Can you apply for U.S. citizenship 6 months before 5 years?

In general, such an applicant may become eligible and may apply for naturalization at least 6 months before reaching the end of the pertinent statutory period. An applicant who is subject to a 5-year statutory period for naturalization is absent from the United States for 8 months, returning on August 1, 2018.

Can I apply for U.S. citizenship after 4 years?

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 many days can you be outside the US for citizenship?

Travel outside the United States can disrupt your continuous residence. You should avoid any trips abroad of 6 months or longer. For the purposes of naturalization: A trip abroad that is less than 6 months will not disrupt continuous residence.

Can a green card holder apply for citizenship after 3 years?

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 US 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).

Can I travel outside the US while my citizenship application is pending?

There are no travel restrictions after filling out Form N-400, which is the Application for Naturalization. That’s because, as a green card holder, you are already a permanent resident, which allows you to travel abroad while your application is pending.

Can I apply for citizenship before 5 years?

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.

Can I file for citizenship before 5 years?

What is the 4 year 1 day rule in immigration law?

If you break this period of required continuity, the 4 year 1 day rule will apply if your original statutory required period of continuous residence was 5 years. If your original statutory required period of continuous residence was 3 years, the rule would be reduced to 2 years and 1 day.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for permanent residence?

If your spouse is a U.S. citizen and you obtained your lawful permanent residency through them, this period will be reduced to 3 years. If you break this period of required continuity, the 4 year 1 day rule will apply if your original statutory required period of continuous residence was 5 years.

How long does it take to apply for citizenship under INA 316?

[20] An applicant applying for naturalization under INA 316, which requires 5 years of continuous residence, must then wait at least 4 years and 1 day after returning to the United States (whenever 364 days or less of the absence remains within the statutory period), to have the requisite continuous residence to apply for naturalization. [21]

When can I apply for citizenship after 5 years?

You can file your application for naturalization up to 90 days before you’ve reached this 5 or 3 year milestone. This period is known as the 90-day early filing period. Maintaining continuous residence requires you to maintain a permanent dwelling or principal residence in the U.S.