U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage: Complete Guide for Spouses of U.S. Citizens
As a foreign national, obtaining U.S. citizenship through marriage is a two-step process. First, you must become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). Once you hold a green card, you can then apply for naturalization to officially become a U.S. citizen. If you are already living in the United States with a green card, you are halfway along this path.
This guide explains the steps to secure U.S. citizenship as the spouse of a U.S. citizen and highlights how Green Card Link can help you through each stage of the process.
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: Your Pathway to Citizenship
Every country has its own rules for citizenship, but in the U.S., marriage to a U.S. citizen is one of the most common and straightforward pathways. While some foreign nationals gain citizenship through employment-based green cards or other immigration categories, marrying a U.S. citizen often provides the fastest route.
It is important to remember, however, that marriage does not automatically grant citizenship. It gives you the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, which is only the first step. From there, you must meet additional eligibility requirements before you can apply for naturalization. These rules are set out under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Step 1: Obtaining a Marriage-Based Green Card
The first step toward citizenship through marriage is obtaining a green card. This can be done in one of two ways, depending on whether you are living in the United States or abroad at the time of your application. In both scenarios, the U.S. citizen spouse files the petition as the sponsor, while the foreign spouse (the beneficiary) completes the rest of the process.
Scenario A: Consular Processing for Spouses Living Abroad
The Petition (Form I-130 and I-130A)
Your U.S. citizen spouse must file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to establish a valid marriage. Alongside this, Form I-130A must be filed with additional information about the foreign spouse.
This petition process generally takes 7–10 months. If USCIS requires more evidence, you may receive a “Request for Evidence” (RFE). Receiving an RFE does not mean denial—it simply gives you the opportunity to provide additional documents. Immigration attorneys at Green Card Link can help you prepare a thorough and timely response to prevent delays or denials.
The Green Card Application (Consular Processing)
Once the I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which collects supporting forms and documents. After submitting the required fees, you will file the DS-260 immigrant visa application, along with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support.
After review, the NVC forwards your case to the U.S. consulate or embassy in your country for final processing. This phase often takes 3–5 months.
Consular Interview and Approval
Before approval, you must:
- Complete a medical examination with a State Department–approved doctor.
- Provide a U.S. address for green card delivery.
- Attend biometrics (fingerprinting) if required.
- Attend a consular interview, where you must prove your marriage is genuine.
Once approved, the foreign spouse receives a visa stamp, pays the USCIS immigrant fee, and enters the United States. If you have been married for less than two years, you will be issued a conditional green card, valid for two years. To remove conditions, you must file Form I-751 within 90 days before its expiration. If married for two years or longer, you will receive a 10-year green card.
Scenario B: Adjustment of Status for Spouses Already in the U.S.
If the foreign spouse is already in the United States under a valid nonimmigrant visa, they may apply for a green card through Adjustment of Status without leaving the country.
This process allows concurrent filing—meaning you can submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) and Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) together, along with:
- Form I-130A (Supplemental Information)
- Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support)
- Form I-693 (Medical Examination and Vaccination Record)
- Form I-765 (Work Authorization, optional)
- Form I-131 (Travel Document, optional)
After submission, USCIS will schedule:
- A medical exam (if not already included).
- A biometrics appointment.
- An in-person green card interview.
If USCIS needs more details, they may issue an RFE. Having immigration attorneys at Green Card Link by your side ensures your forms are accurate, complete, and supported with the necessary evidence.
Step 2: Applying for Naturalization
Once you hold a green card, the next step toward citizenship is applying for naturalization using Form N-400. Generally, spouses of U.S. citizens are eligible to apply after three years of permanent residency (instead of the usual five years). You must also meet requirements related to continuous residence, good moral character, English language skills, and U.S. civics knowledge.
Why Choose Green Card Link?
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have helped countless families successfully navigate the marriage-based immigration process. From filing petitions to preparing for consular interviews and adjustment of status, they provide guidance at every step to increase your chances of approval and keep your family together in the United States.
Take the first step toward U.S. citizenship today—contact Green Card Link to get started.
Green Card Interview, Approval, and Path to U.S. Citizenship
Green Card Interview and Approval Process
Once the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) finalizes the necessary procedures, it will issue an official interview notice. This notice provides the date, time, and location of your green card interview. On average, the entire marriage-based green card process takes 10 to 13 months to complete.
For a marriage-based green card, USCIS will schedule an interview for your spouse at the local USCIS office. Unlike certain scenarios, the sponsoring U.S. citizen must also attend this interview. If the USCIS officer determines that your marriage is legitimate, your spouse’s green card application will likely be approved.
At this stage, the green card issued may be either conditional (if the marriage is less than two years old) or permanent (if the marriage is more than two years old).
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys understand how important this milestone is for your family. Our goal is simple—to help you reunite with your loved ones and secure their future in the United States.
Your Spouse Has a Green Card—What Comes Next?
Once your spouse becomes a green card holder, the next step in the immigration journey is naturalization—the process of applying for U.S. citizenship. To do this, the applicant must file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.
Eligibility Requirements for Naturalization Through Marriage
Under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least three years before filing Form N-400.
- Have lived in marital union with a U.S. citizen spouse who has been a citizen during the entire three-year period.
- Have lived in the same state or USCIS district for at least three months prior to filing.
- Have maintained continuous residence in the United States for at least three years.
- Reside continuously in the U.S. from the time of filing until naturalization is complete.
- Have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months out of the three years preceding the application.
- Be able to read, write, and speak English, and demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history and government.
- Show good moral character and an attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.
When You Can Apply for Citizenship After Getting a Green Card
Spouses of U.S. citizens may apply for naturalization after three years of holding permanent resident status, provided they continue to live in marital union with their U.S. citizen spouse. This timeline is significantly shorter than the five-year requirement for most other green card holders.
Steps to U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage
Becoming a U.S. citizen means you gain the rights, benefits, and protections of citizenship, while also committing to the responsibilities and duties that come with it. The steps include:
Step 1: File Form N-400
The process begins with completing and submitting Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, along with supporting documentation, including:
- A copy of your green card
- A copy of your marriage certificate
- Proof of your spouse’s U.S. citizenship and employment (if applicable)
- Two passport-style photos
- Payment of filing fees
As of now, the filing cost is $725 ($640 application fee + $85 biometrics fee, if required). Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants.
Step 2: Biometrics Appointment
If USCIS requires biometrics, you will receive a notice with the date, time, and location. You must attend this appointment to provide fingerprints, photographs, and other biometric data.
Step 3: Prepare for the Naturalization Test
Applicants must pass both an English language test and a civics test covering U.S. history and government. USCIS provides study resources, including practice tests, study guides, and audio recordings to help applicants prepare effectively.
Step 4: Attend the Naturalization Interview
After completing the above steps, USCIS will schedule an interview. Bring your appointment notice and required documents, and be prepared to answer questions about your application and background.
Step 5: USCIS Decision
Following the interview, USCIS will issue one of three outcomes:
- Granted – Your application is approved.
- Continued – USCIS requires additional documentation or you must retake the test.
- Denied – Your application is rejected if eligibility requirements are not met.
Step 6: Oath of Allegiance
If your application is approved, USCIS will invite you to a naturalization ceremony where you take the Oath of Allegiance. Only after taking this oath do you officially become a U.S. citizen.
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a U.S. Citizen
Once naturalized, you gain full U.S. citizenship rights, including the ability to vote, apply for a U.S. passport, and petition for family members. You are also expected to:
- Uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States
- Serve on a jury if called
- Pay taxes
- Participate in civic life and exercise your voting rights
How Green Card Link Can Help You Succeed
The path from green card to U.S. citizenship is complex and filled with potential pitfalls. Simple mistakes can cause costly delays or even denials. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our experienced team can help by:
- Preparing and filing applications correctly
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your case
- Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Assisting with interview preparation and test readiness
- Representing you if complications arise
With Green Card Link, you can move forward with confidence knowing that dedicated immigration attorneys are committed to helping you achieve your goal of becoming a United States citizen.