The green card gives residence. Citizenship gives the vote, the U.S. passport and the security of not losing your status through a long absence. Between the two lie requirements counted in years and broken in days: time as a permanent resident, physical presence, the continuous residence that a long trip interrupts, and conduct during the period.
Naturalization
The full page covers Form N-400 end to end: the five years of residence, or three through marriage to a citizen; the rule that a trip of six months to a year presumes a break in continuous residence, and that more than a year breaks it outright; the English and civics exams, with the waivers by age and length of residence and the special consideration at 65; and the step almost no one takes, of rereading how permanent residence was obtained before filing.
Legal basis
- INA §§ 312, 316, 318 and 319; 8 C.F.R. parts 312 and 316; USCIS Policy Manual, volume 12. Details on the full page.
Verified 24 August 2026. Naturalization links to its own page, verified against full sources, including INA § 312, 8 C.F.R. and volume 12 of the USCIS Policy Manual. Requirements and tests change by rule or manual update: confirm at the source before acting.
General informational content. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules change frequently and may be enjoined by a court. Before acting, confirm that the rule is in force and consult an attorney about your own circumstances.