Naturalization is the legal process that allows a foreign national who lives in the United States to become a citizen. Immigrants who want to become naturalized citizens must meet certain standards.
Typically, they must pass a background check that affirms that they meet the standard for good moral character. Avoiding any major criminal convictions is a key aspect of qualifying for naturalization. Another critical part of the process relates to living within the United States.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) looks carefully at an applicant’s travel and residency records to determine if they are eligible for naturalization. How long do immigrants need to live in the United States to qualify for naturalization?
Residency must last for years with only limited lapses
Typically, those applying for naturalization are permanent residents who have green cards. They must live in the United States for years to be eligible for naturalization.
Generally speaking, an immigrant applying for naturalization must have legally resided in the United States continuously for at least three years. Those seeking naturalization as the spouse of a citizen can apply for naturalization after three years. For most other immigrants seeking to become citizens, the residency requirement is five years.
During that time, the immigrant’s primary residence and legal address should continuously be within the United States. They must limit their travel time to ensure they are physically present in the country for half of the residency requirement period before they apply. Any travel abroad should last less than six months at a time. Otherwise, they risk challenges to their claim of maintaining continuous residency.
Long-term trips abroad may restart the clock for continuous residency in some cases. Immigrants often limit their international travel until they have completed the naturalization process. At that point, they can secure a United States passport and travel abroad without worrying that doing so could affect their immigration plans.
Reviewing professional and personal travel records and other factors that influence naturalization eligibility can help people determine if the time is right to apply for citizenship. Successful professionals who have lived and worked in the United States can potentially become citizens if they follow the right rules.
