How Long Does It Take to Become a U.S. Citizen?

The journey to U.S. citizenship is exciting but often requires patience. Many applicants wonder: How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The answer depends on several factors, including your eligibility category, processing times, and potential delays.

In this guide, we’ll break down the naturalization timeline step by step, covering:

• General processing times for naturalization (Form N-400)
• How long you need to wait before applying
• Delays and factors that can affect your application
• Ways to track your application status

By understanding the process and expected wait times, you can better prepare for your path to U.S. citizenship.

💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”

Step 1: Meeting the Residency Requirement (3–5 Years)

Before you can apply for U.S. citizenship, you must meet the residency requirement as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder):

• Most applicants: Must have a green card for at least 5 years.
• Marriage-based applicants: If married to a U.S. citizen, you can apply after 3 years.
• Military service members: Some may qualify for expedited naturalization.

Continuous Residence & Physical Presence Requirements

During this period, you must also meet:

• Continuous residence – You cannot leave the U.S. for long periods (no trips over 6 months).
• Physical presence – You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least:
  • 30 months out of the last 5 years (for most applicants).
  • 18 months out of the last 3 years (for spouses of U.S. citizens).

Once you meet these requirements, you can move on to the application stage.