Green cards are simply cards that evidence someone’s legal status as a lawful permanent resident. Permanent residents are issued cards that are valid for a ten-year period. In general, permanent residents can be naturalized to the status of U.S. citizen if five years have passed since the issuance of their green card. This is done by submitting an N-400 application form. The application can be submitted 90 days in advance of one’s 5-year anniversary of becoming a U.S. resident.
Note: Conditional residents are issued green cards which are only valid for two years. They must file an I-751 petition in the 90-day window prior to the card’s expiration date. They cannot let the card expire and then naturalize after it expires unless they timely file the I-751 first.
Those married to U.S. citizens can take advantage of the 3-year rule and be naturalized 3 years following issuance of their green card, not 5.
Children who have green cards sometimes become citizens automatically under the law and should not apply to naturalize. If a child qualifies under a law called the Child Citizenship Act, they should not file Form N-400. They can apply directly for a U.S. passport, file Form N-600 with USCIS, or both.
If you have any questions about green cards and status as a resident of the U.S., call us today and consult with an experienced immigration attorney in Austin, TX!