If you’re married to a US citizen, you may be eligible to become a US citizen faster than other green card holders. I’m John Khosravi, an experienced immigration attorney. In this post, I break down how this process works and what it could mean for you.
How Marriage Can Speed Up Your Citizenship
For most green card holders, the waiting period before applying for citizenship is five years. However, if you’re married to a US citizen and living together, you can apply for citizenship after only three years. This quicker route is available because of the family-based stability that comes with marriage to a US citizen.
The Difference Between Residency and Citizenship
It’s important to understand the difference between residency and citizenship. As a green card holder, you have the right to live and work in the US, but citizenship provides additional rights, including the ability to vote and access certain government jobs. I often advise clients that the path to citizenship begins with securing their green card, followed by naturalization.
When to File Form N-400
Once you’ve been married and living with your US citizen spouse for almost three years, you can start your citizenship application by filing Form N-400, the Application for Naturalization. You’re allowed to file as early as 90 days before the three-year mark, which means you could apply after two years and nine months of marriage. However, continuous living together is required, so any separation could affect your eligibility.
This accelerated path can help you establish deeper roots in the US faster, but eligibility requirements must be met. Consulting with an immigration attorney like John Khosravi at JQK Immigration Law can help you ensure your application is on track and make the most of this opportunity.
