Many lawful permanent residents applying for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process are currently experiencing significant delays in the adjudication of their N-400 applications. At least from what our office has observed, naturalization processing appears to have slowed considerably over the past several months, particularly in cases pending before the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office in San Diego.

Our Office Has Seen a Significant Reduction in Naturalization Interviews

Our office has personally experienced a major slowdown in the scheduling of N-400 interviews. In fact, we have not received interview appointments for newly filed naturalization cases since approximately August 2025. The only naturalization-related cases we have seen move forward recently were cases that had already been interviewed in the past and were simply waiting for oath ceremonies to be scheduled. While every case and field office may vary, the lack of interview scheduling has become increasingly noticeable.

USCIS Officers Have Indicated Priority Is Being Given to Adjustment of Status Cases

Based on conversations our office has had with officers at the local USCIS San Diego field office, officers reportedly have been instructed to prioritize adjustment of status applications rather than N-400 naturalization cases. The exact reasons for this prioritization remain unclear. At this time, we do not have official written policy guidance confirming the scope or duration of these internal priorities. However, the slowdown in naturalization interview scheduling has been very noticeable from a practical standpoint.
If you have questions about your N-400 naturalization case, interview delays, oath ceremony scheduling, or concerns regarding prolonged USCIS processing times, the Law Office of Erika Rodriguez can help review your case and discuss possible next steps. In today’s immigration environment, patience and proper preparation are more important than ever.
The Law Office of Erika Rodríguez 619-289-8090 ErikaRodriguezESQ.com Schedule Consultations Online https://erlawsd.setmore.com/

Delays Are Also Affecting Oath Ceremonies

Even in cases where applicants successfully complete their naturalization interviews, delays do not necessarily end there. Our office has also observed significant delays in the scheduling of oath ceremonies after approval. For example, one case interviewed in September 2025 — which had been scheduled before these delays became widespread — did not receive an oath ceremony date until March 20, 2026. That represents approximately five to six months of additional waiting after the interview itself. In prior years, many applicants were accustomed to receiving oath ceremony notices much more quickly.

What Is Causing These Delays?

At this time, the government has not publicly provided detailed explanations regarding many of these delays. Our office continues investigating and attempting to gather more information regarding operational changes that reportedly began around August 2025. There have been discussions and announcements regarding increased vetting procedures and broader government review initiatives. However, at this moment, we do not have specific verified information confirming exactly how those changes are affecting naturalization adjudications. The clearest trend we have observed is simply the dramatic reduction in interview scheduling and the increase in processing times overall.

New Background Checks May Lead to Additional Delays

Compounding these issues, many immigration attorneys throughout the country have reportedly been informed verbally that new background checks and expanded system reviews are being implemented in immigration adjudications. While much of this information has not yet been formally published through official policy announcements, attorneys are increasingly observing cases remaining pending for extended periods despite interviews being completed and evidence already submitted. If these additional reviews are being implemented broadly, it is possible that naturalization cases may also experience even longer delays moving forward.

Delays Do Not Mean Your Case Has Been Forgotten

Although the delays are frustrating, applicants should understand that delayed processing does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the case itself. At some point, USCIS will still need to adjudicate the pending applications already in the system. However, applicants should prepare themselves for significantly longer timelines than what many people experienced in prior years.

Patience and Preparation Are Important

Because processing trends continue changing, it is extremely important for applicants to:
  • Keep their address updated with USCIS
  • Monitor their mail and online USCIS account regularly
  • Attend all scheduled appointments
  • Respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence
  • Speak with an experienced immigration attorney if concerns arise regarding delays or eligibility issues
Applicants should also understand that current processing timelines may not reflect the faster experiences friends or family members had in previous years.