News & Insights

1. Understanding the Citizenship Eligibility Timeline

Backdating of Permanent Residence:

• Under U.S. immigration law, the date of your lawful permanent residence (LPR) is backdated one year prior to the date your green card was approved.
• Your residence date of June 4, 2021, is automatically backdated to June 4, 2020, for naturalization purposes.

Naturalization Eligibility (5-Year Rule):

• Starting from your backdated permanent residence date of June 4, 2020, you become eligible to apply for naturalization after five years of continuous residence, which is June 4, 2025.
• Early Filing Window (90 Days Before): U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) allows you to file your Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) up to 90 days before the five-year eligibility mark.
• This means you can file as early as March 4, 2025.

2. Key Requirements for Naturalization

• Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (2.5 years) out of the five-year period preceding your application.
• Continuous Residence: You must have maintained continuous residence in the U.S. for the five years leading up to your application. Extended absences of six months or more may disrupt this requirement.
• Good Moral Character: You must demonstrate good moral character during the five years preceding your application and up to the time of the naturalization oath ceremony.
• English and Civics Tests: You will need to pass tests in English language proficiency and U.S. civics unless eligible for an exemption.

3. Steps to Prepare for Naturalization

Monitor Your Eligibility Date:

• Mark March 4, 2025, as the earliest date you can submit your Form N-400.

Gather Required Documentation:

• Permanent Resident Card (green card).
• Proof of continuous residence (e.g., tax returns, utility bills, leases).
• Records of travel outside the U.S. during the past five years.
• Evidence of good moral character (e.g., no criminal convictions).

Submit Form N-400:

• File online at USCIS Online Filing or by submitting a paper application to the appropriate USCIS address.
• The filing fee for Form N-400 is $640, plus an $85 biometrics fee.

Prepare for the Naturalization Interview:

• Study for the civics and English language tests using USCIS resources.
• Bring all required documents to your interview.