Your path to U.S. citizenship
Pick the kind of case closest to yours and see the usual steps: the forms, the official rules and how long similar cases took. Change the answers and the path changes with them.
Illustrative · not legal advice
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Step 1
Asylum granted
From the asylum grant you can live and work in the U.S.
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Step 2
One year in the U.S.
You need 1 year of physical presence in the U.S. by the time USCIS decides the I-485 (refugees: at filing).
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Step 3
Apply for the green card (I-485)
Adjustment of status as an asylee or refugee.
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Step 4
Green card: permanent resident
Your years count from the "Resident since" date on the card; for asylees and refugees it can be earlier than the approval day.
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Step 5
Apply for citizenship (N-400) · 5 years as a resident
After 5 years as a permanent resident; you can file up to 90 days early. You also need enough days physically in the U.S. and good moral character.
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Step 6
Interview, English and civics test
An officer reviews your application and gives the English and civics tests.
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Step 7
Oath ceremony: U.S. citizen
You become a citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance.
Rules checked against USCIS's official pages on 2026-10-03.
Questions about your path?
Ask me with your details and I'll answer with USCIS's official rules and the cases I follow.