Can I become a U.S. citizen by marriage?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 24, 2026
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”).
Can I get U.S. citizenship if I marry an American?
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.
What happens when you marry a U.S. citizen?
After you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card. While USCIS is processing your application, you can apply for “advance parole,” which gives you permission to travel. Unless you have an emergency situation, USCIS will take two to three months to process your parole.
Is it hard to get U.S. citizenship through marriage?
USCIS does not require you to apply for citizenship based on the marriage. Generally, it is easier to prepare an application when applying for citizenship based on five years as a permanent resident. That's because it won't be necessary to submit additional documents about your marriage and U.S. citizen spouse.
When I can apply for citizenship after marriage?
The spouse of a U.S. citizen filing for naturalization on the basis of his or her marriage may file the naturalization application up to 90 days before the date he or she would first meet the required 3-year period of continuous residence.
44 related questions foundCan I apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage?
As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years. This is a significant benefit (as it normally requires five years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship).
Can I marry someone on a tourist visa?
Can I Marry A US Citizen on A Tourist Visa? The short answer is: yes, you can get married in the US while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or on a visa waiver program. There is nothing in the regulations that say individuals who are in the US as visitors cannot get married.
How much is a green card marriage?
Cost Of Applying For A Marriage Based Green Card In The U.S. As of February 2021, the cost of applying for a marriage-based green card in the United States is $1760. However, it is important to note that these fees may be subject to change.
Can I divorce after green card?
If you already have a green card and are a permanent resident at the time of the divorce, the divorce should not change your status. However, the divorce may force you to wait longer to apply for naturalization. In this case, you would need to wait five years, rather than three.
Can I lose my citizenship if I divorce?
Ask an Attorney
While divorce can make it harder to become a permanent resident or citizen, it is still not impossible. Many marriages do not work out, regardless of your intentions. Before you file for divorce, you should understand whether or not it will affect your status.
Can my wife cancel my spouse visa?
The quick answer is that your husband can't cancel your spouse visa. That is because your spouse visa was issued by the Home Office and not by your husband or spouse. Therefore, only the Home Office has the power and authority to cancel your spouse visa or to make you leave the UK.
How long do you have to stay married to get a green card?
USCIS will issue you a conditional Marriage Green Card if you have been married for less than 2 years at the time of your interview. You can apply for a permanent Marriage Green Card after two years of marriage. Check out this article for more information on how to apply for a Marriage Green Card.
Can I buy green card?
If you are currently in the United States, an immigrant visa is immediately available to you as an EB-5 immigrant investor, and you meet certain other requirements, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status to apply for a Green Card without leaving the country.
What are the rules for marrying a foreigner?
You will need to file Form I-130 and then Form DS-160 (also called the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), followed by a medical exam and an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Although this can sometimes be a long process,, this option does lead to a green card as soon as you arrive in the United States.
Can you go to jail for marrying someone for a green card?
An individual will be charged with marriage fraud if they entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration law. This felony offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and applies to both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens who perpetrate this crime.
Can I sponsor my girlfriend to USA?
You cannot sponsor your significant other to live with you, only visit. At the moment there isn't an unmarried partner visa available. Your partner should be your legal spouse or your fiancé. As a general rule, you will have to complete an I-130 Form (Petition for Alien Relative).
Can I bring my girlfriend to USA?
The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
How do I find someone to marry me for citizenship?
The Facebook group Citizen4Me is the perfect place to start. The group lists profiles of eligible bachelors and bachelorettes who are U.S. citizens and are willing to marry DREAMers to help them fix their immigration status. It also lists profiles of DREAMers who are seeking a U.S. citizen to marry.
Does spouse need citizenship interview 2021?
In cases where the naturalization application has been filed after three years of holding permanent residency and marriage is involved, the following applies: Your spouse will be required to accompany you to the interview.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2021?
Average time - Between five and 14.5 months to get a Form I-130 petition (Petition for Alien Relative) approved by USCIS as of early 2022; another six to 11 months or longer to get an immigrant visa to come to the United States.
Can I buy a U.S. citizenship?
Investors can obtain US citizenship, however, it is better to use a US passport when traveling abroad to maintain status. If a person wants to get another citizenship after the American one, he will lose his US passport. Details about the difference between second and dual citizenship.
Can I get green card if I buy house in USA?
“Will I qualify to receive a green card because I bought a house in the United States?” No. You can't get a green card simply by buying a house in the U.S. In fact, owning real estate doesn't ordinarily give you any visa or other immigration benefits.
Can I buy UK citizenship?
The investor, his or her spouse and children under 18 years old can apply for UK citizenship by investment one year after receiving permanent residence. During this period, it is important not to travel outside the UK for more than 90 days. Application fee for citizenship by investment for each person is £1330.
What happens if you divorce on a spouse visa?
What happens to spouse visa after divorce? You have to notify the Home Office if you are separating from your spouse. Your spouse visa will be curtailed and you will either have to apply for leave to remain under a different route or leave the UK.
Will my husband get deported if I divorce him?
Being married to a US citizen does not automatically provide an undocumented immigrant with legal status, and filing for divorce does not prompt deportation proceedings. Although the divorce court is not permitted to contact US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), others may do so.