A permanent resident can generally apply for citizenship after five years, or after three years when married to and living with a U.S. citizen. Filing is allowed up to 90 days before the five-year mark for the general rule. This calculator turns the date permanent residence began into those dates and shows how long trips abroad can affect them, using the USCIS page for permanent residents of five years and USCIS Policy Manual chapters.
Quick answer
| Item | USCIS rule |
|---|---|
| General rule | Permanent resident for at least 5 years, with continuous residence for 5 years before filing |
| Physical presence, general rule | At least 30 months (913 days) in the United States |
| Early filing, general rule | Up to 90 days before reaching the 5-year mark |
| Marriage path | 3 years as a permanent resident, married to and living with the citizen spouse; at least 18 months of physical presence |
| Residence in a state or district | At least 3 months before filing |
How to use the calculator
- Enter the date permanent residence began, which is shown on the Green Card.
- Choose the 5-year general rule or the 3-year marriage path.
- Optionally enter the length in days of the longest trip abroad and, for trips of 365 days or more, the date of return.
How the dates are calculated
The 5-year or 3-year mark is the date permanent residence began plus that number of years. For the general rule, the earliest filing date is 90 days before the 5-year mark. The Policy Manual gives an example: with a five-year date of June 10, 2010, the earliest filing date is March 12, 2010, which is exactly 90 days earlier. Filing early does not waive any requirement.
Continuous residence and trips abroad
The Policy Manual (USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part D, Chapter 3) explains that an absence of more than six months but less than one year is presumed to break continuous residence, and the applicant can rebut it with evidence of ties such as a U.S. job, family in the United States, or keeping a home. An absence of one year or more breaks continuity unless an approved Form N-470 applies, which is available only in situations described by USCIS. After a trip of one year or more, a five-year applicant may apply after 4 years and 6 months from the return, with no presumption, or after 4 years and 1 day if the applicant can rebut the presumption. For the three-year path the periods are 2 years and 6 months, and 2 years and 1 day. The calculator computes those dates from the return date entered.
Physical presence
The general rule requires at least 30 months (913 days) of physical presence in the United States during the five years. The marriage path requires at least 18 months during the three years. Days of departure and return count as days in the United States. This calculator does not count days; it only reminds the user of the requirement.
The marriage path
The USCIS page for people married to a U.S. citizen describes the three-year path: the person has been a permanent resident for at least three years, has been married to and living in marital union with the U.S. citizen spouse during that time, and the marriage and the spouse’s citizenship continue until the oath. The page was last updated in 2020. The pages reviewed do not say whether the 90-day early filing rule applies to the three-year path, so the calculator does not apply it there.
What the tool does not check
- Good moral character, the English and civics tests, and age requirements.
- The three-month residence rule in the state or USCIS district of filing, and its exceptions for military applicants and students.
- Any case-specific facts such as arrests, taxes, or long absences with complex evidence.
Frequently asked questions
When can a permanent resident apply for citizenship?
Generally after five years, with filing allowed up to 90 days earlier. A resident married to and living with a U.S. citizen may use the three-year path.
Does a trip of seven months break continuous residence?
The Policy Manual describes an absence of more than six months but under one year as presumed to break continuity. The presumption can be rebutted.
What is Form N-470?
An application to preserve residence for naturalization purposes, which USCIS says may be filed before an absence of one year or more.
Is the result an eligibility decision?
No. It shows dates from published rules. USCIS decides each application.
Related reading
- From Green Card to citizenship: timing rules
- Traveling abroad with a Green Card
- How permanent resident status can be lost
- All Green Card calculators
About this guide
This website is for information only. It is not affiliated with the U.S. government, does not give legal advice or consultations, and does not offer application services. A personal case belongs with USCIS or a licensed immigration attorney, and the current official pages control.
Last verified: October 2026. Sources: USCIS page for permanent residents of five years; USCIS page for people married to a U.S. citizen; USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 12, Part D, Chapter 3.