How long must I be a green card holder to naturalize?
Generally 5 years of continuous residence as a lawful permanent resident, or 3 years if you have been married to and living with the same US citizen for that entire time. You may file up to 90 days early.
What is the physical presence requirement?
You must have been physically present in the US for at least half of the qualifying period, which is 30 months under the 5-year rule or 18 months under the 3-year rule.
Does a long trip abroad break continuous residence?
A single absence of 6 months or more but less than a year creates a rebuttable presumption that you broke continuous residence. An absence of one year or more generally breaks it and resets your eligibility clock.
Is continuous residence the same as physical presence?
No. Continuous residence means maintaining the US as your home without a disqualifying break, while physical presence counts the actual days you were inside the country. You must satisfy both.