Naturalization & Physical Presence Calculator

N-400 Eligibility Is More Than a Day Count

The 913-day and 548-day physical-presence thresholds are important, but they are only part of naturalization eligibility. Applicants generally must also satisfy the applicable lawful-permanent-resident period, continuous-residence requirement, state or USCIS-district residence requirement, good-moral-character requirement, English and civics requirements unless an exception applies, and the other requirements of the naturalization statute.

This calculator therefore provides a preliminary screening result rather than an official USCIS determination.

5-Year General Naturalization Path

Under the general naturalization route, a lawful permanent resident generally must have held permanent-resident status for at least five years. The applicant generally must also have maintained continuous residence and been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months, or 913 days, during the applicable five-year period.

The physical-presence calculation should be based on the applicant's actual international travel history. Short trips count too; USCIS guidance explains that physical presence is calculated by adding the time actually spent in the United States and accounting for time outside the country.

3-Year Spouse-of-a-U.S.-Citizen Path

Certain lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens may qualify under the three-year naturalization provision. This route is not available merely because the applicant is married to a U.S. citizen. The applicant must satisfy the additional statutory requirements concerning the marital relationship, residence, and other naturalization criteria.

The physical-presence requirement is generally 18 months, or 548 days, during the applicable three-year period.

Continuous Residence: 180 Days vs. 1 Year

An absence of more than six months but less than one year creates a rebuttable presumption that continuous residence was disrupted. It is therefore not correct to treat every 180-day trip as an automatic break.

An absence of one year or more generally disrupts continuous residence for naturalization purposes, subject to limited statutory exceptions. Applicants with lengthy absences should review their exact dates and circumstances rather than relying only on the trip length.

90-Day Early Filing Rule

Eligible applicants may generally submit Form N-400 up to 90 calendar days before completing the required five-year or three-year permanent-residence period. The early-filing provision does not waive physical presence, continuous residence, good moral character, state/district residence, or other requirements.

Use the USCIS early-filing calculator for the final filing date. This page's date calculation is intended as a convenience and should be checked against USCIS before filing.

3-Month State or USCIS District Requirement

Most applicants must have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over their place of residence immediately before filing. USCIS identifies special rules for certain students and other situations.

A recent move can therefore affect when the applicant should file even if the five-year or three-year residence period and physical-presence requirement have already been satisfied.

N-400 Filing Fees in 2026

• Online filing: $710.
• Paper filing: $760.
• Reduced fee: $380 for qualifying applicants who satisfy the applicable household-income requirements.
• Fee waiver: Available to applicants who satisfy USCIS's fee-waiver criteria.
• Certain military naturalization applications: $0 when the applicable statutory requirements are met.

There is no separate biometric services fee under the current N-400 fee schedule.

What Documents Are Actually Needed?

There is no single universal document package for every N-400 applicant. USCIS may require different evidence depending on the applicant's circumstances and naturalization basis.

• Permanent Resident Card.
• Travel documents/passports documenting absences from the United States.
• Marriage, divorce, or spouse-citizenship evidence when relevant to the three-year basis.
• Tax evidence when relevant, especially when taxes are overdue or a repayment arrangement must be documented.
• Court or police records when required because of arrests or other offenses.
• Military, disability, or other special evidence when a special naturalization provision applies.

What Happens After Filing?

1. USCIS accepts the N-400 and issues the case notice.
2. USCIS may schedule biometrics when required.
3. The applicant attends the naturalization interview.
4. The officer reviews the application, background, residence, travel, and eligibility requirements and administers the applicable English and civics tests unless an exception or exemption applies.
5. USCIS makes a decision or requests additional evidence when appropriate.
6. After approval, the applicant must take the Oath of Allegiance before becoming a U.S. citizen.

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