How Long Must a Green Card Holder Stay in the U.S. Before

If you have a U.S. Green Card & dream of being a U.S. citizen, you're not on your own. A big ask is: "How long must I stay in the United States before I can try for citizenship?" Let's make it plain & clear.

The Short Take

Most with a Green Card must stay in the U.S. for at least 5 years. Then they can try for naturalization (turning into a citizen). But there are some cases that let some ask sooner.

 The 5-Year Plan: Usual Stay Need

To fit this 5-year plan, you must:

1.     Have the right to stay for good (have a Green Card).

2.     Have set up home in the U.S. for at least 5 years.

3.     Have been in the U.S. for at least 30 months of those 5 years.

4.     Show you’ve been in the state or USCIS zone where you're asking for at least 3 months.

5.     Can read, write, & talk English (with some not having to).

6.     Pass a civics quiz on U.S. lore & law.

7.     Show good acts in those years.

The 3-Year Plan: For Mates of U.S. Folks

If you wed a U.S. person, you might get to ask after 3 years, if:

You’ve been wed to & lived with your U.S. mate for the whole 3 years.

Your mate has been a U.S. citizen for all 3 years.

You meet all other needs (stay, stay in the U.S., etc.).

 What If You Go Out of the U.S.?

Trips out can hurt if you’re fit. Long times away (6 months or more) may end your stay here & reset the time unless you ask for a Reentry Pass or meet other rules.

 Last Hint

When set to ask, fill out Form N-400 with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Be set for your chat, bring right files, & prep for the civics quiz.

 To Wrap It Up

Type of Ask  Needed Years of Stay

Green Card Holder  5 Years

Mate of U.S. Person 3 Years