completed within |
|---|---|---|
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Agana GU | 15.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Albany NY | 14.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Albuquerque NM | 3.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Anchorage AK | 20.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Atlanta GA | 13 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Baltimore MD | 11 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Boise ID | 17.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Boston MA | 20 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Brooklyn NY | 14 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Buffalo NY | 9.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Burlington VT | 5.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Charleston SC | 3 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Charlotte Amalie VI | 31 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Charlotte NC | 6 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Chicago IL | 9 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Christiansted VI | 29.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Cincinnati OH | 3.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Cleveland OH | 3 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Columbus OH | 4 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Dallas TX | 7 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Denver CO | 13 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Des Moines IA | 7 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Detroit MI | 14 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | El Paso TX | 15.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Fort Myers FL | 11 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Fort Smith AR | 6 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Fresno CA | 7 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Greer SC | 4.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Harlingen TX | 17.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Hartford CT | 8 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Helena MT | 8.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Hialeah FL | 6.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Honolulu HI | 13 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Houston TX | 8.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Imperial CA | 18.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Indianapolis IN | 6 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Jacksonville FL | 5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Kansas City MO | 18.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Kendall FL | 12.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Las Vegas NV | 13.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Lawrence MA | 16.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Long Island NY | 14 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Los Angeles CA | 5.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Los Angeles County CA | 8.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Louisville KY | 5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Manchester NH | 15.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Memphis TN | 8.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Miami FL | 14.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Milwaukee WI | 15 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Minneapolis-St. Paul MN | 25 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Montgomery AL | 17 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Mount Laurel NJ | 15 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Nashville TN | 17 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Newark NJ | 15.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | New Orleans LA | 20 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | New York City NY | 12 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Norfolk VA | 30 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Oakland Park FL | 19 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Oklahoma City OK | 8.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Omaha NE | 17 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Orlando FL | 30.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Philadelphia PA | 12.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Phoenix AZ | 21.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Pittsburgh PA | 4.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Portland ME | 14 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Portland OR | 18.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Providence RI | 3.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Queens NY | 23.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Raleigh NC | 9.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Reno NV | 31 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Sacramento CA | 20 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Saint Louis MO | 4 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Salt Lake City UT | 12 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Antonio TX | 10 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Bernardino CA | 12.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Diego CA | 18 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Fernando Valley CA | 2.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Francisco CA | 11 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Jose CA | 5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | San Juan PR | 12.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Santa Ana CA | 11.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Seattle WA | 18 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Spokane WA | 18 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Tampa FL | 9 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Tucson AZ | 9.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Washington DC | 15.5 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | West Palm Beach FL | 6 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Wichita KS | 21 Months |
| Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | Yakima WA | 18 Months |
General Timeline for N-600 Processing Steps
The following is a general timeline for each step involved in the N-600 application process:
1. Filing the application with appropriate fees and supporting documents.
2. Receiving a receipt notice from USCIS confirming application acceptance.
3. Attending a biometrics appointment (if required).
4. Scheduling an interview with USCIS (if required). This may involve preparing relevant documents and practicing responses to common interview questions.
5. Receiving an approval or denial decision from USCIS.
Managing Expectations and Dealing with Delays in Processing Times
Given the various factors influencing processing time, it is important to manage expectations when it comes to your N-600 application. According to official USCIS data, the estimated average processing time for N-600 applications is currently between 5 and 14 months, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances.
To check the status of your case online, you can visit the USCIS website and enter your receipt number. If your case is outside the normal processing times, you may inquire about its status through the USCIS Contact Center.
Proactive Steps to Avoid Delays in Obtaining Your Certificate of Citizenship
To minimize delays in obtaining your Certificate of Citizenship, consider taking the following proactive steps:
1. Ensuring completeness and accuracy of your N-600 application: Double-check all information provided on the form for accuracy and make sure no sections are left blank.
2. Providing comprehensive supporting documentation: Submit all required documents as specified by USCIS instructions, including proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate), proof of parent’s citizenship (e.g., naturalization certificate), and any other relevant documents.
3. Responding promptly to any RFEs or other requests from USCIS: Timely responses to requests for additional information can help ensure a smoother application process.
Conclusion: Importance of Patience and Diligence in the N-600 Process
Obtaining a Certificate of Citizenship through Form N-600 can be a lengthy process with many variables at play. By understanding the factors that influence processing times and taking proactive steps to prepare a complete application, applicants can maximize their chances of success while minimizing potential delays. In navigating this process, patience and diligence are key qualities that will serve applicants well on their path toward obtaining their Certificate of Citizenship.
