While most people must wait five years after getting their green card to apply for naturalized U.S. citizenship, important exceptions are available. … However, no one can apply for naturalized U.S. citizenship immediately after receiving a green card. You have to wait some years, and be ready to meet other requirements.
How long after having a 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”).
Does the 2 years of conditional green card count towards citizenship?
As long as you become a permanent resident at the end of your conditional residence period, your two years as a conditional resident will count toward the waiting period for citizenship.
Can I apply for citizenship after 2 years of PR?
Assuming she remains physically present in Canada throughout, she can apply for citizenship after 2 ½ years as a permanent resident (i.e. in December 2018). Use the Canadian government “Physical Presence Calculator” to find out when a person can apply.
How long does it take to become a US citizen with a green card in 2020?
In most cases, it takes about two years for a green card to become available, and the entire process takes around three years.
Can I apply for citizenship 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 citizenship after applying 2021?
Citizenship Processing Time
The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that’s just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).
What happens if my 2 year green card expires?
If your Permanent Resident Card is valid for only 2 years, you are a conditional resident. You will need to file a petition to remove the conditions of your residence before the card expires. You may file this petition 90 days before your conditional green card expires.
What is the difference between 2 year and 10-year green card?
2-year Green Cards are conditional resident cards that are applied in situations of marriage or employment. 10-year Green Cards are permanent resident cards that can be acquired after the marriage has lasted two years and have proved the legitimacy of their marriage through evidence.
Can a green card holder apply for citizenship before 5 years?
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.
How many years do I have to wait to apply for citizenship?
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.
How do I know if I am eligible 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.
Is citizenship fee free in Canada?
Becoming a citizen allows new immigrants to fully participate in Canadian society. It should not be subject to a user fee. A re-elected Liberal government will: Make the application process free for permanent residents who have fulfilled the requirements needed to obtain it.
What is the fastest way to get US citizenship?
Expedited Naturalization by Marriage
- Hold a green card for three years;
- Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;
- Live within the state that you’re applying in for three months; and.
- Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.
How much does it cost to become a U.S. 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 4 year 1 day rule for US citizenship?
The 4 year 1 day rule mostly works as follows. Once you’ve broken continuous residency, a new period will begin to run on the first day you return to the U.S. Form the day you must stay in the U.S. for a minimum of 4 years and 1 day before you can apply for naturalization again.