If you’re married to a US citizen and already have your Green Card, it’s time to start thinking about the next step: becoming a US citizen.
Sure, being a permanent resident gives you a strong legal status and some good benefits. But the truth is, citizenship gives you much more. We’re talking about the right to vote in elections, get a US passport, apply for federal jobs, and, most importantly, complete protection from deportation.
Now, getting citizenship through marriage isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s not just about filling out a form and waiting. It takes planning, time, paperwork, and money. That’s why it’s smart to start preparing as soon as possible. The sooner you prepare, the smoother it will be when the time comes.
But…
How long does it take to get US citizenship through marriage? What are the requirements? What documents do you need? And how does the whole process work?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about applying for US citizenship through marriage.
How does US citizenship by marriage work?
Let’s break it down. Generally, legal permanent residents can apply for US citizenship after five years of having a green card. This is called the 5-year rule.
But if you’re married to a US citizen, you have an advantage: You can apply after only three years of having your Green Card. This is known as the 3-year rule, and it’s supported by Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
However, the time you’ve had your Green Card isn’t the only thing that matters. You must also meet several other essential requirements to get approved. Let’s go over them.
Requirements for applying for US citizenship through marriage
USCIS has a clear list of rules for anyone applying for citizenship through marriage. You must meet each one, no exceptions. So read them carefully and make sure you qualify:
- Be at least 18 years old at the time you file your application (Form N-400).
- Be a permanent resident ( Green Card holder) for at least three years.
- Be married to and living with your US citizen spouse for those three years.
- Have lived continuously in the US for at least the three years before filing Form N-400.
- Have lived in the state or district where you’re applying for at least 3 months.
- Be physically present in the US for at least 18 months.
- Have good moral character, meaning you have obeyed the law and do not have a serious criminal record.
- Be able to read, write, and speak basic English. The USCIS will test this during your interview.
- Have a basic knowledge of US history and government. You’ll also take a civics test on the day of your interview.
Other things you need to do
In addition to these main requirements, there are a few other essential things to keep in mind if you want your application to go smoothly:
If you’re a male between 18 and 26, you must register with the Selective Service. Even though there’s no military draft in the US right now, this is a legal requirement. It shows your commitment to the country and your willingness to serve. You’ll need to provide proof of this when you apply.
Also, make sure you’re paying your taxes. USCIS requires you to submit your federal tax returns for the last three years. If you haven’t filed or owe back taxes, your application could be denied, so take care of this before you apply.
And this is super important: Never register to vote or claim to be a US citizen if you’re not already one. That’s a serious offense and could get you in big trouble with immigration.
These are the first three questions in Section 9 of the N-400 form:
- Have you EVER claimed to be a US citizen (in writing or otherwise)?
- Have you EVER registered to vote or voted in any federal, state, or local election in the United States?
- Do you owe any overdue federal, state, or local taxes in the United States?
You must be able to answer “NO” to all of these questions honestly.
How long does it take to get citizenship after marriage?
Many people think they will automatically get citizenship if they marry a US citizen. But no, it doesn’t work that way.
Getting married doesn’t make you a citizen. It does open the door for you to apply for a Green Card. Then, if you meet all the requirements, you can apply for citizenship after three years.
So, how long does it take to get US citizenship through marriage? The answer depends, but on average, the whole process- from the time you submit your application to the day you take the oath of allegiance- can take anywhere from 6 to 14 months. Of course, this also depends on how busy your local USCIS office is. But no, it doesn’t work that way.
Getting married doesn’t make you a citizen. It does open the door for you to apply for a Green Card. Then, if you meet all the requirements, you can apply for citizenship after three years.
How to get US citizenship through marriage
The process of getting citizenship through marriage is similar to the regular naturalization process. The main difference is that if you’re married to a US citizen, you can apply after just three years with your Green Card, instead of waiting five years.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:
1. Fill out Form N-400
Form N-400 is the official application for naturalization. You must provide personal information, your immigration history, and eligibility details. Take your time and make sure everything is correct. Don’t leave anything blank and don’t lie.
You can fill out and submit the form online through your MyUSCIS account or print it out and mail it in. This form comes with a $760 filing fee, which includes the biometric fee.
Learn more: US citizenship application: How to fill N-400 form.
2. Gather your documents
You’ll need to gather several documents to prove that you meet all the requirements for citizenship through marriage. Here’s what you’ll need to include with your application:
- A copy of your green card (front and back)
- Your marriage certificate
- Proof of your spouse’s US citizenship (birth certificate, US passport, or naturalization certificate)
- Proof that you live together and are still married (joint tax returns, rental agreement, photos, children together)
- Proof of good moral character (police clearance, affidavits, etc.)
3. Biometrics appointment
Once USCIS receives your application, they’ll notify you of your biometrics appointment. They’ll take your fingerprints, photo, and signature at this appointment. The notice may take a while to arrive, so don’t worry if it doesn’t come immediately.
4. Naturalization Interview
After completing your biometrics, USCIS will send you another notice with the date and time of your naturalization interview. This is a big step. A USCIS officer will review your application, ask questions about your background and marriage, and give you the English and civics test.
This part makes people the most nervous, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back. We have created a complete guide to passing the citizenship test. And with Citizen Now, you can study for the English and civics tests and even practice for the interview, all in one place.
5. Oath of Allegiance
If your interview goes well and your application is approved, the final step is to attend your naturalization ceremony. You’ll take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and receive your naturalization certificate there.
And just like that, you’re officially a US citizen, with all the rights and benefits that come with it.
What happens if the marriage ends before the three years are up?
This is an important point. If your marriage to a US citizen ends before the three-year mark—whether because of divorce or because you stop living together—you won’t be able to apply for US citizenship under the three-year rule.
In that case, you’ll have to wait five years from when you got your Green Card before applying for naturalization. As we said, living together is a basic requirement for obtaining US citizenship by marriage.
However, there’s a significant exception to this rule. If the marriage ended because of physical or emotional abuse, you may qualify for a green card under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In these cases, if you get your green card through VAWA, you can still apply for citizenship after three years of permanent residency, even if you’re no longer married.
Of course, this process has its own requirements, and you’ll need to provide evidence that you’ve been abused. But it’s a valid and legal path for people who have been through these difficult situations. And despite its name, VAWA protects everyone, not just women. It applies to anyone who has experienced domestic violence, including men and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Summing up…
If you’re married to a US citizen, you can become a citizen, but not automatically. The naturalization process takes time and effort. First, you must obtain permanent residency, maintain it for at least 3 years, and meet all legal requirements.
So, how long does it take to get US citizenship through marriage? On average, it can take between 6 and 14 months from the time you apply to the day you take the Oath of Allegiance. But this depends on which USCIS office handles your case and how many applications they receive that year. Some people get through in 4 months. Others wait over 8 months just for their interview.
The most important thing is to be patient and not get discouraged. Ensure you prepare your documents correctly, attend appointments, and prepare for the citizenship exams.
Remember, with Citizen Now, you have everything you need to prepare for the English, civics, and interview questions – all in one place. So download it now and join the thousands who have already passed!
We know it may seem not easy, but trust us – you can do it. And it’s worth the effort to become a US citizen. Plus, you’ll find more tips, tools, and guides on our blog to help you get there with peace of mind.
And if you have any questions, drop them in the comments. We’re here to help!