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:

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

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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):

Continuous Residence & Physical Presence Requirements

During this period, you must also meet:

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