Becoming a US Citizen Through Marriage

You can become a U.S. citizen through marriage.

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen is called naturalization. If you are a foreign citizen who is married to an American citizen, you may apply to become a U.S. citizen as well. In order to apply for citizenship based on marriage, you must be at least 18 years old and married to a U.S. citizen who has been a citizen for at least three years. In addition, you must be a permanent resident for at least three years before filing for citizenship. Permanent residency means that you have a green card that entitles you to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis. You must be able to communicate in English, have a basic knowledge of American history and government, and be of good character.

Things You'll Need

• Two 2x2 color photos, passport-style
• Copy of front and back of your Green Card
• Check or money order for $675
• Marriage certificate
• Spouse's birth certificate or Naturalization certificate
• Documents that show your marriage is legitimate, for example, bank statements, mortgage, lease agreements, tax returns, birth certificates of your children

Instructions

1. Fill out Form N-400. N-400 is the Application for Naturalization. It is available below, under Resources.

2. Take photos. You will need two 2x2 color photos of yourself on a white or off-white background. Photos must show your full face from the front. Print your name and Alien Registration number on the back of each photo.

3. Make copies. You will need a copy of your marriage certificate and the front and back of your permanent resident card. You will also need to provide copies of evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for at least 3 years, such as his or her birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, or U.S. passport. Documents supporting your life as a couple also need to be copied. Documents such as bank statements, certified IRS tax returns, lease or mortgage agreements, and birth certificates for your children.

4. File your application for citizenship. Gather your N-400 application, photos, and all copies of supporting documents. Make a check or money order payable to the U.S.Department of Homeland Security for the $675 filing fee. Place everything into one envelope and submit your file.
   If you reside in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Territory of Guam, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, send your application to the following address:
   USCIS
   P.O. Box 21251
   Phoenix, AZ 85036
   If you reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, send your application to the following address:
   USCIS
   P.O. 660060
   Dallas, TX 75266

5. Get fingerprinted. You will receive a notice in the mail to report for fingerprinting. The date, time and location will be printed on the form.

6. Go to the interview. You will receive a notice with a date and time to appear for your citizenship interview. Bring your Permanent Resident Card and all original supporting documents to your interview. You will be asked questions about your application and your background. You will also be given an English exam and a civics exam. You will receive a decision on your file at the end of your interview and testing appointment.

7. Attend your citizenship ceremony. You will receive a notice in the mail with the date, time, and location of your citizenship ceremony. At the ceremony, you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and hand in your Permanent Resident Card. You will be given a Certificate of Naturalization and will be officially recognized as a U.S. citizen.

References

• Guide to Naturalization

Resources

• Guide to Naturalization
• N-400 Application