How long does it take for an immigrant to become a citizen?

Currently, it takes about six months to a year to get U.S. citizenship from the time you apply. The process starts when you first get your green card, but there’s no accurate way to tell how long each application will take. Your unique circumstances will determine your application status.

Does time before green card count towards citizenship?

Again, most lawful permanent residents must wait a full five years before applying for U.S. citizenship. Here are the main exceptions. If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you might qualify to apply for naturalization after three years.

What are the 3 requirements for naturalization?

Eligibility

  • Be at least 18 years of age at the time you file the application;
  • Have been a lawful permanent resident for the past three or five years (depending on which naturalization category you are applying under);
  • Have continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;

What is the difference between naturalization and citizenship?

A US citizenship certificate is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his US citizen parents. But a certificate of naturalization is granted to a person who becomes a citizen of America through naturalization. Before that, the person who seeks to become a US citizen must be a Green Card holder.

What is the fastest way to get U.S. citizenship?

Expedited Naturalization by Marriage

  1. Hold a green card for three years;
  2. Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for three years;
  3. Live within the state that you’re applying in for three months; and.
  4. Meet all other requirements for US citizenship.

Can I apply citizenship without green card?

If you’ve served in the U.S. military for any period during wartime, you can apply anytime and need not be a green card holder. You need not have held a green card for a certain number of years (if you have one) or have physically lived in the United States for any number of months prior to applying for citizenship.

Is naturalization and citizenship the same?

But both the documents are not the same. A US citizenship certificate is granted to a person who acquires or derives citizenship from his US citizen parents. But a certificate of naturalization is granted to a person who becomes a citizen of America through naturalization.

What are the 5 requirements for naturalization?

All naturalization applicants must meet a number of filing requirements, described below.

  • Age.
  • Residency.
  • Residence and Physical Presence.
  • Good Moral Character.
  • Attachment to the Constitution.
  • Language.
  • U.S. Government and History Knowledge.
  • Oath of Allegiance.

What is the process of citizenship and Naturalization?

Citizenship and Naturalization 1 Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the… 2 Acquisition of citizenship is obtained through U.S. citizenship parents either at birth or after birth, but before the… More

How does one become a citizen of the United States?

Depending on your situation, there may be different ways to obtain citizenship. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Are there exceptions to the rules for naturalization?

There are exceptions and modifications to the naturalization requirements that are available to those who qualify. USCIS also provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities. For more information visit the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

Who is the US citizenship and Immigration Services?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is a component of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).