How to Obtain American Citizenship Through Marriage

The process of obtaining American citizenship is known as naturalization

The process of obtaining American citizenship may take several years to complete, depending on your nationality and professional credentials. However, through marriage, it is possible to expedite the process. The naturalization process first involves becoming a permanent resident and then applying for citizenship. In general, most spouses of American citizens can obtain their own citizenship status within three years of green card issuance. This abbreviated period is significantly shorter than the naturalization process for most applicants, who often must spend 10 or more years completing the progression from non-immigrant visa to permanent resident green card to citizenship.

Instructions

1. Complete and file Form I-130 with United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Form I-130 is a green card application officially known as "Petition for Alien Relative." If your marriage is less than two years in length, your green card will come with conditional permanent resident status. After two years of marriage, you may apply for the removal of the conditions.

2. Wait three years from the issuance of your green card. Unless you are a United States government employee stationed overseas, you may not file your naturalization form prior to the completion of this waiting period.

3. Review Form N-400 as provided by USCIS. The N-400 is the form you are required to submit for your citizenship application. By reviewing the form and citizenship requirements in advance, you can ensure that you are prepared to file at the completion of your three-year waiting period.

4. Complete Form N-400 and file with USCIS. Processing times vary based on location and the case load that USCIS possesses at any given time. Upon approval, you will receive a congratulations letter and be asked to complete the United States Citizenship Test. After passing the test, you attend a ceremony to be sworn in as an American citizen.

Tips & Warnings

• Carefully read all instructions for Form I-130, Form N-400 and any other documents during the green card and naturalization process. Becoming a citizen is a linear process. Each step is reviewed in accordance with previous steps to make sure no rules or regulations were violated.

References

• USCIS: Green Card Through Family
• USCIS: Remove Conditions on Permanent Residence Based on Marriage
• USCIS: Application for Naturalization
• USCIS: Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens