If your N-400 is denied: what you can do

By the Abuelito Citizenship team · Reviewed October 7, 2026 against official USCIS pages

«Continued» is not «Denied». And if you're denied, there's a hearing: Form N-336.

First: continued or denied?

If you fail English or civics the first time, your case is usually «continued»: you get another appointment 60 to 90 days later and repeat only what you didn't pass.

That's not a denial. Keep studying with Grandpa.

If you're denied: the N-336 hearing

If your N-400 is denied, the letter says so in writing and explains why.

You can request a hearing with another USCIS officer using Form N-336, within 30 days of receiving the denial (33 days if it was mailed).

Today it costs $830 on paper or $780 online (G-1055 of Oct 7, 2026; confirm it at uscis.gov). USCIS schedules the hearing within 180 days. After that, a federal court can be asked to review the case.

The rules for applying again depend on each case: confirm it at uscis.gov.

Get legal help

A denial is a legal matter: look for an attorney or accredited representative as soon as possible, because deadlines are short.

There are organizations with free or low-cost help. «Free legal help» tells you where to look.

Free legal help →

This is an educational course, not legal advice. We don't decide whether you qualify. Confirm it at uscis.gov or with an attorney or accredited representative.

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