How many years does it take to become a U.S. citizen?

In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you are at least 18 years old and have been a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen) and meet all other eligibility requirements.

Does it take 7 years to become a U.S. citizen?

If you’re a green card holder with no special circumstances, you can apply for U.S. citizenship at least five years after obtaining your green card. You also must have physically lived in the United States for at least 30 months (two-and-a-half years) out of those five years.

Does it take 5 years to become a U.S. citizen?

As a permanent resident, you are generally eligible for naturalization after five years. This is the most common way that people apply to become a U.S. citizen. To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the five years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen with a green card?

All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen? The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that’s just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).

Is it hard to become a U.S. citizen?

Becoming a U.S. citizen shouldn’t be so hard, but it is due to the long processing time, financial and personal costs, and the fact that most immigrants do not have a direct relative that is a citizen of the United States. The requirements of USCIS are also very complex and may not be understandable to outsiders.

What is the fastest way to get US 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.

Do you get paid for marrying an immigrant?

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, INA Section 204(c), if a marriage takes place to evade United States immigration laws, it’s a sham marriage. … A U.S. citizen is either paid or charges money to marry someone from outside the country and get him/her a green card.

Does marrying a U.S. citizen make you a citizen?

If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won’t be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away. But you might become eligible for a U.S. green card, which can lead to U.S. citizenship. … But you might become eligible for a U.S. green card (lawful permanent residence), which can lead to U.S. citizenship.

How much does it cost to become a US citizen in 2021?

How Much Will It Cost To Become A U.S. Citizen? As of February 2021, the total application fee for naturalization is $725. This fee consists of the processing fee of $640 and the biometrics fee of $85. The USCIS does not refund these filing fees regardless of the outcome of the naturalization application.

What are the 5 requirements to become a US citizen?

Be able to read, write, and speak basic English; Demonstrate good moral character; Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; Demonstrate a loyalty to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and.

How much do you pay to US citizen?

The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.

Do you have to take a test to become a US citizen?

As part of the naturalization process, applicants for U.S. citizenship must pass a two-part naturalization test. … The second, a civics test, evaluates the applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government.

Can you become a citizen without taking the test?

The USCIS states you may skip the English portion of the test if: You are at least 50 years old at the time of filing for naturalization and have lived as a green card holder in the United States for at least 20 years. This exception is commonly known as the 50/20 exemption.

When can someone apply for citizenship?

You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a: Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or. Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.

How much is a green card in 2021?

In 2021, the green card renewal fee for Form I-90 is $540 total.

How much is US green card?

How much does it cost to apply for a green card? The government filing fees for getting a family-based green card is $1,760 for an applicant living in the United States or $1,200 for an applicant living outside the United States.

What is difference between citizen and citizenship?

A citizen is a participatory member of a political community. Citizenship is gained by meeting the legal requirements of a national, state, or local government. A nation grants certain rights and privileges to its citizens.

How long can you stay out of the country on a green card?

1 year
If you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), you may leave the U.S. multiple times and reenter, as long as you do not intend to stay outside the U.S. for 1 year or more. This 1-year rule creates a rebuttable presumption that you intended to abandon your residency.

How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2021?

Average time – Seven to 32 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2021; another six to ten months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.

How long is a green card good for?

10 years
A Permanent Resident Card (USCIS Form I-551)

Although some Permanent Resident Cards, commonly known as Green Cards, contain no expiration date, most are valid for 10 years. If you have been granted conditional permanent resident status, the card is valid for 2 years.

How long can a US citizen stay out of the country 2021?

International Travel

U.S. Immigration law assumes that a person admitted to the United States as an immigrant will live in the United States permanently. Remaining outside the United States for more than 12 months may result in a loss of lawful permanent resident status.

Can you get a US passport with a green card?

Although a green card doesn’t entitle you to a U.S. passport, it does mean that you can come and go freely from the United States and U.S. territories like Puerto Rico. … And if you’re out of the U.S. for more than two years, you’ll need a returning resident visa to re-enter the country.

Does a green card holder have to live in the US?

As a permanent resident (Green Card holder), you have the right to: Live permanently in the United States provided you do not commit any actions that would make you removable under immigration law. … Be protected by all laws of the United States, your state of residence and local jurisdictions.