Applying for US Citizenship: The Five-Year and Three-Year Rules

Naturalization is how a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) becomes a US citizen. Applications are made on Form N-400 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Immigration is federal law, so the rules are the same in Alabama as in every other state.

The usual rule: five years

• Be at least 18 when you file Form N-400.
• Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years.
• Have been physically present in the US for at least 30 months of those five years.
• Have lived continuously in the US for at least five years immediately before filing.
• Have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply.

Spouses of US citizens: three years

If you are married to a US citizen, you can apply after being a lawful permanent resident for at least three years, as long as you have lived with your citizen spouse in marital union for those three years and continue to do so while the application is processed. Other exceptions exist — check USCIS for the rule that fits you.

Who can help

You can file yourself. If you want help, use a licensed attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative. Accredited representatives are non-attorneys who may represent people before USCIS and the immigration courts, but only through a non-profit organization recognized by the Department of Justice.