U.S. Citizenship Guide: Residency Rules – Part 2

Continuous & Physical Presence Explained

Part 2 unlocks the Continuous Residence Rule, the USCIS gatekeeper deciding when you qualify for U.S. citizenship. Miss this, and your 3- or 5-year clock resets. Our 20-year expertise, video tutorials, and 70%+ referral rate keep clients on track, never disqualified.

Why Congress Created the Residence Rule

Congress demands probation: Learn English, embrace U.S. customs, shed foreign ties, uphold Constitution, prove law-abiding character, earn citizenship.
1952 Act added Physical Presence: Live in the U.S. at least half your LPR period.
Residence = Principal Dwelling (not intent). Claim U.S. home but live abroad? USCIS sees through it.

Two Eligibility Pillars

1. Green Card Duration: 3 years (marriage) or 5 years (employment/family).
2. Physical Presence: At least 18 months (marriage) or 30 months (employment) in the U.S.

Track every day abroad, our absence calculator videos prevent costly missteps.

Six-Month Absence Rule: Safe Zone

Under 6 months continuous absence? No disruption. Over 6 months? Risks mount, Part 3 reveals rebuttal strategies.

Why Citizenship Changes Everything

Voting in federal elections. Run for office (except President/VP). Deportation-proof, green card holders aren’t. Faster family petitions, bring parents, siblings. Federal jobs + security clearances. U.S. passport, 190+ countries visa-free. Federal student aid for kids. Full integration, American identity, zero fear.
Citizenship isn’t optional, it’s your family’s permanent shield and prosperity engine.

Preview of Part 3

Next: Absence Traps, Re-Entry Fixes & Filing Timing.