Becoming a U.S. citizen through marriage is one of the fastest paths to naturalization, but it requires meeting strict eligibility requirements and following the correct legal procedures. If you are married to a U.S. citizen and have held a green card for at least three years, you may qualify to apply for naturalization under the spouse-based eligibility rule.
Here, we explain the process, the necessary documents, and interview expectations.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, you must ensure that you meet all the naturalization through marriage requirements. These include:
- Permanent Residency Requirement: You must have held a valid green card (permanent resident status) for at least three years before applying.
- Marital Requirement: You must be legally married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years and continue to live together.
- Continuous Residence: You must have lived in the United States for at least three years without extended trips abroad.
- Physical Presence: You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months out of the last three years.
- Good Moral Character: You must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations.
- English and Civics Exam: You must demonstrate basic English proficiency and pass a civics test about U.S. history and government.
If you meet these requirements, you may begin the naturalization process by filing Form N-400.
Step 2: File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
How to Apply
To begin the citizenship process, you must complete and submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. This form can be filed:
- Online through the USCIS website
- By mail to the designated USCIS filing address based on your location
Required Documents
Along with the completed N-400 form, you must submit the following supporting documents:
- Copy of your green card (front and back)
- Marriage certificate to prove your marriage to a U.S. citizen
- Proof of spouse’s U.S. citizenship, such as:
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Evidence of joint residence, such as:
- Lease agreements or mortgage documents showing both names
- Utility bills, bank statements, or tax returns with both names
- Joint insurance policies
- Recent passport-style photos (if applying by mail)
Step 3: Attend the Biometrics Appointment
After USCIS receives your application, they will send you a biometrics appointment notice. This appointment is required for identity verification and background checks.
What Happens at the Biometrics Appointment?
- You will go to a local USCIS Application Support Center (ASC).
- Your fingerprints and photograph will be taken.
- USCIS will conduct a background check with the FBI.
Once your biometrics are cleared, USCIS will continue processing your naturalization application.
Step 4: Attend the Naturalization Interview and Exam
Once your background check is complete, USCIS will schedule an interview at a local USCIS office. You will receive a letter with the date, time, and location of the interview.
What to Expect at the Interview
During the interview, a USCIS officer will:
- Review your N-400 application to confirm your eligibility
- Ask questions about your marriage, background, and immigration history
- Administer the English and civics test
The Naturalization Test
The test consists of two parts:
- English Test
- Reading: You must read a simple sentence in English.
- Writing: You must write a sentence in English.
- Speaking: The officer will assess your English skills during the interview.
- Civics Test
- You will be asked 10 questions about U.S. history and government.
- You must answer at least 6 correctly to pass.
- USCIS provides study materials and practice tests on its website.
If you fail either the English or civics test, USCIS will give you one additional chance to retake the failed portion.
Step 5: Receive a Decision on Your Application
After the interview, USCIS will notify you of its decision:
- Approved: You will receive a notice for your naturalization oath ceremony.
- Continued: USCIS may request additional documents or schedule a second interview.
- Denied: If your application is denied, USCIS will provide a written explanation, and you may have the option to appeal.
Step 6: Take the Oath of Allegiance
The final step in becoming a U.S. citizen is attending the Oath of Allegiance Ceremony. USCIS will send you a notice with the date and location of your ceremony.
What Happens at the Oath Ceremony?
- You will return your green card (since you will receive a naturalization certificate).
- You will take the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen.
- You will receive your Certificate of Naturalization, which serves as proof of your U.S. citizenship.
Once you have taken the oath, you can:
- Apply for a U.S. passport
- Register to vote in U.S. elections
- Sponsor family members for U.S. immigration benefits
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply for citizenship if I have been married for less than three years?
No, you must be married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years before applying under the spouse-based naturalization rule. If you do not meet this requirement, you must wait five years as a permanent resident before applying through the standard naturalization process.
2. What if my spouse and I separate or divorce during the process?
If you separate or divorce before your naturalization is approved, you may no longer be eligible under the three-year rule. However, you may still qualify under the five-year permanent resident rule.
3. Can I travel outside the U.S. while my application is pending?
Yes, but long trips outside the U.S. (especially those over six months) could affect your continuous residence requirement and delay your application.
4. What if I fail the citizenship test?
You will have one additional opportunity to retake the portion of the test that you failed. USCIS will schedule a second interview within 60 to 90 days after the first test.
5. Can I change my name during the naturalization process?
Yes, you can request a name change on Form N-400. If approved, your new name will be listed on your Certificate of Naturalization.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a U.S. citizen through marriage is a faster route to naturalization, but it requires careful planning and meeting strict eligibility requirements. Ensuring that your application is complete, preparing for your interview, and maintaining continuous residence in the U.S. will help you achieve your goal.
If you have legal concerns, such as past immigration violations or criminal history, consider consulting a qualified immigration attorney before applying.
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