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My path to citizenship Illustrative, from USCIS's official rules

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
8 stepsForms: I-140, I-485, N-400
  1. Step 1

    Labor certification (PERM)

    For many EB-2 and EB-3 cases, the employer first gets a labor certification from the Department of Labor.

    Official source
  2. Step 2

    The I-140 petition

    Filed by the employer, or by you in self-petition categories.

    I-140 USCIS: ~4 months Official source
  3. Step 3

    Wait for your priority date in the Visa Bulletin

    Your category has a yearly limit, so you move forward when the Department of State's Visa Bulletin reaches your priority date. The wait depends on the category and country.

    Official source
  4. Step 4

    Apply for the green card in the U.S. (I-485)

    When a visa is available to you, you file for adjustment of status: biometrics, possibly an interview, and the decision.

    I-485 Cases I follow: ~22 monthsUSCIS: ~6 months Official source
  5. Step 5

    Green card: permanent resident

    The "Resident since" date on your card is the date your years toward citizenship count from.

    Official source
  6. Step 6

    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.

    N-400 Cases I follow: ~16 monthsUSCIS: ~10 months Official source
  7. Step 7

    Interview, English and civics test

    An officer reviews your application and gives the English and civics tests.

    Official source
  8. Step 8

    Oath ceremony: U.S. citizen

    You become a citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance.

    Official source
Important This path is illustrative and general. It does not guarantee any result, it is not legal advice, and it does not represent USCIS. Every case is different: exceptions, past immigration history or the Visa Bulletin can change it. Before filing, check USCIS's official pages or get help from an attorney or accredited representative. Find legal services (USCIS) · USCIS naturalization eligibility tool

Rules checked against USCIS's official pages on 2026-10-03.

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