# So, when do I become a U.S citizen? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 20, 2007, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901 "2007-09-20T19:06:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gozu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gozu/32/6615_2.png) [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/1 "2007-09-20T19:06:59Z")
I married a U.S citizen in march 2002 and got issued a greencard on 11/16/2004. I was under the impression that I’d get a letter informing me of my eligibility within 3 years of that date. I also read somewhere (most probably on the INS website) that I can apply for it up to 90 days before that date. Is the letter late? Am I supposed to do stuff without having received it? Does anybody here have the straight dope on this? Thank you for your time, /Gozu ---
**Author:** ![GilaB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@GilaB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GilaB)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/2 "2007-09-20T19:46:34Z")
I believe it’s a five-year wait, not three, but I don’t know when the clock starts - when you married, or when you got your green card. If you’re serving in the military, I think there’s a reduced waiting period. ---
**Author:** ![Surly\_Chick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ec9cab/32.png) [@Surly\_Chick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surly_Chick)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/3 "2007-09-20T19:47:01Z")
It’s been a while since I’ve done citizenship work so this may no longer be correct but you don’t automatically get your citizenship after getting a green card, you have to apply for it. Go [here](http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis) and dig around and you should be able to find your answer. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/4 "2007-09-20T20:00:36Z")
[QUOTE=GilaB] I believe it’s a five-year wait [/quote] It’s 3 years if you get a green card through marriage to a US citizen. If you get a green card through another method (e.g. employment), it’s 5 years. And I wouldn’t expect the US government to inform you in writing every time you _become eligible to apply_ to something new… ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/5 "2007-09-20T20:26:58Z")
They don’t send anything. I think it is three years. My wife just applied for hers and we’re waiting for the interview to be scheduled. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/6 "2007-09-20T20:30:39Z")
One word of advice: After you apply, while you’re going through the process, let them know RIGHT AWAY if at any time you change your address. ---
**Author:** ![Gozu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gozu/32/6615_2.png) [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/7 "2007-09-20T20:40:11Z")
Thanks. I downloaded the application and I just need to submit that along with a $675 fee. I can’t wait to be sworn in and start voting early and often 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Pleonast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pleonast/32/1183_2.png) [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/8 "2007-09-20T20:45:20Z")
Also, carefully read the rules about leaving/re-entering the US until you have a US passport. You don’t want to jeopardize your status by taking a trip at the wrong time. Do a little studying for the citizenship test. It’s not hard, but refreshing your memory on some of the trivia will make it a sure thing. ---
**Author:** ![MrFloppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2007, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/9 "2007-09-20T20:50:49Z")
[QUOTE=Gozu] Thanks. I downloaded the application and I just need to submit that along with a $675 fee. I can’t wait to be sworn in and start voting early and often 🙂 [/QUOTE] $675. Wow! I was wondering why I never started the process. There’s another reason. ---
**Author:** ![Caffeine.addict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f475e1/32.png) [@Caffeine.addict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caffeine.addict)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/10 "2007-09-21T13:18:45Z")
Shit, that’s expensive. It was $475 when we applied earlier this year. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/11 "2007-09-21T13:26:42Z")
Postage stamp: 41 cents. Citizenship application fee: $675. Becoming a citizen of one of the greatest, most powerful, richest, most culturally diverse and influential democracies in the history of mankind: Priceless. ---
**Author:** ![MrFloppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/12 "2007-09-21T15:01:53Z")
[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir] Postage stamp: 41 cents. Citizenship application fee: $675. Becoming a citizen of one of the greatest, most powerful, richest, most culturally diverse and influential democracies in the history of mankind: Priceless. [/QUOTE] For me, there is no advantage job wise, tax wise, or otherwise. I have permanent residency and enjoy all the benefits of living here just like anyone else. Until there is a compelling reason for me to become (on paper) part of _one of the greatest, most powerful, richest, most culturally diverse and influential democracies in the history of mankind_ I’ll just keep my UK Passport thank-you very much. Voting for any of these clowns currently running and serving on a jury for $10 a day aren’t very complelling reasons. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/13 "2007-09-21T15:09:48Z")
[QUOTE=MrFloppy] For me, there is no advantage job wise, tax wise, or otherwise. I have permanent residency and enjoy all the benefits of living here just like anyone else. Until there is a compelling reason for me to become (on paper) part of _one of the greatest, most powerful, richest, most culturally diverse and influential democracies in the history of mankind_ I’ll just keep my UK Passport thank-you very much. Voting for any of these clowns currently running and serving on a jury for $10 a day aren’t very complelling reasons. [/QUOTE] Ditto. Only, Canadian. My Canadian-born son has been adopted by my husband so we don’t need to go through the same process for his citizenship as we would for me. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/14 "2007-09-21T18:40:48Z")
No offense intended, I assure you, but that attitude kind of saddens me. Why stay here longterm and not become a citizen? Why not fully participate in the life of the nation? I’m glad you’re both here and I believe the United States is much better off when it’s welcoming to all, but… why that outlook? ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/15 "2007-09-21T20:03:00Z")
[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir] No offense intended, I assure you, but that attitude kind of saddens me. Why stay here longterm and not become a citizen? Why not fully participate in the life of the nation? I’m glad you’re both here and I believe the United States is much better off when it’s welcoming to all, but… why that outlook? [/QUOTE] I do not intend to retire in the US, and as such I would be charged US taxes were I to become a citizen. It does not make sense to me to pay taxes/vote in a country where I do not live. ---
**Author:** ![Gulo\_gulo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bcef8e/32.png) [@Gulo\_gulo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gulo_gulo)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2007, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/16 "2007-09-21T20:10:18Z")
[QUOTE=Gozu] I married a U.S citizen in march 2002 and got issued a greencard on 11/16/2004. I was under the impression that I’d get a letter informing me of my eligibility within 3 years of that date. I also read somewhere (most probably on the INS website) that I can apply for it up to 90 days before that date. Is the letter late? Am I supposed to do stuff without having received it? /Gozu [/QUOTE] Is this the Permanant Residence Card? Keep an eye on that expiry date. My first one was good for two years and my immigration paralegal (who ROCKS) reminded me to send in the i-751 form (Removal of Conditions) in the small window of time that they will accept the form. Apparently you can’t send it in to early, or too late. 😉 While I got a letter stating that my card was extended for another year until I got the new card, it took almost a year to get that new card which now won’t expire for 10 years. I had assumed that I had to wait a lot longer to apply for citizenship but I doubt I’ll do it. I’m hoping to return to Canada. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/17 "2007-09-22T00:00:57Z")
Gulo gulo: I sent mine in six months late and it was accepted without issue. However, if you let it expire, you are officially Out Of Status and can be exported at any time. ---
**Author:** ![Koxinga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4af34b/32.png) [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/18 "2007-09-22T10:38:15Z")
Be aware that if you are in the US on a green card but then must go outside for more than a year, or possibly as short as 6+ months, there’s a chance that immigration authorities would revoke your permanent residence and not let you back in. If have to go back to the old country for (say) a family emergency and take care of some extended business, it would really suck not to be able to rejoin your spouse in the US. That’s one reason I pushed my spouse to get her citizenship ASAP. Also, being ineligible for public assistance here could potentially suck as well. One more random thought–for her, at least, the citizenship test was no pushover. The lady next to her had to retake it. BTW Gozu, _did_ you get conditions removed on your green card? I’d make sure that was taken care of before contacting immigration authorities about citizenship. ---
**Author:** ![MrFloppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@MrFloppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFloppy)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/19 "2007-09-22T17:19:52Z")
[QUOTE=Elendil’s Heir] No offense intended, I assure you, but that attitude kind of saddens me. Why stay here longterm and not become a citizen? Why not fully participate in the life of the nation? I’m glad you’re both here and I believe the United States is much better off when it’s welcoming to all, but… why that outlook? [/QUOTE] Because I was born in the UK and for 25 years of my life I lived in the UK. I still ‘feel’ very British even after living here 20 years. Why should I give up my British-ness in order to vote and serve on a Jury and have a different colored passport. I’m proud to be a Brit. I don’t want to be an American. No offense but I would rather remain British. I doubt you would give up your US Citizenship. Am I right? ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2007, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901/20 "2007-09-22T18:39:17Z")
True. But I also have not lived almost half of my life in another country. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-when-do-i-become-a-u-s-citizen/419901.md?page=2)