How Long Does It Take to Apply for US Citizenship After a Green Card?

Applying for US citizenship after obtaining a green card can be a long and sometimes confusing process. Many people think it’s as simple as waiting a few years, but there’s a lot more to it. Let’s break it down.

The first thing you need to understand is that time requirements vary based on your specific situation. Typically, most green card holders need to wait five years before they can apply for US citizenship. But for certain people, such as those married to a US citizen, the wait time can be reduced to three years.

But here’s the twist: the waiting period isn’t the only factor. The application process itself can also take a considerable amount of time. After submitting your application, the entire process can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. This means you could be waiting for up to seven years before becoming a US citizen, depending on your circumstances.

Let’s dive deeper into these timelines.

1. The Five-Year Rule for Most Green Card Holders

The general requirement is that you must hold a green card for at least five years before you can apply for citizenship. These five years are referred to as the continuous residence requirement. But what does “continuous residence” really mean? It means you’ve lived in the United States without taking long trips abroad. If you’ve spent a lot of time outside the US during those five years, it could delay your ability to apply.

• Continuous Residence Requirement:

  Time Spent Abroad	Impact on Citizenship Eligibility
  Less than 6 months	No impact; considered continuous residence
  More than 6 months but less than 1 year	Could disrupt continuous residence; need to explain absence
  Over 1 year	Breaks continuous residence; must start five-year wait again

As you can see, spending too much time outside the US can seriously affect your timeline.

2. Exceptions for Certain Applicants: The Three-Year Rule

If you’re married to a US citizen, the waiting period drops to three years. But there’s a catch: you must have been living with your US citizen spouse for those three years, and your spouse must have been a US citizen for the entire time. Plus, the same continuous residence rules apply. If you’ve been spending months abroad during that period, it can push back your application date.

3. The Application Process: More Than Just Waiting

Even if you’ve satisfied the waiting period, the actual naturalization process takes time. The application (Form N-400) involves several steps:

1. Filing the Application: You complete and submit Form N-400.
2. Biometrics Appointment: You’ll be required to attend an appointment where the government collects your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.
3. Interview: After the biometrics, you’ll be scheduled for an interview. During this interview, a USCIS officer will test your knowledge of English and US civics.
4. Decision: After the interview, you’ll receive a decision: approved, denied, or continued. If continued, it means more information is required, or another interview is necessary.
5. Oath Ceremony: If approved, you’ll attend a ceremony where you’ll take the Oath of Allegiance and officially become a US citizen.

Each step can take weeks or even months, and that’s assuming everything goes smoothly. Delays can happen due to missing documents, rescheduled appointments, or high demand at USCIS offices.

4. The Cost of Citizenship

Applying for US citizenship isn’t just a matter of time; it’s also a matter of money. As of 2024, the fee for filing Form N-400 is $725, which includes a $640 application fee and an $85 biometric services fee. This fee is non-refundable, so it’s crucial to make sure all your paperwork is in order before submitting.

For families, the cost can add up quickly. For example, a family of four applying for citizenship could end up paying nearly $3,000 in fees alone. However, fee waivers are available for those who can’t afford to pay the full amount.

5. Potential Roadblocks: What Could Delay or Deny Your Application?

Not everyone who applies for US citizenship gets approved. In fact, many applications are delayed or even denied due to common issues, such as:

• Criminal History: Certain crimes, especially those involving moral turpitude, can make you ineligible for citizenship.
• Failure to Pay Taxes: If you haven’t been paying your taxes, this can be a major red flag.
• False Claims to US Citizenship: If you’ve falsely claimed to be a US citizen in the past, it could come back to haunt you during the naturalization process.
• Failure to Register for Selective Service: For men between the ages of 18 and 26, failing to register for Selective Service can be a dealbreaker.

Even small mistakes on your application can lead to delays. That’s why many people choose to work with an immigration attorney to ensure everything is filled out correctly.

6. The Interview: What to Expect

The naturalization interview is a critical step in the process. During this interview, a USCIS officer will ask you questions about your application and your background. You’ll also need to pass two tests:

• English Test: You’ll be tested on your ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Civics Test: You’ll be asked questions about US history and government. You need to answer 6 out of 10 questions correctly to pass.

There’s a lot riding on this interview, so preparation is key. Many applicants choose to take practice tests or enroll in citizenship classes to improve their chances of passing.

7. Oath of Allegiance: The Final Step

Once you’ve passed the interview and tests, the final step is the Oath of Allegiance. This ceremony is a powerful moment where you’ll officially become a US citizen. You’ll receive a certificate of naturalization, and from that moment on, you’ll have all the rights and responsibilities of a US citizen, including the right to vote in US elections.

8. Real-Life Example: The Case of Maria

Let’s consider Maria, a green card holder who has lived in the US for five years. She’s ready to apply for citizenship, but during her five years, she spent eight months abroad visiting family. Because her trip was longer than six months but less than a year, she had to provide additional documentation to prove she didn’t abandon her residence in the US. This delayed her application by several months.

Even after submitting her application, Maria faced a long wait. It took USCIS seven months to schedule her biometrics appointment and another four months for her interview. In total, it took Maria almost two years from the time she submitted her application to the day she took the Oath of Allegiance.

Maria’s experience highlights how even small complications can significantly lengthen the citizenship process.

9. Conclusion: What to Expect When Applying for US Citizenship

Becoming a US citizen after obtaining a green card is a significant milestone, but it’s important to understand that the process takes time and preparation. From the mandatory waiting periods to the actual application process, delays are common, and careful planning is essential.

If you’re thinking about applying, make sure you meet the continuous residence requirements, prepare for the interview, and have all your documents in order. And remember, even though the process can take years, the reward of US citizenship is worth the wait.

Key Takeaways:

• The waiting period is generally five years, or three years for spouses of US citizens.
• The application process can take 6 months to 2 years.
• Be prepared for fees and possible delays.
• Ensure all documents and forms are properly completed to avoid setbacks.

For those willing to go through the process, US citizenship offers invaluable rights and privileges, making the wait worthwhile.