If you are married to a US citizen and wondering how long it will take for you to be a U.S. citizen, then the initial step is often to apply for a green card (legal permanent residence). This is the precursor to U.S. citizenship. It takes between 9 months and 2 years to get a green card for most individuals based on individual situation, immigration process, and circumstance.
When you receive your green card, if it was based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen, after three years you can apply for naturalization (becoming a U.S. citizen). That’s the one advantage of being married to a US citizen — you can become a citizen sooner than someone who isn’t married to a U.S. citizen who usually needs to wait five years.
Basic Naturalization Process Upon Marital Settlement?
How to Get Your Green Card:
Firstly, you have to apply for and get your green card from your marriage with a citizen of the United States. This usually includes filing a petition, interviewing, and providing proof that your marriage is valid.
Three Years:
You have the green card, now what? You have to wait three years from your green card expiration date before you can apply for U.S. citizenship. That’s a shorter wait than the five years required by the rest of the green card holders.
Fulfill Residency Needs:
You’ll need to reside in the US and fulfill residency needs during these three years. For instance, you must have been in the United States physically for half of the 3 years and not have been living outside the country for long stretches of time.
Naturalization Application:
After 3 years you can file your naturalization application (Form N-400). This includes filling out an application, sitting for an interview, and passing exams on US history, government, and English (unless you’re granted a break).
Oath of Allegiance:
After your application is accepted, you will be brought in for a ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance and become a U.S. citizen.
What If I Fail to Meet the 3-Year Time Limit?
If you don’t meet the three-year deadline because you’ve had long periods of non-US travel, you may still be able to apply five years later as a permanent resident. But if you got your green card through marriage, the three-year rule is more or less correct.
Factors that May Impact the Process
While three years is the average waiting period for U.S.-born couples, certain conditions can extend that time:
Late processing of paperwork:
From time to time, U.S. applications can take longer than you anticipated by the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Criminal Record:
If you have a criminal record or criminal record that could negatively impact your immigration status, then this will have a negative impact on your naturalization application.
Permanent marriage:
You cannot be married to your U.S. citizen spouse at the time you apply for citizenship. If your marriage ends in divorce before you apply, then you will no longer be eligible for the three-year rule and will need to wait five years to apply again.
In short, if you’re married to a U.S. citizen and got your green card via marriage, you can typically apply for US citizenship after 3 years of being on your green card, provided you satisfy other residency and marriage requirements. : If you have questions about eligibility or need assistance naturalizing, you may want to contact an immigration lawyer or look for other resources to assist you.
Learn the US citizenship process and how being married to a U.S. citizen impacts the process so that your path to becoming a U.S. citizen can be less complicated. Make sure to do everything, be on time, and have the right documents for a good application.
