Certain U.S. green card holders will be eligible to apply for citizenship before the standard five-year waiting period, thanks to upcoming changes in regulations. These exceptions, slated to take effect in 2026, will allow some permanent residents to naturalize earlier. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be processing these accelerated applications. Details regarding specific qualifying criteria are expected to be released by USCIS. This change aims to streamline the naturalization process for a defined group of legal residents. Individuals should monitor USCIS announcements for further clarification on eligibility requirements and application procedures. The update provides potential relief and faster access to citizenship for qualifying green card holders.