As an immigrant in the United States after obtaining a green card, it is very common for you to ask yourself, “If I am a permanent resident, when can I become a citizen?”
Permanent residency is a significant achievement, but U.S. citizenship represents greater legal protection and more long-term opportunities.
According to data from the Maryland government, thousands of permanent residents in the state apply for citizenship each year, reflecting the immigrant community’s desire for integration and legal certainty.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the requirements, deadlines, and exceptions so you can plan your path to naturalization with confidence and confidence.
If you’re asking yourself, “If I’m a permanent resident, when can I become a citizen?” Don’t worry, start your journey today with a free consultation at Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Attorneys; we can guide you to understand the applicable deadlines and requirements.
Can a U.S. citizen be deported?
A U.S. citizen cannot be deported as long as they retain that status, as they possess all the rights of citizenship in the United States. However, there are exceptional cases in which a person can lose their citizenship and, once revoked, be deported.
This occurs when citizenship is found to have been obtained through fraud or misrepresentation in the application, when the person voluntarily renounces it, or when he or she performs acts that demonstrate loyalty to another country, such as accepting a foreign political or military position.
General Deadline for Applying for Citizenship as a Permanent Resident
For most lawful permanent residents (LPRs), the standard timeframe for applying for citizenship is 5 years from the date of granting residency.
You must complete this period before filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
During these 5 years, you must meet two key requirements:
- Continuous residency: This means that you maintain your permanent resident status without prolonged interruptions outside the country.
- Physical presence: You must have been physically in the United States for at least 30 months (i.e., half of the required 5 years).
Are there exceptions and shorter deadlines?
There are some exceptions that can shorten the waiting time. The most common is for those who are married to a U.S. citizen, as the term is reduced to three years. However, this exception does not apply if your spouse is also a permanent resident.
If you lived in a marital union with your citizen spouse for that entire period, you must show that you meet the requirements for continuous residence and physical presence.
Other special scenarios include:
- Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who may have accelerated life rates.
- Individuals who qualify under certain asylum or refugee provisions.
- Employees of specific international organizations.
If your case involves questions such as “If I am in asylum proceedings can I get married?” or “If I have a deportation order can I get married?”, it is essential to seek advice. An attorney can review whether a marriage impacts your eligibility.
Additional requirements before applying
In addition to the deadlines, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
- Demonstrate good moral character for the required period (e.g., have no felony convictions).
- Have lived at least 3 months in the state or USCIS district where you will be applying.
- Have basic English language and civic knowledge of U.S. history and government (with exceptions for those 50 and older or people with disabilities).
If you are wondering “What if I have a deportation order and I am wanted?” or “If I am married to a U.S. citizen can I be deported?”, you should know that these factors can affect your eligibility, so it is advisable to obtain legal guidance.
How do I calculate my eligibility date to apply?
Calculating your eligibility date is simple if you follow these steps:
- Check your green card and locate the date in the “Resident Since” field.
- If you apply under the 5-year rule, add 5 years to that date.
- There are 90 days left to determine the earliest date you can file Form N-400.
Practical example:
- Date of residence: March 15, 2022.
- Date of completion of 5 years: March 15, 2027.
- Earliest application date: December 15, 2026 (90 days before).
- If your case involves exceptions, such as marriage to a citizen, the calculation would be similar, but based on 3 years.
USCIS allows you to file Form N-400 Application for Naturalization up to 90 days before the required deadline, facilitating a more streamlined transition.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Many applicants make mistakes that delay or deny their citizenship. The most common include:
- Leaving the U.S. for long periods of time. Absences of more than 6 months may interrupt continuous residence. If you plan to travel, make sure you don’t exceed this limit.
- Not keeping evidence of address. Keep documents such as rental agreements, invoices, or bank records that prove your residency in the state.
- Confusing deadlines for spouses. Being married to a permanent resident does not reduce the term to 3 years.
- Omitting legal history. Like whether you were deported, crimes, or immigration violations, all of this should be disclosed. Transparency is key.
If you have any questions about whether a deported person can arrange papers or can petition for their spouse if they were deported, our team can help you evaluate options. Check out our blog on the difference between affirmative and defensive asylum for related contexts.
In addition, understanding these deadlines not only helps you better plan for your future, but also helps you avoid mistakes that could delay your citizenship. Many permanent residents are unaware that long trips, changes in their immigration history, or incomplete documents can inadvertently affect their eligibility.
Therefore, informing yourself in time and reviewing your case with immigration professionals is a way to protect your status and get closer to becoming a U.S. citizen safely.
Advantages of becoming a U.S. citizen
Obtaining U.S. citizenship offers significant benefits:
- Right to vote in federal and local elections.
- U.S. passport, which facilitates international travel.
- Greater immigration stability, since citizens cannot be deported (unlike permanent residents in certain cases).
- Ease of sponsoring family members, such as spouses, children, or parents.
- Access to public benefits and protection from changing immigration laws.
These benefits underscore the importance of planning your path to citizenship. If you have questions about how a U.S. citizen can be deported (which is exceptional), or how to protect your status, consult an immigration attorney.
When Should You See an Immigration Lawyer?
- If your immigration history is complex (e.g., entry without inspection, pending asylum, or prior deportation).
- If you have been outside the U.S. for more than 6 months in a single trip.
- If you have a criminal record or doubt about your eligibility.
- You face situations such as, “What if I have a deportation order and I get married?” or “If I am deported, can I travel to another country?”
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
- Can I apply before I turn 5 years old? Only if you qualify under an exception, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen (3 years) or military service. Otherwise, you must wait for the full term.
- Does time as a conditional resident (by marriage to a citizen) count toward the 5 years? Time as a conditional resident counts toward the 5-year term, as long as subsequent permanent residence is approved.
- What if my green card was for employment or family, does the deadline change anything? The general term of 5 years applies regardless of how you obtained your residency.
- Can I work while waiting for my citizenship? Your green card authorizes you to work until your citizenship application is decided.
- What if I turn 5 but had a lot of long outings from the US? Frequent or prolonged absences can affect your continuous residence; in these cases, USCIS will assess the required physical presence (30 months in 5 years).
- Can you give up permanent residency and wait for citizenship? Renouncing residency would leave you without status and without the possibility of naturalization.
- What if I married a citizen before age 5? If you marry a citizen after obtaining your residency, you can apply after 3 years as long as you meet the other requirements.
Becoming a U.S. citizen is a transformative step that offers additional rights and opportunities. If you are a permanent resident, the question “when can I be made a citizen?” is normal and the answer depends on your individual situation. With the right planning and the necessary legal support, you can navigate this process successfully.
Don’t wait any longer to take the next step towards your future. Schedule a free consultation with Lorenzo Law Group/Immigration Attorneys today and receive personalized advice in Spanish. Answer questions about “If I am a permanent resident, when can I become a citizen?” We help you find the answer.
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