Top 5 Reasons Your N-400 (Citizenship) is Delayed or Denied

Published on: November 1, 2025

🗽 Top 5 Reasons Your N-400 Application Gets Delayed or Denied

Filing your Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, is the final step in your immigration journey.
After years of waiting, the last thing you want is a delay or denial.
Below are the top five most common reasons an N-400 runs into trouble — and what you can do to avoid them.

1️⃣ Failing the Continuous Residence & Physical Presence Test

This is the most common technical reason for a denial.
You must prove you have lived in the U.S. for the required period — usually 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen.

🏠 Continuous Residence

You must not have any single trip outside the U.S. lasting 6 months or longer.
A trip of 1 year or more will almost certainly break your continuous residence and reset your clock.

📅 Physical Presence

You must prove you were physically in the U.S. for at least half of your required time:

913 days (for the 5-year rule), or
548 days (for the 3-year rule).

✅ How to Fix:
Before you file, count your days carefully. Review your passport stamps and travel records.
If you had a long trip (over 6 months), you may need to wait until that trip is old enough before applying.

2️⃣ Issues with Your Tax Returns

USCIS considers filing taxes an important part of showing Good Moral Character.

🚫 Common Tax Issues

Not Filing: If you were required to file federal taxes but didn’t, your application may be denied.
Owing Back Taxes: If you owe the IRS, you must have an approved payment plan (such as an Offer in Compromise or Installment Agreement) and be current on payments. You cannot ignore unpaid taxes.

✅ How to Fix:
Request tax transcripts for the last 5 years.
If you have issues, contact the IRS to set up a payment plan before filing your N-400.

3️⃣ Failure to Disclose Criminal History

This is the most serious reason for denial.
The N-400 asks you to list all arrests, citations, and detentions — anywhere in the world.

⚠️ Important Details

This includes arrests that were dismissed, expunged, or sealed.
USCIS background checks are very thorough and will uncover these records.
Lying or “forgetting” an arrest is considered fraud and will cause denial.
Certain crimes (“aggravated felonies” or “crimes involving moral turpitude”) can make you permanently ineligible and may lead to removal proceedings.

✅ How to Fix:
Be honest.
Obtain a certified final disposition from the court for every incident.
If you have any criminal record, speak to an immigration attorney before filing.

4️⃣ Failing the English or Civics Test

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to read, write, and speak basic English and pass the civics test.

📚 Test Details

The civics test includes 10 questions chosen from 128 total.
You must answer 6 out of 10 correctly to pass.

✅ How to Fix:

Study! USCIS provides free study materials with all 128 questions and answers.
Practice your English with friends or take community classes.
If you are over 50, 55, or 65, you may qualify for age-based exemptions.
If you have a disability, file Form N-648 to request a medical waiver.

5️⃣ (For Men) Failure to Register for Selective Service

Men are required by law to register for the Selective Service if they lived in the U.S. (in any status other than valid non-immigrant) between the ages of 18 and 26.

⚖️ Why It Matters

Failing to register may show you are not “attached to the principles of the Constitution.”
If you are now over 31, this usually no longer affects your case.
If you are 26–31 and did not register, your application may be denied unless you can prove it was not knowing or willful.

✅ How to Fix:
Visit the Selective Service System website (sss.gov).
Request a Status Information Letter, which will confirm whether you were registered or exempt.
Include this letter with your N-400 application.

✅ Final Tip

Preparation is key. Review your residency, taxes, travel, criminal record, and Selective Service status before submitting your N-400.
Taking time to address these issues now can save months of delay — or even prevent a denial.