Most legal permanent residents in the United States must wait at least five years after obtaining a Green Card to apply for US citizenship. However, not everyone has to meet that full deadline.

There are cases in which a person can begin the naturalization process before the age of five, as long as they meet the requirements established by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The most well-known exception applies to certain spouses of U.S. citizens. There are also special rules for members of the Armed Forces and some military families.

Who can apply after 3 years

A Green Card holder can apply for citizenship after three years as a permanent resident if he or she is married to a U.S. citizen and meets other requirements.

USCIS states that the applicant must have lived in a marital union with the same US citizen for those three years, and their spouse must have been a citizen for that entire period.

Additionally, the person must meet general naturalization requirements, such as continuous residence, physical presence in the United States, good moral character, basic knowledge of English, and civic education, unless he or she qualifies for an exception.

You can apply a little earlier

In some cases, USCIS allows you to file Form N-400 up to 90 days before completing the required period of continuous residence. This applies both to those seeking naturalization under the general five-year rule and to those who qualify under the three-year rule by marriage to a U.S. citizen.

That does not mean that the person is automatically eligible. USCIS will review whether you meet all requirements at the appropriate time.

Military and veterans may have special rules

Members of the United States Armed Forces can also access expedited pathways to citizenship. During peacetime, a person who has served honorably in the Armed Forces for at least one year may qualify for naturalization under special rules, provided he or she meets applicable requirements.

During designated periods of “hostilities,” the law allows certain military members to apply for citizenship with even more flexible requirements.

What doesn't change even if you live in California, Florida or Texas

Living in California, Florida, Texas or any other state does not change the federal requirements for applying for citizenship. Naturalization is a national procedure administered by USCIS. What may vary is the local office processing the case, wait times, and availability of appointments or ceremonies.

Therefore, before starting the process, it is advisable to review eligibility on the official USCIS website and make sure you do not have problems with prolonged trips outside the country, immigration history or pending legal situations.

When should you consult a lawyer?

Applying for citizenship may seem like a simple procedure, but it is not always. A person should seek legal advice if they have had arrests, long trips outside the United States, problems with taxes, child support, complicated immigration history, or questions about their marriage.

For many permanent residents, citizenship represents the final step in a long immigration process. But applying early or without meeting all the requirements can end in a denial and cause additional problems.