The time rules for naturalization
To file Form N-400 you must meet three separate time-based requirements. This calculator checks the first three below. The fourth is a reminder you'll need to confirm yourself.
| Requirement | 5-year route | 3-year route (spouse of US citizen) |
|---|---|---|
| Time as a permanent resident | 5 years (you can file 90 days early) | 3 years (you can file 90 days early) |
| Physical presence in the US | At least 913 days (30 months) | At least 548 days (18 months) |
| Continuous residence | No trip of 1 year or more. Trips over 6 months are presumed to break it. | |
| Residence in your state or USCIS district | 3 months before filing | |
How days are counted
USCIS counts the day you leave and the day you return as days of physical presence in the United States. Only the full days in between count as days outside the country. For example, leaving on 1 March and returning on 11 March is 9 days outside the US, not 11. This calculator uses the same method.
Physical presence is counted over the 5 years (or 3 years) immediately before your filing date. If you file early, only the time since you became a permanent resident is counted.
Filing 90 days early
You can file up to 90 days before your 5-year or 3-year permanent resident anniversary. You must still meet every other requirement on the day you file. If you file even one day too early, USCIS will deny the application and keep the fee. That's why the calculator shows the exact earliest date.
Long trips and continuous residence
- Under 6 months: does not break continuous residence.
- More than 6 months but less than 1 year: USCIS presumes you broke continuous residence. You can rebut this with evidence that you kept your US job, home and family ties, and filed US taxes as a resident.
- 1 year or more: breaks continuous residence, unless you had an approved Form N-470 for certain types of work abroad. On the 5-year route you can usually apply 4 years and 1 day after you return.