You can apply for US citizenship after 3 years if you are a permanent resident (Green Card holder) and have been married to and living with the same US citizen spouse during that time. Otherwise, most Green Card holders must wait 5 years before applying for naturalization.
- The processing time for U.S. citizens filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 13-54.5 months. - The processing time for legal permanent residents filing Form I-130 for a spouse beneficiary ranges from 32-67.5 months.
You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your continuous residence requirement if your eligibility for naturalization is based upon being a: Permanent resident for at least 5 years; or. Permanent resident for at least 3 years if you are married to a US citizen.
Naturalization Process for Marriage Green Card Holders Meet Eligibility Requirements. Prepare Form N-400. Biometrics Appointment. Naturalization Interview. English and Civics Tests. Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. Receive Certificate of Naturalization.
No, marriage to an American citizen does not confer automatic citizenship or immigration status. Marriage to an American citizen lets that citizen petition their government to allow their spouse to immigrate, ie to apply for permanent residency (``green card'').
An unmarried US citizen cannot petition for his/her partner to receive an immigrant visa and green card. A US citizen may petition only for his/her legally married spouse, children, parents, or siblings.
If you are married to a US citizen and both of you live in the United States, you can apply for your green card (Lawful Permanent Residency) immediately after your marriage. There is no mandatory waiting period before you can submit your application.
All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).