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Free tool · Before you file

When can I apply for citizenship?

Enter your green card date and your trips abroad. See your earliest filing date, your days outside the U.S., and any trips that could cause trouble.

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1Which path are you on?
2
The “Resident since” date on your green card.
3Trips outside the U.S.Optional
Add every trip longer than 24 hours since that date. You’ll list the same trips on your N-400.
Your dates show here.Start with your green card date.

How USCIS decides when you can file

Your green card date, minus 90 days

Most permanent residents can apply 5 years after the date on their green card. If you’ve been married to and living with a U.S. citizen for 3 years, and they’ve been a citizen that whole time, it’s 3 years.

USCIS lets you file up to 90 days before that date. If you file earlier, USCIS will deny the application.

Continuous residence: long trips

A trip of more than 180 days but less than a year is presumed to break your continuous residence. You can overcome that with proof you kept your life here, like your job, your home and U.S. tax returns.

A trip of a year or more breaks it. On the 5-year path you can apply again 4 years and 1 day after you came back. On the 3-year path it’s 2 years and 1 day.

Physical presence: at least half the time

You need at least 913 days in the U.S. in the 5 years before you file, or 548 days in the 3 years if you file through marriage. USCIS counts the day you leave and the day you come back as days in the U.S.

The other requirements

You must be 18 or older and have lived for at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you apply. You also need good moral character and must pass the English and civics tests at your interview.