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“Case Accepted By The USCIS Lockbox”on your N-400 · Become a U.S. citizen

Your paper N-400 passed the lockbox intake check: payment was processed and the basic fields were complete.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice · here
Biometrics
Interview and civics test
Decision
Oath ceremony
Naturalization certificate

What to do, in 3 steps

Wait for the receipt notice by mail.
Check that the payment cleared your bank.
Keep your mailing receipt and a copy of your filing.
14months
13 to 14 monthsTypical time for a complete N-400. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThis usually lasts days to a few weeks until the case is fully received.

What it means for your N-400

Your paper N-400 passed the lockbox intake check: payment was processed and the basic fields were complete. Next it gets a receipt number and moves to a processing center. Watch your mail for the I-797C receipt, and watch for the biometrics notice that typically follows.

In general, on any form:

The USCIS Lockbox, the facility that receives mailed filings and payments, accepted your package. Your fee was processed and the case is being entered into the system. A receipt notice usually follows. This is the very first intake step.

Avoid these mistakes

Sending a second package because the receipt has not arrived yet.
Canceling the payment.

Quick questions

What does "Case Accepted By The USCIS Lockbox" mean on an N-400?

Your paper N-400 passed the lockbox intake check: payment was processed and the basic fields were complete. Next it gets a receipt number and moves to a processing center. Watch your mail for the I-797C receipt, and watch for the biometrics notice that typically follows.

What is the USCIS Lockbox?

It is the facility that opens mailed filings, takes payments and sends cases into the system.

Does acceptance mean approval?

No. It only means your package passed the first intake check.

When will I get a receipt notice?

Usually within a few weeks after the Lockbox accepts the case.

How long does an N-400 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 13 to 14 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

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Other statuses of your N-400

Case Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeFees Were WaivedIntakeCase Was Rejected Because It Was Improperly FiledIntakeFingerprint Fee Was ReceivedBiometricsFingerprint Review Was CompletedBiometricsBiometrics Appointment Was ScheduledBiometrics

Every status of an N-400 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-765Work permit (EAD)Application for Employment AuthorizationI-131Travel permit or reentry permitApplication for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure RecordsI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-90Renew or replace green cardApplication to Replace Permanent Resident CardI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien WorkersI-821DDACA request or renewalConsideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.