How long must a green card holder wait before they can apply for U.S. citizenship?
five years
If you’re a green card holder with no special circumstances, you can apply for U.S. citizenship at least five years after obtaining your green card. You also must have physically lived in the United States for at least 30 months (two-and-a-half years) out of those five years.
Can I apply for citizenship after 4 years of green card?
The basic rule is that you cannot submit your Form N-400 to apply for U.S. citizenship (or apply to naturalize) until you have lived in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least five years. That means exactly five years, to the day.
How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen with a green card in 2020?
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 citizenship 90 days before 5 years?
Filing Early 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.
Can I become a U.S. citizen after 3 years?
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”).
What if my green card expires while waiting for citizenship?
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What is the difference between a green card and an US citizenship?
Key Difference: U.S. Green Card and U.S. Citizenship are two ways of acquiring long term rights to stay and work in the United States. A green card holder can live and work in the United States. U.S. citizenship provides more benefits in addition to the ones enjoyed by the green card holders. It provides the right to vote in America.
Can I travel after filing the US citizenship application?
There are no restrictions on travel just because you’ve submitted Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. You continue to be a permanent resident with the ability to travel abroad and reenter with a valid permanent resident card. You may travel outside the U.S. after filing Form N-400, but there are ways that travel abroad can affect you.
What are the eligibility requirements to become an U.S. citizen?
The general eligibility requirements to become a U.S. citizen are: Be at least 18 years old at the time you file Form N-400, Application for U.S. Citizenship. Be a permanent resident (have a Green Card) for at least 5 years. Demonstrate continuous residence in the United States for at least 5 years immediately before the date you file Form N-400.