How long will it take for a new gTLD application to be validated by the ICANN?

The time it takes for a new gTLD application to be fully validated and delegated is a multi-stage process that can take a considerable amount of time. Based on the previous round and the projections for the upcoming "Next Round," the total time from the close of the application window to the successful launch of the new gTLD is estimated to be around 16 to 24 months (up to two years) or even longer, depending on its complexity.

The process is broken down into several major phases:

1. Initial Evaluation Phase

This is the core review period where ICANN assesses the application against the criteria set forth in the Applicant Guidebook (AGB).

• Duration: The Initial Evaluation is expected to take around 5 months or more.
• What happens: Independent expert panels conduct various reviews on the applicant (e.g., financial and technical capability) and the proposed gTLD string (e.g., string similarity, DNS stability, geographic names).
• Batching: If a very large number of applications are received (as in the 2012 round), ICANN may process them in batches, which will extend the timeline significantly for later batches.

2. Public Comment and Objection Period

This happens in parallel with the Initial Evaluation and can lead to major delays.

• Objection Period: A formal objection period, where interested parties can file objections based on legal rights, community concerns, string confusion, or limited public interest, typically lasts for about 7 months following the publication of the applied-for strings.
• GAC Early Warning: The Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) also has a period to review the strings and issue warnings if a gTLD is deemed sensitive in their countries.

3. Contention Resolution and Extended Evaluation

If an application encounters issues, the process length will increase:

• Contention Resolution: If multiple parties apply for the same or confusingly similar gTLD, the application enters a resolution process (e.g., private negotiation, Community Priority Evaluation, or auction), which adds significant time. ICANN is re-ordering the evaluation timeline for the next round to deal with contention resolutions earlier.
• Extended Evaluation: If an application fails the Initial Evaluation, it may enter Extended Evaluation, adding more time to the review.

4. Transition to Delegation

Once an application successfully passes all evaluations and contention resolution:

• Pre-Delegation Testing: The applicant must successfully pass a final battery of technical tests to ensure the proposed registry can operate safely and securely.
• Registry Agreement: The successful applicant must enter into a Registry Agreement with ICANN.
• Delegation: The new gTLD is officially added to the Internet's Root Zone, allowing the registry to launch.

In the 2012 round, the most straightforward applications were ready to launch about 18 months after the close of the application window, while complex or contested applications could take two years or more. The timeline for the "Next Round" in 2026 is projected to follow a similar, multi-year path.