The ultimate goal for most immigrants to the United States is to become a permanent U.S. citizen. Citizenship will allow you to live and work in the U.S. without having to renew your green card. United States citizenship also allows you to vote in U.S. elections.
If you’ve been a legal permanent resident for at least five years, you may be eligible for naturalization, conversion to U.S. citizenship. Learn more about eligibility requirements and who is exempt from the five-year rule.
Your Guide to Citizenship for Five-Year Green Card Holders
- What Is the 5 Year Rule for Green Card to Citizenship?
- Do Green Card Holders Automatically Become Citizens After Five Years?
- How Do You Count 5 Years to Become a U.S. Citizen?
- Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
- Which Green Card Holders Can Apply for Naturalization After Five Years?
- Exceptions to the Five-Year Citizenship Rule
- Applying to Become a U.S. Citizen
- Is it Hard to Get Approved for U.S. Citizenship?
- How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
- What Happens Next?
- How Long Does it Take for a Green Card Holder to Become a Citizen?
- How Do You Check Citizenship Through Naturalization Status Updates?
What Is the 5 Year Rule for Green Card to Citizenship?
If you’ve been waiting to apply for citizenship, you may have heard about the “5 Year Rule.” This rule means that, in general, most people with Green Cards will need to be lawful permanent residents of the United States before you can apply for citizenship.
To qualify for the “5 Year Rule,” you will need to have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least five years prior to your application. In most cases, you will be allowed to take brief trips abroad, but if you have an extended absence from the U.S., it can disrupt your continuous residence status.
In addition to this, to qualify for the “5 Year Rule,” you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months out of the 5 years before applying. You’ll also need to demonstrate good moral character, pass English and civics tests, and meet other criteria.
Do Green Card Holders Automatically Become Citizens After Five Years?
Does the “5 Year Rule” mean you’ll automatically become a United States citizen once you’ve had a Green Card for five years and met the other requirements? Unfortunately, no.
Green Card holders do not automatically become U.S. citizens after five years. While living in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident for five years is generally one of the main eligibility requirements for naturalization, it’s just the starting point.
To become a U.S. citizen, Green Card holders must actively apply for naturalization by filing Form N-400, meet other eligibility criteria, pass English and civics tests, and attend an interview with a USCIS officer.
The process also includes taking an Oath of Allegiance to the United States. Simply holding a Green Card for five years does not trigger automatic citizenship; it’s a deliberate process that requires initiative from the permanent resident and approval from USCIS.
How Do You Count 5 Years to Become a U.S. Citizen?
Counting the 5 years to become a U.S. citizen involves several key considerations:
- Starting point: The 5-year period begins on the date you became a lawful permanent resident (the date on your Green Card).
- Continuous residence: You must have resided continuously in the U.S. for 5 years immediately preceding your application. This doesn’t mean you can’t travel abroad, but extended absences can disrupt continuous residence.
- Physical presence: Within these 5 years, you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years).
- Final 3 months: You must have lived in the state or USCIS district where you’re applying for at least 3 months prior to filing.
- Absences: Trips outside the U.S. for less than 6 months generally don’t break continuity of residence. Absences between 6 months and 1 year may break continuity unless you can prove otherwise. Absences over 1 year usually break continuity of residence.
- Filing early: You can file Form N-400 up to 90 days before completing the 5-year requirement if you meet all other eligibility criteria.
Remember, this 5-year rule is for general applicants. Certain individuals, like spouses of U.S. citizens or military service members, may have different timeframes. Always verify current USCIS guidelines, as requirements can change.
Who Can Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
Before applying for U.S. citizenship, verify your eligibility. In order to apply for naturalization, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Demonstrate good moral character
- Read, write, and speak basic English
- Pass a civics and history test about the U.S. government
- Demonstrate an attachment to the U.S. Constitution
Do you think you might be eligible for citizenship? Take a look at this short video. If you’re ready to take the next step, take our free eligibility quiz.
Additional Requirements for Citizenship
Even if you have been a green card holder for over five years, you must meet additional requirements for U.S. citizenship. You must prove that you:
- Have resided in the United States continuously for five years
- Have been physically present in the United States for 30 months of the last five years
- Have lived in the state or district in which you are applying for at least three months
You may have to wait longer than five years if you do not meet the residency requirements or you have spent more than one year outside the United States.
Which Green Card Holders Can Apply for Naturalization After Five Years?
After five years, these applicants can apply for naturalization to become U.S. citizens:
- Green Card holders with no special circumstances who have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the 5-year period
- Military service members with less than 1 year of peacetime service who have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the 5-year period
- Green Card holders who served less than 1 year in the U.S. military during peacetime who have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the 5-year period
- Green Card holders who served at least 1 year in the U.S. military during peacetime who have lived in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the 5-year period and were honorably discharged more than 6 months ago
Note: A discharge designated as “General-Under Honorable Conditions” is considered an “honorable” discharge for naturalization purposes.
Exceptions to the Five-Year Citizenship Rule
Like most things in life, there are some exceptions to the five-year citizenship rule. If you fit into one of the following categories, you may be able to apply for citizenship in fewer than five years:
Expedited Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for an accelerated path to U.S. citizenship if you meet these criteria:
- You’ve been married to a U.S. citizen for a minimum of three years
- You’ve lived with your U.S. citizen spouse continuously during this period
- You’ve held your Green Card for at least three years
- You’ve physically resided in the United States for at least 18 months (1.5 years) within the three-year period
- Your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for a minimum of three years
If you fulfill all these conditions, you can apply for naturalization three years after obtaining your Green Card, rather than the standard five-year wait. This provision allows eligible spouses of U.S. citizens to pursue citizenship earlier than other Green Card holders.
This exception to the five-year rule may apply even if your green card was not obtained through marriage. For instance, if your employer-sponsored you for a green card and you married a U.S. citizen soon after, you may apply for citizenship three years later.
Expedited Citizenship for Military Widows and Widowers
If your spouse served in the military, you may be eligible for immediate U.S. citizenship if you meet these specific criteria:
- Your spouse was a U.S. citizen
- They died while serving honorably in the U.S. military
- You were living with your spouse at the time of their death
- You must be a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) by the time of your citizenship interview
- There’s no minimum duration for holding the Green Card
- You are exempt from the usual physical presence and continuous residence requirements
Under these circumstances, you can apply for naturalization immediately, without waiting for any specific period after obtaining your Green Card. This provision recognizes the sacrifice of military families and offers an expedited path to citizenship for surviving spouses.
Expedited Citizenship for Wartime Military Service Members
If you’ve served in the U.S. military during a period of war, you may be eligible for immediate naturalization with special provisions if you meet the following qualifications:
- Any length of service during wartime qualifies
- No minimum duration of service is required
- You do not need to be a Green Card holder to apply
- You or your military spouse must have been physically present in the United States (including U.S. territories) or aboard a U.S. vessel when enlisting, re-enlisting, extending your service, or
- being inducted into the military
- No minimum Green Card holding period is required (if you have one)
- No specific U.S. residency duration is needed prior to application
This provision allows eligible wartime service members to apply for citizenship at any time, recognizing their contribution to national security and offering an expedited path to naturalization.
Applying to Become a U.S. Citizen
To apply for citizenship you’ll have to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. The form itself is 20 pages long, while the instructions to fill out the application are 18 pages long. Utilizing an immigration filing service can ensure your application is filed correctly and promptly.
FileRight is here to simplify the application process. Our software asks simple questions and populates your answers where they belong on the form.
How to Apply: A Step-By-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for U.S. citizenship:
Step 1: Determine your eligibility:
- Ensure you meet residency requirements (typically 5 years, or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- Verify you meet other criteria like age, good moral character, and basic English proficiency
Step 2: Complete Form N-400:
- Fill out the Application for Naturalization
- Gather supporting documents (Green Card, tax returns, etc.)
Step 3: Submit your application:
- File Form N-400 online or by mail
- Pay the filing fee and biometrics fee (or request a fee waiver if eligible)
Step 4: Attend biometrics appointment:
- USCIS will schedule this after receiving your application
- They’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and signature
Step 5: Prepare for and take the citizenship test:
- Study for the English and civics tests
- USCIS provides study materials on their website
Step 6: Attend the naturalization interview:
- Answer questions about your application and background
- Take the English and civics tests
Step 7: Receive a decision:
- USCIS will approve, deny, or continue your case
Step 8: Take the Oath of Allegiance:
- If approved, attend the oath ceremony
- You’ll receive your Certificate of Naturalization after taking the oath
Apply for a U.S. passport:
- Optional, but recommended for international travel
Remember to keep copies of all documents submitted and respond promptly to any USCIS requests. The process typically takes several months to a year, depending on your location and USCIS workload.
Is it Hard to Get Approved for U.S. Citizenship?
If you understand the requirements for getting approval for U.S. citizenship and you put some effort into preparation, being approved for citizenship is an achievable goal for most Green Card holders. However, it is not without its challenges. These can include:
- Eligibility requirements: Meeting residency, physical presence, and good moral character criteria.
- Application process: Completing Form N-400 accurately and gathering all necessary documents.
- English and civics tests: Demonstrating English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Interview: Answering questions about your application and background under oath.
- Processing times: The process can take several months to over a year, requiring patience.
Factors that can make it easier:
- Preparation: Thoroughly studying for the tests and carefully completing the application.
- Clean record: Having no significant legal issues or immigration violations.
- Stable residence: Maintaining continuous residence and limited travel abroad.
- Documentation: Keeping thorough records of your time as a permanent resident.
As long as you keep the above factors in mind, you are honest in your application, and you meet the eligibility requirements, you can be approved for U.S. citizenship.
How Much Does It Cost to Apply for U.S. Citizenship?
If you are a green card holder ready to apply for U.S. citizenship, be prepared to pay government fees. Form N-400 must be submitted with the $760 filing fee. The fees may be paid online or by mail with your application.
If your total household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for a fee waiver.
Who Qualifies for an N-400 Fee Waiver?
USCIS offers fee waivers for Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) to certain applicants who demonstrate inability to pay. Here’s who may qualify:
- Your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You receive a means-tested benefit
- You can demonstrate financial hardship due to extraordinary circumstances
- Members of the U.S. military and certain veterans
- Applicants under the Military Naturalization Provisions
To request a fee waiver:
- Submit Form I-912 (Request for Fee Waiver) with your N-400
- Provide required evidence of your eligibility
What Happens Next?
After applying for citizenship with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you’ll receive a receipt of your application, followed by a biometrics appointment. An appointment for an in-person interview will follow. That’s when you’ll take the citizenship test.
When you pass the test, USCIS will schedule your naturalization ceremony. And afterwards, it’s time to celebrate your citizenship! Learn about the benefits of citizenship.
How Long Does it Take for a Green Card Holder to Become a Citizen?
The time it takes for a Green Card holder to become a U.S. citizen involves two main components:
Eligibility waiting period:
- Generally 5 years of permanent residence
- 3 years for those married to and living with a U.S. citizen
- 1 year for certain military service members
After meeting the residency requirement, the process of naturalization typically takes 8 to 12 months. This includes application filing, biometrics, interview, and oath ceremony. How long it will take in your case depends on your specific situation. For most applicants, it will take about 6 years total.
Factors affecting the timeline include USCIS processing times, which can vary by location and workload, and the completeness and accuracy of your application. Also, any requests for additional evidence can extend the process.
Remember, becoming eligible to apply doesn’t automatically confer citizenship. You must actively apply and be approved by USCIS. It’s advisable to start preparing well in advance of your eligibility date to ensure a smooth process.
How Do You Check Citizenship Through Naturalization Status Updates?
Here’s how you can check citizenship through naturalization status updates:
USCIS online account:
- Create or log into your account at www.uscis.gov
- Access detailed case status information and any requests for evidence
- Sign up for email or text notifications
Case Status Online tool:
- Visit the USCIS website
- Enter your 13-character receipt number
- Get basic updates on your case status
USCIS Contact Center:
- Call 1-800-375-5283
- Use the automated system or speak with a representative
- Have your receipt number ready
e-Request:
- Use this tool if your case is outside normal processing times
- Available on the USCIS website
Schedule an InfoPass appointment:
- For in-person inquiries at a USCIS field office
- Only if other methods don’t resolve your issue
Remember to keep your contact information up to date with USCIS. Check periodically, but be patient as the naturalization process can take several months. If you’re asked to provide additional information or attend an interview, respond promptly to avoid delays. And if you need help completing your citizenship application, reach out to FileRight.
