In order to apply for U.S. citizenship you definitely need to have a Green Card and fulfill the required length of residence, which varies depending on your immigration type.
If you want to know how long after getting a Green card you can apply for U.S. citizenship and how long a permanent resident must stay in the U.S. before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization based on USCIS’s official requirements, keep reading the article!
Related articles:
- How to Get a U.S. Green Card
- What is the Minimum Length of Stay for a U.S. Green Card?
- What is Form I-551 and is it the Same as a U.S. Green Card?
How long after an employment based green card can I apply for citizenship?
5 years. Specifically, if you are not the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, you must fulfill the following requirements before filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization):
| Continuous Residence in the U.S. | ≥ 5 years |
| Physical Presence in the U.S. | ≥ 30 months (within the 5 years) |
| Living in a place under USCIS jurisdiction | ≥ 3 months |
How long can I apply for citizenship after green card by marriage?
3 years. Specifically, if you obtained your U.S. green card through marriage, you must fulfill the following requirements before filing Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization):
| Continuous Residence in the U.S. | ≥ 3 years |
| Physical Presence in the U.S. | ≥ 18 months (within the 3 years) |
Plus, you must reside in the U.S. continuously from filing Form N-400 until naturalization.
How long after receiving a temporary green card can I apply for citizenship?
Same as above. However, according to USCIS, Conditional Permanent Residents must remove their conditional status by either:
- Filing Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence)
- Form I-829 (Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status) before naturalization
Green card photo editor
Do you want to ensure that your Green card photo meets all the official requirements? Look no further! Our online AI-enhanced passport photo editor is here to save the day. With just a simple photo with your smartphone, you can convert it into a biometric photograph that meets the official criteria.
Our powerful tool removes backgrounds, adjusts sizes, crops photos accurately, and even fixes lighting if needed. Get the perfect acceptable Green card photo for your application thanks to our tool by uploading your photo at egreencardphoto. Say goodbye to photo worries and hello to hassle-free document applications. Give it a try today!
How long after green card can i apply for citizenship: key takeaways
Generally, you can apply for U.S. citizenship 5 years after obtaining your U.S. green card. However, if you have married a U.S. citizen, the required length of residence is reduced to 3 years. Before filing Form N-400, you must ensure that the conditional status of your green card is removed.
FAQ
Can I travel while waiting for U.S. citizenship?
Yes, you can travel abroad if you have applied for U.S. citizenship after obtaining a Green card, however, staying abroad for more than 180 days can make your citizenship application ineligible.
Can I apply for citizenship as soon as I receive my Green card?
No, you cannot apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as you receive your green card. There is a waiting period before you become eligible to apply for citizenship according to your specific situation.