I have been living in the USA for a while now, and I am considering applying for citizenship. It seems like an important step to take as an immigrant, but it is also not something you want to rush.
Did I look up how long after green card can I apply for citizenship? answer 5 years and Different citizenship found out there are different rules depending on if you were born in the U.S. or abroad. If you were born outside of the U.S., you must read this article. It took five years after a green card you can apply for citizenship.
What Is the Process for Getting Citizenship?
Many people believe that after obtaining a green card, you can apply for U.S. citizenship as soon as six months later; however, this is not the case. The truth is that there are many steps to take before applying for citizenship, and it takes much longer than six months to complete them all.
Getting citizenship in the U.S. is a long and arduous one. I am not sure if you are aware of it, but there is more than one way to become a U.S. citizen. However, Here is the process mentioned below:
Step 1: Fulfill Criteria for Citizenship:
U.S. laws specify specific eligibility requirements for becoming a U.S. citizen by naturalization.
- Citizenship cannot be obtained while in the physical custody of an immigration officer or detention and deportation proceedings;
- Serve honorably in the uniformed services;
- Have been lawfully admitted to the United States as either a Lawful Permanent Resident (“green card holder “) or Citizen of the United States (“green card holder”);
- At least 18 years old and a Permanent Resident Except as provided by statute:
- You will most likely also have met all other legal requirements for adjustment to permanent resident status.
Step 2: Compile The Petition.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must process the naturalization application within 180 days of receiving it, according to USCIS policy.
Suppose you are a U.S. citizen and have lost your permanent resident or green card status because of suspension from admission into the country. In that case, consultation is necessary before submission on form N-400 live naturalization. Consult with any immigration attorney who can advise as per immigrant law.
Step 3: Biometrics Appointment
This is the point where an applicant will appear for fingerprinting at a designated location.
Step 4: Written Test And Interview
The USC-IS reads and questions applicants’ knowledge of U.S. history, government structure, Federal laws. Including immigration policies, civics instruction, English language skills in punctuation, spelling, and reading comprehension.
Step 5: The Immigration and nationality act
A naturalization ceremony is conducted at a courthouse after the period has expired. It marks the beginning of your citizenship process. The USCIS recognizes all applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, and national origin, as a good moral character who will support democracy.
U.S. Citizenship Requirements for Green Cardholders:
There are some requirements that you have to fulfill before getting a green card. Such as:
- You must be a permanent resident of the United States for at least 5 years (10 years if married to a U.S. citizen)
- You must demonstrate that you have enough income to support yourself and your family
- Also, you must not pose any national security threat or public charge.
90-Days Early Application Rule for Submitting N-400:
The N-400 Application is a nonimmigrant visa for foreign nationals who wish to immigrate to the United States. The application process includes 90 days before you can submit your application for permanent residence. This means that if you are planning on applying for an adjustment of status, it will take 90 days from the date that USCIS approves your case before you can submit your I-485 Petition.
However, The 90-day early-filing rule is as far as you meet all other entry requirements, you can submit your citizenship petition with USCIS up to 90 days earlier the expiration of your 3- or 5 years wait period as an immigration status holder.
Taking Your Exams and Interview:
Here is something for your knowledge. If you are willing to go through the Green Card Process as a spouse of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (LPR), then you will need to file Form I-485 with USCIS. Your USCIS officer may ask you questions during the interview.
Taking Your Oath of Allegiance:
Taking your Oath of Allegiance for a green card to apply for citizenship is important to the immigration process. The Oath of Allegiance is a statement that you will be a loyal citizen of the United States. The Oath states that you promise to uphold the Constitution and abide by all laws as well as “bear true faith and allegiance” to the United States.
What To Do After Getting your Citizenship:
After getting your citizenship, you need to go through the initial process of getting a Social Security Number. You will be required to have health insurance as well. It is highly recommended that you have health insurance because if anything happens to you and your family members, it will help them receive treatment at no cost. Once you are ready with all these things, you can start investing in real estate or stocks, or bonds. You can also consider starting your own business.
Can I Apply for U.S. Citizenship After 3 Years of a Green Card?
Here comes the tricky part. You can apply for U.S. citizenship after 3 years of Green Card status. But before that, you have to fulfill the following requirements:
- You must have been a permanent resident in the United States for at least 3 years (180 days) immediately preceding your date of application;
- You must be in valid nonimmigrant status on the filing date; and
- Your unlawful presence in the United States on this date must not exceed 180 days during the period beginning 60 days.
Can a Green Card Holder Apply for Citizenship Before 5 Years?
As an immigrant or as a green card holder of a permanent resident, you are entitled to apply for U.S. citizenship after 5 years of residency. If your qualification for citizenship is dependent on to be a:
- Five years as a green card holder;
- Or If you are wedded to a U.S. native,
- You must have been a legal immigrant for at least three years.
When Can I Apply for Citizenship After a Green Card Through Marriage?
When you are married to a U.S. citizen, you will be eligible for citizenship after 2 years of marriage. You should submit your application within 2 years of filing your I-130 petition or before the 2 year period expires. This is if you have already been granted permanent residence (green card). You can also file your application with USCIS at any time in the future and still qualify for naturalization.
Can I Apply for Citizenship Without My Husband?
You can apply for citizenship without your husband if you are a permanent resident of the United States. To qualify for citizenship, you must meet certain requirements, including being a legal resident of the United States for at least three years and having a valid residence card.
Final Thoughts:
The process of applying for a green card is not an easy one. You need to make sure that you understand the steps involved in this process and how long after green card can I apply for citizenship. I hope you can now understand what to do or what not.
Now can you answer me when can you apply for citizenship after green card and how many years after green card citizenship? I am asking because above you will find the answer along with how long green card to citizenship, how many years after green card can I apply for citizenship and how long does it take to become us citizen with a green card.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Long After Green Card Can I Apply for Citizenship?
yes, 5 years.
Can a green card holder apply for citizenship before 5 years?
Ans: Yes, a green card holder can apply for citizenship before 5 years. However, there are some requirements that must be met to qualify.
Can I apply for citizenship after 2 years green card?
Ans: You can apply for citizenship after 2 years of living in the United States on a green card. The most important requirement is that you must have been residing in the U.S. for at least 2 years.
How long does it take to get U.S. citizenship after a green card?
Ans: It takes 6 months to one plus year to get U.S. citizenship after a green card.
Can I apply for citizenship after 4 years of a green card?
Ans: You can, but you need to be a citizen of the U.S. for at least five years.
Can I apply for citizenship 3 months before 5 years?
Ans: In this case, you will have to file a naturalization application to USCIS.
