India, Oct. 4 -- Having a Green Card does not automatically make someone a US citizen, but it can put them on the path to naturalization. USCIS explains permanent residents about the different routes to citizenship, including the standard five-year pathway and a separate route for certain spouses of US citizens.

The agency's Citizenship Resource Center outlines the eligibility routes and key stages involved in the naturalization process.

For many lawful permanent residents, the key milestone is five years of permanent residence. USCIS specifically lists a pathway for people who have been lawful permanent residents for five years.

There is also a separate route for people who are married to a US citizen. Eligibility requirements can dif...