How Long Must You Live in the US to Become a Permanent Resident?
Learn the residency requirements for US permanent residency, including special rules for spouses of US citizens and military personnel.
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To become a permanent resident in the US, most applicants must first spend a minimum of 5 years living in the country as a lawful permanent resident, or 3 years if married to and living with a US citizen. To apply for citizenship, you must meet other requirements as well, including being at least 18 years old and having good moral character. Certain exceptions exist for members of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents.
FAQs & Answers
- How many years do you need to live in the US to apply for citizenship? Most applicants need to live in the US as a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years, or 3 years if married to a US citizen, before applying for citizenship.
- Are there exceptions to the residency requirements for permanent residence? Yes, members of the U.S. armed forces and their dependents may have special exceptions to the standard residency requirements.
- What other requirements must I meet to become a US citizen? Applicants must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate good moral character, and meet other eligibility criteria besides residency.