Can I apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage?

Randell Inghram asked, updated on April 19th, 2022; Topic: citizenship
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As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years. ... To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the three years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

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More than that, can I apply for citizenship after 2 years of marriage?

Who Qualifies For Citizenship? 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”).

Secondly, how long after marrying a U.S. citizen can I apply for citizenship? You don't have to wait until you've had a green card for five years to apply for citizenship through the process known as naturalization. Assuming you stay married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse the whole time, you can apply for citizenship three years after obtaining a green card.

Apart from this, can I apply for citizenship after 4 years of marriage?

Special rules in U.S. immigration law allow permanent residents applying for citizenship through marriage to submit the application after just three years. Most permanent residents must live in the United States for a minimum of five years before applying for citizenship.

Does spouse need citizenship interview 2021?

Your spouse will be required to accompany you to the interview.

17 Related Questions Answered

How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2021?

Average time - Seven to 32 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2021; another six to ten months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.

How early can you apply for citizenship?

You may file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, 90 calendar days before you complete your permanent 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.

What is the penalty for marrying for citizenship?

The text of the law is very clear. Any person, whether a citizen or a non-citizen, who intentionally commits marriage fraud for immigration purposes faces up to five years in prison as well as a $250,000 fine.

What happens if I divorce while applying for citizenship?

Divorce Makes Applicants Ineligible to Apply for Citizenship in Three Rather Than Five Years. ... You have to remain married up until you actually get your citizenship, and you have to be living with your spouse three years before filing your citizenship application to qualify for early citizenship.

What happens when a U.S. citizen marries a non U.S. citizen?

An immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen must apply for a green card (U.S. permanent residence). This is a long process involving many forms and documents. ... After successfully obtaining a green card, the immigrant spouse can, after three years as a permanent resident, apply for U.S. citizenship.

What documents do I need to file for U.S. citizenship after marriage?

Permanent residence based on marriage
  • Form I-485. In Part 2 of Form I-485, check box a. ...
  • Application fee. ...
  • Two color passport photos of each spouse. ...
  • A photocopy of your birth certificate. ...
  • Form I-864. ...
  • A sealed I-693 Form. ...
  • Photocopies of your passport. ...
  • Evidence of valid nonimmigrant status.

Can you apply for US citizenship 6 months before 5 years?

In general, such an applicant may become eligible and may apply for naturalization at least 6 months before reaching the end of the pertinent statutory period. An applicant who is subject to a 5-year statutory period for naturalization is absent from the United States for 8 months, returning on Aug.

What is the 3 year rule citizenship?

3 Years of Continuous Residence. The spouse of a U.S. citizen residing in the United States must have continuously resided in the United States as an LPR for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of the filing the application and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance.

Does the 2 years of conditional green card count towards citizenship?

As long as you become a permanent resident at the end of your conditional residence period, your two years as a conditional resident will count toward the waiting period for citizenship.

How many years of tax returns are required for citizenship?

Your tax returns are very important proof that you are eligible for naturalization. On the day of your interview, bring certified tax returns for the last 5 years (3 years if you are married to a U.S. citizen).

Do I need a lawyer for green card through marriage?

You do not have to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for a Marriage Green Card. More than half of all marriage Green Card applications are filed by individuals who do not work with an attorney.

Which is faster fiance visa or spouse?

If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.

What are the benefits of marrying a U.S. citizen?

Ability to Apply for U.S. Citizenship Earlier Than Most There's yet another benefit to being married to a U.S. citizen: Three years from the date you become a permanent resident, you can apply for U.S. citizenship, so long as you remain married to and living with the citizen all the way up to the swearing-in ceremony.

How long after citizenship interview is oath ceremony 2021?

If your application was approved, you will receive a notice of your Oath Ceremony (about one to four weeks after the interview).

Does immigration check your house?

Immigration officers may not enter your home unless they have a “warrant.” A warrant is a document issued by a court or government agency. ... U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can issue arrest warrants, but only a court can issue a search warrant. If an officer knocks on your door, do not open it.

What is it called when you marry someone for citizenship?

A green card marriage is a marriage of convenience between a legal resident of the United States of America and a person who would be ineligible for residency but for being married to the resident.

Can I lose my citizenship if I divorce?

If you get a divorce during this time, you will have to wait five years instead of three to file for citizenship. After five years, divorce does not affect your eligibility because eligibility does not depend on marriage. The USCIS will not automatically assume that divorce equals a false marriage.