Citizenship Continuous Residence Exemption or Reduced Requirement

Ordinarily, to apply for naturalization, you must meet the five-year continuous residence requirement (three years if married to, and living with, the same U.S. citizen spouse for the same period).  However, if you work for any of the following entities, you may be able to file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes (USCIS Form N-470) to preserve your continuous residence in the United States, despite being stationed overseas:

• The United States government, including its armed forces
• Contractors for the United States government, including its armed forces
• A recognized American institution of research. See List of Recognized American Institutions of Research and Other Recognized Organizations.
   
  If you do not find your employer in the list, you may ask the employer to apply for recognition by the USCIS. See Requesting Recognition as an American Institution of Research.
• Public international organizations
• Organizations designated under the International Immunities Act

Related Topics:

Applying for Citizenship

Citizenship after Marriage to U.S. Citizen