Citizenship Approvals Plummet, USCIS Delays Mount in 2026
Recent USCIS data reveals a significant slowdown in the naturalization process, with a sharp decline in citizenship approvals and increased processing times. This trend signals a more challenging environment for immigrants seeking to become U.S. citizens.
According to reports published on October 29-30, 2026, USCIS decided approximately 71,000 naturalization applications between April and June 2026. This marks a substantial 73% decrease compared to the roughly 265,000 decisions made during the same period in 2025.
Citizenship approvals experienced an even steeper drop, falling by approximately 75%—from 236,924 approvals in Q3 FY 2025 to just 54,974 in Q3 FY 2026. This represents 181,950 fewer individuals approved for citizenship year-over-year.
The number of new naturalization applications also saw a notable decline, with 140,179 Form N-400 applications received in Q3 FY 2026, a 43% reduction from the 245,879 applications filed in Q3 FY 2025. Despite fewer incoming applications, the total number of pending nonmilitary naturalization applications reached approximately 727,371 by June 30, 2026, with the overall backlog of Form N-400 applications exceeding 742,000 at the end of June.
Increased Wait Times and Denial Rates
The processing slowdown has led to longer wait times for applicants. Average naturalization processing times increased from just over seven months at the beginning of 2026 to more than 12 months by August. Some analyses show that the median processing time for regular cases completed between April and June 2026 was 9.5 months, an increase from 5.5 months in Q1 FY 2025.
Furthermore, denial rates for naturalization applications have risen considerably. In some field offices, denial rates more than doubled, reaching over 18% in Los Angeles and a striking 35% in Baltimore, compared to less than 7% a year prior. The overall denial rate for Form N-400 applications increased from 8.3% to 18.1% between May 2024 and May 2026.
💡 Always check current USCIS processing times for your local office. This will help you set realistic expectations and plan your process.
Factors Contributing to Heightened Scrutiny
USCIS attributes these changes to a shift towards stricter screening and vetting processes aimed at ensuring that citizenship is granted only to eligible individuals. Key factors contributing to the increased delays and denials include:
- Stricter Screening and Background Checks: USCIS has implemented stricter screening requirements and expanded background checks for naturalization applicants.
- Enhanced Scrutiny of Immigration History: Officers are conducting deeper and more comprehensive reviews of applicants' entire immigration histories, utilizing advanced technology and digital records to detect inconsistencies or misrepresentations.
- More Challenging Civics Test: The implementation of the revised 2025 Naturalization Civics Test, effective October 20, 2025, requires applicants to answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly from an expanded pool of 128 questions.
- Expanded Good Moral Character Assessment: USCIS has broadened its assessment of "Good Moral Character," looking for a more holistic picture of an applicant's conduct, including DUI arrests, criminal charges, or previously omitted information.
- Financial Scrutiny: Issues like late tax filings, unpaid tax balances, or incomplete tax records can also raise red flags.
- Continuous Residence and Physical Presence: Technical errors or prolonged absences outside the U.S. can jeopardize an application by breaking the continuous residence or physical presence requirements.
- Selective Service Registration: For male applicants, failure to register for Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 26 can be considered a lack of "Good Moral Character" if applying before age 31.
Implications for Applicants
The current environment underscores the critical importance of meticulous preparation for those seeking U.S. citizenship. Applicants should:
- Thoroughly Review Immigration History: Carefully examine their entire immigration record for any inconsistencies, omissions, or past issues that could trigger heightened scrutiny. Consulting an immigration attorney is highly recommended, especially for those with complex histories.
- Prepare for the Civics Test: Dedicate ample time to study the 128 questions for the 2025 Civics Test, as the passing threshold is higher and the questions are more extensive.
- Ensure Good Moral Character: Proactively address any potential issues that could impact their "Good Moral Character" assessment, such as outstanding financial obligations or past legal matters.
- Anticipate Delays: Be prepared for longer processing times than in previous years and monitor their case status diligently.
These recent trends highlight a more rigorous pathway to U.S. citizenship, making comprehensive preparation and a clear understanding of current USCIS policies more crucial than ever.