How Long Does It Take To Become A US Citizen With A Green Card (2024)

Overview

The five-year permanent residence rule is a big part of naturalization in the US. It ensures that applicants have established an integrated presence in the country.

Generally, you must have been a lawful permanent green card holder for at least five years before the date you file your application (Form N-400).

Maintaining Permanent Residence During the Five-Year Period:

To meet the requirements of this regulation, you must have resided in the United States for most of the five year period. However, there are exceptions, such as if you had to leave the country for military service or humanitarian reasons.

If you surpass these limits without an explanation, it could impact your application for U.S. Citizenship. Or you may need to wait a few years before becoming eligible again.

Long absences could even result in your residency status being revoked.

Requirements for Maintaining Permanent Residence

During the five years leading up to naturalization, there are specific requirements regarding maintaining permanent residence status. These include:

• Ensuring your continuous presence in the US.
• Providing evidence of a U.S. Address, and filing taxes.
• Regularly renewing your green card, and on time.
• Avoid engaging in activities deemed contrary to good moral character.

Overview

When you apply for U.S. Citizenship there is a rule that allows you to submit your N 400 application form up to 90 days before completing the continuous residence period.

Starting the process ahead of time allows the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to review and handle your case more efficiently.

By utilizing the 90-day rule you can guarantee that any unforeseen delays won’t harm your ability to become a U.S. Citizen within a specific timeframe.

However, it is not without risks, these can include:

• If you apply too early (before 90 days), your application will be rejected, and you’ll need to wait and resubmit, potentially delaying the process.
• If you apply too late (after 5-years), you may miss the opportunity to file during the current processing window and have to wait for the next one.

How to Calculate the Earliest Date to Submit:

1. Identify your 5-year residency date on your Permanent Resident Card.
2. Subtract 90 days from that date to determine the earliest filing date.

For example, if your green card date is July 4, 2019, the earliest date that you could apply under the 90-day rule would be April 5, 2024.

Overview

Another exception to the 5-year rule, is if you are married to a U.S. Citizenship. This exception enables spouses to apply for U.S citizenship after three years of continuously residing in the United States as lawful permanent residents, rather than five years.

To be eligible, you need to have been married for at least three years when submitting your N 400 application form.

The main requirements include:

• You must have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least three years.
• You must demonstrate good moral character.
• You may also need to pass the English and Civic tests.
• Your marriage must be valid for at least three years.

How To Prove The Exception:

• Provide a valid marriage certificate and evidence of cohabitation, such as joint tax returns, utility bills, or lease agreements.
• Provide official documents like pay stubs, bank statements, or travel records.
• Provide police clearance certificates or letters of reference.

Overview

If you are a refugee in the United States and a valid green card holder, part of your time spent in the country as a refugee can be counted as if you were a permanent resident.

The rule is provided by the Immigration and Nationality Act. It takes into account the time spent as a refugee to enable you to apply for U.S citizenship or permanent residency status.

The Requirements And How To Prove Eligibility

To be eligible, your green card must have been obtained based on your refugee status.

You must also meet all other requirements, such as:

• Continuous residency after receiving the green card
• Show good moral character in the US
• Pass the English and civics tests.

To prove it applies to your case, you must provide documentation proving your refugee status in the U.S. You must also demonstrate your continuous residency after receiving your green card, such as submitting tax returns, utility bills, or employment records in your name.

Overview

Beyond the basic requirements to apply for citizenship, there are other factors that can trigger additional vetting by United States authorities.

Such as your criminal history, if you have committed a crime in the past that is considered serious by the US government. It can delay your visa application and may even lead to denial.

Other possible reasons for delay can include:

• If you have experienced past immigration violations.
• Unpaid taxes or outstanding debts to the US government.
• Complex marital history, especially involving international marriages or divorces.

How The Timeline May Be Extended

• If your application triggers a Request for Evidence (RFE), you may need to submit additional documents to address any concerns they have.
• In some cases, additional background checks may need to happen. This can take more time, especially if USCIS needs to verify information from foreign sources.

For example, if you have a DUI conviction, you might be required to submit proof of rehabilitation before your application is considered. Likewise, if you have overstayed your visa, you might need to provide additional documentation explaining your reasons why.

If you require help with obtaining US citizenship, consulting with an immigration attorney can help you better navigate the process. Contact the Immigration Advice Service at +1 844 290 6312 or message us online to discuss how to become a US citizen.

Overview

Becoming a U.S. citizen with a valid green card involves several complex yet essential steps. First, you need to ensure that you meet the requirements for eligibility.

You will then need to:

1. Submit Form N-400 for Naturalization. Along with any documents and pay the filing fee. Generally, you can file up to 90 days before completing the residency period.
2. Attend a biometrics appointment for a fingerprinting and photograph session.
3. You will then need to prepare for an interview with a USCIS officer to discuss your application and demonstrate your understanding of U.S. history.
4. Then wait for a decision. If approved, you need to participate in a formal ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance before becoming a citizen.

Typical Timeline

After filing Form N-400, typically, it takes about 14-24 months to become a legal citizen of the United States. It can vary depending on your location and the workload at the USCIS. Once approved, the Oath ceremony is usually scheduled within a few weeks.

Is There A Way To Check Processing Times?

You can check the processing times for citizenship applications through your USCIS account. You will need the login details you used to create the account, such as an email and password.

After logging in, you can check the estimated processing times based on your filing date and location. Alternatively, visit the USCIS processing times webpage. Here you can filter by form type, field office location, and action, giving you a general idea of current wait times.

How Often Should You Check Processing Times?

Waiting for an update on your application status is undoubtedly nerve-wracking. But, checking too frequently may lead to unnecessary stress.

Processing timeframes tend to change quite often, so it is advisable to check regularly for updates, especially if your case is approaching the estimated timeframe. You can also set up regular reminders to keep track of any updates regarding your application.

Are There Ways To Speed Up The Application Process?

The USCIS offers expedited processing for certain situations. However, due to the stringent requirements and limited situations, the success rate for being granted it is very low.

To request the service, call the USCIS at 1-800-375-5283.

Be prepared to explain your reasons clearly and concisely.

Acceptable scenarios typically involve:

• Extreme situations like immediate threats to your personal safety.
• Medical emergencies affecting you or your immediate family members.

Also highlight any humanitarian or emergency factors that may be involved. You may need to gather supporting documentation to substantiate your claims.

How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?

The costs associated with the naturalization process include the application fee and biometric services fee. As of January 2024, the current fee for naturalization is $640.

• Biometric services fee is $85.

You may also need to budget for other costs such as:

• Medical Examination, typically ranging from $200 to $500.
• Costs for consulting with an immigration attorney like IAS.

Payment can be made through the USCIS website using either a U.S. bank account or credit card. It is also possible to submit a money order or personal check.

The immigration process to obtain U.S. citizenship can be complex. It requires you to navigate the eligibility criteria, submit extensive paperwork, and pay the fees. An experienced immigration attorney like IAS can help simplify the process and avoid mistakes.

Here are some of the key ways IAS can help:

• Provide expert guidance on the most straightforward application path.
• Assist in gathering, compiling and verifying documents.
• Review your application and forms to ensure accuracy.
• Communicate with USCIS on your behalf.
• Update records with state and federal agencies.
• Appeal any incorrect USCIS denials of applications.

The lawyers at IAS have helped many applicants successfully obtain citizenship in the United States. If you need legal advice, contact us today at +1 844 290 6312 or message us online. Our team can help ensure your immigration pathway is smooth and efficient.