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“Case Was Received”on your N-400 · Become a U.S. citizen

For an N-400, this means USCIS has your naturalization application and assigned a receipt number.
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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 4 steps

Save your receipt notice (Form I-797C) in a safe place.
Check that your name, birth date and address on the notice are correct.
Look up current processing times for your form and office.
Keep your mailing address up to date with USCIS.
14months
13 to 14 monthsTypical time for a complete N-400. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThis status can last from a few weeks to many months, depending on the form and office.

What it means for your N-400

For an N-400, this means USCIS has your naturalization application and assigned a receipt number. Keep your green card valid and stay ready, because the next usual step is a biometrics appointment for your FBI background check. Nobody has looked at your eligibility yet, so a long quiet period here is normal.

In general, on any form:

USCIS received your application or petition and gave it a receipt number. This is the first status almost everyone sees. It does not mean anyone has reviewed your case yet. It is normal for the status to stay here for weeks or months.

Avoid these mistakes

Thinking the case is stuck because the status does not change for weeks.
Moving without filing a change of address (Form AR-11).
Losing the receipt notice and the receipt number.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Received" mean on an N-400?

For an N-400, this means USCIS has your naturalization application and assigned a receipt number. Keep your green card valid and stay ready, because the next usual step is a biometrics appointment for your FBI background check. Nobody has looked at your eligibility yet, so a long quiet period here is normal.

Does 'Case Was Received' mean my case is approved?

No. It only means USCIS has your application and opened a file for it.

Why has my status said 'Case Was Received' for months?

Many cases sit in a queue before an officer reviews them. Compare your wait with the published processing times before worrying.

What is the receipt number?

It is a 13-character code, like IOE1234567890, printed on your receipt notice. You use it to check your status online.

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 Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntakeCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxIntakeFees 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.