Applicants for naturalization must have been physically present in the United States for at least 50% of the time during the five years immediately preceding the filing of their applications for naturalization. If the applicant is the spouse of a U.S. citizen or if the applicant qualified for permanent residence as the battered spouse or child of a U.S. citizen, he or she must have been physically present in the United States for at least 50% of the time during the three years immediately preceding the filing of his or her applciation for naturalization.
In addition, the applicant must have lived for at least 90 days within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services district in which he or she applies.
The physical presence and residence requirements do not apply to the exceptions set forth below in the 1st Eligibility Requirement.
