How Long After Getting a Green Card Do You Get Citizenship?
You can apply for US citizenship five years after getting a permanent green card, also known as permanent residency. However, the journey from being a green card holder to a US citizen can be complex. Explore the difference between a green card and US citizenship, the exceptions to the five-year rule, and other time-related eligibility requirements.
Citizenship and Green Card – What’s the Difference?
A green card allows immigrants to live and work in the United States indefinitely. However, green card holders don’t have the same rights and responsibilities as citizens. Citizenship is a more permanent and committed status, symbolizing full membership in the American community.
The Five-Year Wait
Most green card holders must wait five years to apply for citizenship. This waiting period ensures genuine intent to live and work in the United States. It also allows the government to assess the individual’s allegiance to the US Constitution and their willingness to adhere to the principles of American democracy.
Exceptions to the Five-Year Rule
Those who qualify may be able to apply for citizenship in the US before the five-year period is up. Possible exceptions to the rule include:
· Marriage to a US citizen: If you’re married to and living with a US citizen, the waiting period may be reduced to three years. This provision highlights the government’s encouragement of family unity.
· Asylum seekers and refugees: Those granted asylum or refugee status may have a shorter waiting period given their unique and often dire circumstances.
· Service in the US Armed Forces: Individuals serving in the military may qualify for expedited citizenship.
· Children of US citizens born abroad: Certain children born abroad to US citizen parents may already be US citizens themselves or have a different path to naturalization.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Meeting the five-year rule or qualifying for an exception is only one step in your journey toward US citizenship. You must also demonstrate that you were physically present in the US for at least half of the five-year period, or 30 months out of 60. If you qualify under the three-year rule, it’s 18 months out of 36. You must also live within the state or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district where you claim residence for at least three months before applying.
Why Choose Hurtubise Weber Law?
Whether you’re facing the standard five-year wait or qualify for an exception, professional guidance simplifies the process of turning your green card into US citizenship. Immigration lawyers are well-versed in this area and can help eliminate confusion that might lead to unfavorable decisions in your case.
Founded in 2013, Hurtubise Weber Law is easy to work with. With Spanish-speaking team members and a high success rate, we are well-positioned to provide family-based immigration services in San Francisco and San Jose, CA. Contact us today at (415) 496-9040, and we’ll work to make your American dream a reality!