Key Facts You Shouldn’t Miss
- You do not need to wait for your I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) to be approved before applying for U.S. citizenship. Eligible applicants can file Form N-400 while their I-751 is still pending.
- The three-year residency period for naturalization begins on the date your conditional green card was issued, not when the conditions are removed.
- In many cases, USCIS combines the I-751 and N-400 interviews, helping applicants complete both processes faster and move toward citizenship sooner.
- Applying early can save years, simplify your path, and help you enjoy the full rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship much earlier.
Many conditional green card holders mistakenly wait until after USCIS approves the I-751 before applying for naturalization—some even wait an additional three years. Considering that the removal of conditions can take over 20 months, this delay can be costly. If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, filing your N-400 while the I-751 is pending can significantly shorten your timeline to citizenship.
This guide explains the full process, timeline, and common mistakes to avoid.
Can You Apply for Citizenship While the I-751 Is Still Pending?
Yes. In fact, it’s often the best strategy. Many marriage-based green card holders assume they must wait until USCIS removes the conditions before applying for citizenship.
That’s incorrect.
The three-year clock for naturalization begins the day your conditional green card is issued, not when your I-751 is approved.
Benefits of Applying for Naturalization While I-751 Is Pending
- Save one to two years by not waiting for the I-751 approval before submitting your N-400.
- Streamlined interview process: USCIS often schedules a single combined interview for both forms.
- Faster access to U.S. citizenship benefits, including voting rights, sponsoring family members, and obtaining a U.S. passport.
- Permanent peace of mind: Once you become a citizen, there’s no need to renew green cards or worry about maintaining conditional status.
Important Note on Divorce or Separation
If your marriage ends (due to divorce or annulment) before your I-751 is approved and before you naturalize, the three-year rule no longer applies. You’ll need to wait five years under the general naturalization rule and must file an I-751 waiver without your spouse, based on divorce, abuse, or extreme hardship.
This situation can be complex and may lead to denial if handled incorrectly. It’s important to seek advice from an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to ensure your case is properly managed.
Recommended Timeline: From Conditional Green Card to Citizenship
- Conditional Green Card Issued: You receive your two-year conditional permanent resident card.
- File I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions): Submit the form within 90 days before your card expires (around 21 months after issuance).
- Filing too early may result in rejection.
- Filing too late may put you out of status.
- File N-400 (Application for Naturalization): You can apply for citizenship 90 days before the three-year anniversary of your conditional green card issuance, as long as you are still married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse.
- USCIS Combined Interview: Even if the I-751 is pending, USCIS typically adjudicates both applications together, expediting your path to citizenship.
Example Scenario
Let’s consider an example:
Maria, a Fort Lauderdale resident, received her conditional green card on October 1, 2023, through her marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- She and her husband filed their Form I-751 on July 10, 2025, within the 90-day filing window.
- While waiting for approval, Maria submitted her Form N-400 on July 7, 2026, using the early filing rule (90 days before her three-year anniversary).
- USCIS then scheduled a single interview around March 2027, where the officer approved her I-751, administered the naturalization test, and granted her citizenship that same day.
This is a great example of how filing strategically can save years of waiting.
Combined I-751 and N-400 Interview: What to Expect
When you apply for naturalization while your I-751 is pending, USCIS may bundle both cases for efficiency.
Here’s how it works:
- Combined Adjudication: USCIS schedules one interview to decide both your I-751 and N-400 applications.
- Interview Flow: The officer will first confirm your marriage validity for the I-751, then proceed with your citizenship interview, including English and civics tests.
- Bring Your Spouse: Even if the appointment notice only mentions the N-400, your spouse’s presence is usually required.
- Be Prepared: Bring all requested documents plus updated evidence of your ongoing marriage, such as joint bank statements, photos, and shared bills.
Current USCIS Processing Times
- Form I-751 (Removal of Conditions): Around 21 months
- Form N-400 (Naturalization): Approximately 5.5 months
Pro Tip: Filing Form N-400 while your I-751 is pending can speed up the entire process. The shorter N-400 timeline often triggers a combined interview, meaning you could become a citizen months (or even years) earlier than if you waited.
How Green Card Link Can Help
Applying for citizenship while managing a pending I-751 can feel overwhelming—but expert guidance makes a difference. The immigration attorneys at Green Card Link have extensive experience assisting marriage-based green card holders through both processes seamlessly.
If you want to ensure your citizenship application is error-free, timely, and optimized for approval, schedule a consultation at Green Card Link today and speak with an experienced immigration attorney who can help you navigate every step confidently.