How long can a non U.S. citizen be in the US?

Asked by: Mellie Casper  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (20 votes)

Individuals arriving on immigrant visas become LPRs when they arrive in the United States. After residing in the United States for five years (or three years in some circumstances), LPRs are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. There is no requirement that an LPR apply for citizenship.

How long can non-US citizens stay in the US?

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements. Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

What is the 7 year rule for immigrants in the US?

This bill would remove that restriction to include aliens who entered the country after January 1st, 1972. More importantly, aliens who have been residents in the United States for seven years have greater eligibility for obtaining an upgrade to their immigration status.

How long can you be out of the US without losing your citizenship?

A naturalized citizen can live for as long as they wish in another country, with almost no risk to their U.S. citizenship status.

Can I stay in the USA for 6 months every year?

U.S. immigration at the port of entry determines how long a person may remain in the United States. The holder of a B-2 visa may be admitted for an initial period of six months, which is extendable in six month increments.

US Citizen: How Long Can You Stay Outside The US?

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What happens if you overstay 6 months in USA?

Overstaying a visa results in “unlawful presence,” which can trigger re-entry bans: 180 days to 1 year of overstay: 3-year re-entry ban. Over 1 year of overstay: 10-year re-entry ban.

What is the maximum time you can stay in USA?

No, the maximum period of time you may remain in the United States if you enter visa free, is 90 days.

What are the 3 ways a person can lose U.S. citizenship?

Run for public office in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Enter military service in a foreign country (under certain conditions) Apply for citizenship in a foreign country with the intention of giving up U.S. citizenship. Commit an act of treason against the United States.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship?

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.

What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US for citizenship?

The immigration law states that if a Legal Permanent Resident is outside of the U.S. for 180 days in a row (but less than 1 year), without permission from the U.S. government, then it will be presumed that the person has lost or abandoned their residency, and therefore can no longer apply for U.S. Citizenship / ...

What is the new law for immigrants in 2024?

In 2024, several states added new laws creating state deportation mechanisms and crimes defined entirely around being an undocumented immigrant present or entering the state, although these laws are for the time being held up in federal courts: Iowa, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas.

How to stay in the US legally?

There are several ways to obtain permanent residency in the U.S, including:
  1. An employer-sponsored green card application, based on a specific, permanent, full-time job offer. ...
  2. A self-sponsored employment-based green card application without the need for a specific job offer. ...
  3. Marriage to a U.S. citizen.

What is the foreign resident 6 year rule?

If you use your former home to produce income (for example, you rent it out or make it available for rent), you can choose to treat it as your main residence for up to 6 years after you stop living in it. This is sometimes called the '6-year rule'. You can choose when to stop the period covered by your choice.

How long can you live in the US without a citizenship?

Otherwise, with a B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa, you could stay in America for up to 6 months during a 12-month time period. An H-1B Work Visa will allow you to live and work in the USA for up to 3 years; it can be renewed for an additional 3 years; and there is an option to apply for a US Permanent Resident Green Card.

What is the 7 year rule for immigration?

During the seven-year period of potential eligibility, non-citizens are expected to work toward becoming U.S. citizens. If they do not, eligibility will stop after seven years.

How many months can you stay out of USA?

Key Takeaways: You may remain outside the U.S. for up to six months without affecting your lawful permanent residence. If you anticipate staying outside the U.S. for six months to a year, you should apply for a reentry permit, which lasts up to two years, before departing the U.S.

How long can you be out of the U.S. before losing citizenship?

While there is no set limit, extended periods of absence, especially when combined with other factors, can trigger inquiries from U.S. authorities. Factors such as maintaining ties to the United States, filing taxes, and participating in U.S. elections can demonstrate a continued commitment to citizenship.

Can undocumented immigrants get a green card?

This means that if an undocumented immediate relative goes into the US with legal documentation, faces the immigration officer, and has them acknowledge their entry, then they can apply for a green card. After you become a permanent resident, you can eventually apply for citizenship.

Can I come back to the U.S. after staying for 6 months?

This visa category is widely used for brief visits to the U.S. B visas are typically valid for up to 10 years from the issue date, and travelers to the U.S. can stay up to 180 days, with the option to return to the U.S. again after that time.

Does the US allow dual citizenship?

Dual citizenship allows individuals to be legally recognised as nationals of two countries simultaneously, granting them rights and obligations in both. The United States permits dual nationality, which means Americans can hold a passport of another country without renouncing their original citizenship.

Can you collect social security if you renounce US citizenship?

Renouncing your US citizenship does not automatically disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits, but it can complicate the process. Your eligibility to continue receiving these benefits depends on whether the US has a totalization agreement with the country where you reside.

What not to say during a U.S. visa interview?

Even so, it is best to avoid having to say any of the following:
  • “I'm not familiar with U.S. immigration laws.”
  • “Actually, I have applied for asylum in another country.”
  • “I don't have travel insurance.”
  • “I don't know where I'll be staying.”
  • “I'm not sure about the details of my visa application.”

How does immigration know if you overstay your visa?

You can ask, how does immigration know if you overstay your visa? The American immigration system electronically logs arrivals and departures. Your visa information is entered when you enter the country; if you do not leave by the time it expires, the system will note you as an overstayer.

What does 2 stars in U.S. visa mean?

The stars below the American visa photographs are used to indicate the type of visa. For example, a visa with two stars below the photograph indicates a B2 visa for tourists, travel for medical purposes, or business activities. A visa with three stars below the photograph indicates a B1 visa for business activities.