How long does it take to get U.S. citizenship after green card?

Who Qualifies For Citizenship? All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).

Can a green card holder apply for citizenship before 5 years?

You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a: Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or. Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.

Can I apply for citizenship after 4 years and 6 months?

An applicant applying for naturalization under INA 316, which requires 5 years of continuous residence, must then wait at least 4 years and 1 day after returning to the United States (whenever 364 days or less of the absence remains within the statutory period), to have the requisite continuous residence to apply for ...

How fast is the US citizenship process?

The average processing time for citizenship (naturalization) applications is 8 months as of May 31, 2020. However, that's just how long it takes USCIS to process Form N-400. The entire naturalization process has several steps and takes an average of 15 months.

Can I apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years of green card?

All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).

How long do I have to have a green card before becoming a US Citizen? (3 vs 5 years)

Can I travel while waiting for citizenship?

There are no travel restrictions after filling out Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization. That's because, as a green card holder, you are already a permanent resident, which allows you to travel abroad while your application is pending.

Can I stay on green card forever?

A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551)

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years.

What is 4 year and 1 day rule?

The 4-year 1 day rule is simple. If you break continuous residence (travel outside the US), a new period starts to run when you return. From the day of return, you must stay in America for at least 4-years and a day before you are eligible to reapply for naturalization.

Can I apply for citizenship after 2 years and 9 months?

You must have your permanent resident status for at least 3 years before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Your time as a permanent resident begins the day you were granted permanent resident status.

What is the 3 year rule citizenship?

3 Years of Continuous Residence. The spouse of a U.S. citizen residing in the United States must have continuously resided in the United States as an LPR for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of the filing the application and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is $725. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

Can I apply for citizenship after 4 years and 9 months?

Permanent residents and visa holders who desire to become U.S. citizens must go through the process known as naturalization. One of the primary requirements for naturalization is to be a permanent resident (EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3) for at least four years and nine months.

How much does it cost to become a citizen 2020?

There are many ways to become a U.S. Citizen, but Citizenship by Naturalization is the most common way to apply for U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization application costs $725 in 2020. Two separate fees make up this larger fee: a $640 filing fee for the required Form N-400, and $85 for the biometrics appointment.

Can I apply for citizenship 3 months before 5 years?

The 90-day early-filing rule: You may file your naturalization application with USCIS as early as 90 days before the end of your three- or five-year wait period as a green card holder — as long as you've met all other eligibility criteria.

Is having a green card the same as citizenship?

Other Things to Know. While green card holders can live and work in the United States, and enjoy most of the same benefits as a U.S. citizen, permanent residents are not U.S. citizens and because of this do not have the full rights of a citizen. Limitations include: Green card holders do not have the right to vote.

How long can a green card holder stay outside the United States 2021?

The law states that if a Green Card holder remains outside of the United States for one year and one day during any one trip, they are considered to have abandoned their residency and lose their Green Card and permanent resident status.

What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US with green card?

If you are abroad for 6 months or more per year, you risk “abandoning” your green card. This is especially true after multiple prolonged absences or after a prior warning by a CBP officer at the airport. 3.

Can I lose my U.S. citizenship if I live abroad?

You might lose your U.S. citizenship in specific cases, including if you: Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship.

Can you lose green card after divorce?

The vast majority of green card holders are mostly unaffected by a divorce. If you are already a lawful permanent resident with a 10-year green card, renewing a green card after divorce is uneventful. You file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, to renew or replace the green card.

Who gets a 10-year green card?

If you got your residency through your employer or your parent or adult child or brother or sister you will be issued the regular 10-year card. Also if you get residency through marriage and have been married more than two years at the time you are granted then you also will get the regular 10-year card.

Can green card holder go to Canada?

No visa is required to simply travel to Canada if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a green card. Generally, permanent residents are allowed to travel to Canada freely and remain for a 6-month stay. You can also apply for an extension if you want to stay longer.

What is the current wait time for U.S. citizenship?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months.

How long can you stay out of USA with green card?

If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the United States multiple times and reenter, if you do not intend to stay outside the United States for 1 year or more.

How many times can you take citizenship test?

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, there is no limit to the number of times you can retake the naturalization test. However, if you only failed a portion of the test, you may not need to retake the entire thing. You have two tries to pass the English and civics portion of the test.

Do I need a lawyer to become a U.S. citizen?

Do I need a lawyer to apply for U.S. citizenship? No. You can file USCIS forms yourself, including Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, which can be submitted online. However, some people choose to seek assistance from a lawyer or Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)-accredited representative.