How many years after can I apply for citizenship?

Determine your eligibility to become a U.S. citizen. In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

How many years after green card can I apply 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 3 year rule for citizenship?

Permanent residents who are married to a U.S. citizen are eligible to apply for citizenship after three years of permanent residence, provided they have been married to their U.S. citizen spouse for the full three years.

How long after being in the US can you apply for citizenship?

You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your continuous 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 U.S. citizenship after 4.5 years?

An applicant for naturalization under the general provision must have resided continuously in the United States after his or her lawful permanent resident (LPR) admission for at least 5 years prior to filing the naturalization application and up to the time of naturalization.

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

What is the 7 year rule for immigration?

During the seven-year period of potential eligibility, non-citizens are expected to work toward becoming U.S. citizens. If they do not, eligibility will stop after seven years. Example: Elliot arrives in 2008, and is given refugee status, which establishes his potential SSI eligibility for seven years through 2015.

What is the 5 year rule for citizenship?

As a permanent resident, you are generally eligible for naturalization after five years. This is the most common way that people apply to become a U.S. citizen. To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the five years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

What is the fastest way to get U.S. citizenship?

Military and marriage-related naturalization are usually the fastest, but even a typical green card route may take as little as five years.

How much does it cost to file for U.S. citizenship?

$640. (Add the $85 biometric fee for a total of $725, where applicable.

How many times can you take the U.S. citizen test?

You will be given two attempts to take the English and civics tests and to answer all questions relating to your naturalization application in English.

Does marrying an American guarantee citizenship?

Will someone become a U.S. citizen if I marry them? Marriage to a U.S. citizen does not automatically grant someone U.S. citizenship. However, marriage to a U.S. citizen can be a pathway to immigration benefits, such as obtaining a green card.

Can I apply for U.S. citizenship after 2 years of green card?

If you're a green card holder with no special circumstances, you can apply for United States citizenship at least five years after obtaining your green card. You also must have physically lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (two-and-a-half years) out of those five years.

Can I apply for citizenship after 2.5 years?

Applicants are required to show that they have: Resided continuously in the U.S. for five years before applying, (see legal basis), or. Resided continuously in the U.S. for three years in the case of qualified spouses of U.S. citizens, (see legal basis)

What disqualifies you from becoming a U.S. citizen?

Criminal Record: Applicants convicted of certain crimes, such as murder or aggravated felony, are not eligible for citizenship. But certain criminal acts before the statutory period can also affect the eligibility for U.S. citizenship. The U.S. citizen applicant must present evidence of rehabilitation.

What happens to green card if citizenship is denied?

Ordinarily, denial of U.S. citizenship leaves the person with permanent residence, but there's a risk of green card cancellation and deportation.

Who is exempt from taking the citizenship test?

There are certain exemptions to the civics test requirement for naturalization in the United States. These exemptions are based on age, physical or developmental disabilities, or medical conditions that prevent an individual from learning or demonstrating knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Do you 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.

What is the most difficult part of applying for U.S. citizenship?

It is hard because of the long processing times, the financial and personal costs involved, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States. The requirements of U.S. citizenship are also complex and may not be understandable to some immigrants.

Which citizenship is the hardest to obtain?

Where is it hardest to get citizenship?

Can a U.S. citizen sponsor a sibling?

A U.S. citizen who is at least 21 years or older may also petition for the following relatives: Parents; Brothers or sisters. When you submit your petition, you are required to provide evidence to prove your relationship to the person for whom you are filing.

Are you eligible to be a U.S. citizen without speaking English?

Those who are 50 years of age or older and who have been in the United States for at least 20 years can potentially naturalize without taking an English language test. There is also an exemption for those over the age of 55 who have been in the country for 15 years.

How long does a green card last?

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. It is important to keep your card up-to-date.