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.
Can I apply for US citizenship after 3 years of 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”).
What is the 4 year 1 day rule for US citizenship?
An applicant who is required to establish continuous residence for at least five years and whose application for naturalization is denied for an absence of one year or longer, may apply for naturalization four years and one day after returning to the United States to resume permanent residence.
Can I become a US citizen after 3 years?
As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years. … To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the three years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
How long does it take to get US citizenship 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.
How long does it take to become a US citizen in 2021?
The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021.
How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?
How much does it cost to apply for U.S. citizenship? The current filing fee to apply for U.S. citizenship is $725. This includes $640 for the Form N-400(Application for Naturalization) processing fee and $85 for the biometrics fee.
What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?
The fastest way to get a US green card is through sponsorship from an immediate relative. Unlike other permanent resident visa categories, the IR visa is not subject to quotas or lengthy waiting periods. You are eligible for this visa if you are a spouse, child under 21, or parent of a current US citizen.
Can a green card holder stay outside the US for 5 months?
As a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident you can travel outside the United States for up to 6 months without losing your green card.
How long US citizen can stay outside us?
Remaining outside the United States for more than 12 months may result in a loss of lawful permanent resident status.
When can I start applying for citizenship?
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 stay in America if I marry an American?
Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Filing instructions and forms are available on our Web site at www. uscis.
What happens if you marry a US citizen and then divorce?
What Happens When You Divorce a U.S. Citizen Prior to Becoming a U.S. Citizen? The lives of most divorcees change once a marriage ends and the divorce is finalized. … If, at that time, you are still married, you would become a full permanent resident.
How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2019?
$640. (Add the $85 biometric fee for a total of $725, where applicable. See exceptions below.) If you file your Form N-400 online, you may pay your fee online.