N-565 processing time 2026: how long it takes
How long it takes to replace a naturalization or citizenship certificate (N-565) according to the official USCIS median, and which document you must send.
Source: USCIS quarterly report — accessed Oct 19, 2026
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N-565 median processing time
| Period | Category | Median (months) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2026 Q3 | All | 7.6 |
N-565 key facts
- Form N-565 is used to apply for a replacement Naturalization Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, Declaration of Intention or Repatriation Certificate, or for a special certificate of naturalization to be recognized as a U.S. citizen by a foreign country. (Source)
- Form N-565 can be filed online or by mail; the current edition is 02/27/25. (Source)
- If you file online, you must mail your original document to the Nebraska Service Center; the address is provided in the Evidence section of the online application. (Source)
When the document you lost is your proof of citizenship
For many naturalized citizens the naturalization certificate is the main proof of citizenship, and losing it or having one with an error complicates things like getting a passport or proving citizenship to an employer. Form N-565 is the way to replace it, and it also covers the certificate of citizenship, the declaration of intention, the repatriation certificate and the special certificate some countries ask for to recognize U.S. citizenship.
The median on this page covers the whole form in the USCIS quarterly report, without separating the different documents that can be replaced, so treat it as a general reference rather than a date for your own case.
Filing online has a detail many people miss: even though the application travels over the internet, the original document, if you still have one, must be mailed to the Nebraska Service Center. Keep a copy before sending it and use a trackable shipping method.
While you wait, follow your case with the receipt number and respond quickly if USCIS asks for more evidence: that is the part of the timeline that does depend on you.
In the online account you can pay the fee, check your case status, receive notifications and respond to requests for evidence, which saves you from waiting on mail.
More about this form
Frequently asked questions
If I file online, do I still need to mail anything?
Yes. USCIS asks you to mail the original document to the Nebraska Service Center; the address is shown in the Evidence section of the online application.
Can I use Form N-565 to get my first citizenship certificate?
No. Form N-565 replaces a document that was already issued, or requests the special certificate another country asks for. The first certificate is requested with a different USCIS form.
Official sources
- USCIS — Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document → — accessed Oct 19, 2026
- USCIS quarterly report (FY2026 Q3) → — accessed Oct 19, 2026
