What are the benefits of marrying a U.S. citizen?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 24, 2026
If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you will enjoy many benefits, but also face a few inconveniences.
- No Annual Limit on Visas. ...
- Long Wait for Government Processing of Applications. ...
- Possibility to Adjust Status After Legal U.S. Entry. ...
- First Two Years of Residence Are Likely to Be Conditional.
What happens when you marry an American 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.
Can I stay in America if I marry an American?
A marriage green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live and work anywhere in the United States. A green card holder will then have “permanent resident” status until they apply for U.S. citizenship, if they choose to do so.
How long do you have to be married to become a U.S. citizen?
Married to the U.S. citizen spouse at the time of filing the naturalization application; Living in marital union with the citizen spouse for at least 3 years at the time of filing the naturalization application; and.
Can you get U.S. citizenship by marrying a U.S. citizen?
If you remain married to and living with your U.S. husband for three years from the date of your approval for conditional residence, you can finally apply for U.S. citizenship (naturalization).
19 related questions foundDo you automatically get a green card when you marry a U.S. citizen?
The beneficiary, or person who is applying to receive a green card, is generally automatically eligible to receive a green card once they are lawfully married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
How long does it take to get a green card after marrying a U.S. citizen?
If you are married to a U.S. Citizen and are living inside the U.S., you will be submitting an adjustment of status application when you apply for you Marriage Green Card. The adjustment of status Marriage Green Card application process typically takes about 10-13 months.
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 I lose my green card if I get divorced?
If you have a green card with no conditions, then that means immigration has given you the ability to remain in the United States permanently. In this case, a divorce or separation will not have any effect on your ability to remain in the United States.
How does citizenship marriage work?
If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won't be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away. But you might become eligible for a U.S. green card, which can lead to U.S. citizenship. By Ilona Bray, J.D. If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won't be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away.
What visa do I get if I marry a U.S. citizen?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to marry and live here, with a nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) (K-1). An I-129F fiancé(e) petition is required.
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.
What are the requirements to marry a U.S. citizen?
I am Married to a U.S. Citizen
- Be at least 18 when you submit Form N-400, Application for Naturalization;
- Be a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States for at least three years immediately before the date you file Form N-400;
How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen?
The current naturalization fee for a U.S. citizenship application is $725. That total includes $640 for application processing and $85 for biometrics services, both of which are nonrefundable, regardless of whether the U.S. government approves or rejects an application.
What are the pros and cons of marrying a foreigner?
Pros & Cons Of Marrying Someone That Lives In Another Country
- Pro: Experience new cultures. Naturally, one of you will move to live with the other person. ...
- Con: Leaving your old life behind. The flip side of this is that you will have to leave your old life behind. ...
- Pro: Finally being with the person you love.
How long do you have to stay married to keep your green card?
Green Card Types
When you obtain a green card through marriage, it will either be a permanent renewable green card that is valid for ten years or a conditional two-year green card. The conditional green card is issued to applicants that have been married for less than two years at the time the green card is issued.
Can my wife take away my green card?
The good news is that there is nothing in U.S. immigration law saying that once people are divorced or their marriage is annulled, their efforts to get a green card are automatically over.
Who gets a 10-year green card?
If you got your residency through your employer or your parent or adult child or brother or sister you will be issued the regular 10-year card. Also if you get residency through marriage and have been married more than two years at the time you are granted then you also will get the regular 10-year card.
How many times can a U.S. citizen marry a foreigner?
In the same way, a citizen can petition for more than one spouse, as long as he/she is only married to one person at the same time. The law does not limit the number of times that the citizen can marry a foreigner, but the person will be closely inspected by USCIS.
What are 3 ways to lose citizenship?
So, in what three ways can American citizenship be lost? Well, first is through wrongfully gaining their American citizenship. The second is through a voluntary act, and the third is through denaturalization.
Can I bring my second wife to USA?
Polygamy is not legal in the United States. Your second marriage is not valid in the United States. You must get legally divorced BEFORE you can marry your second wife.
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 you work while waiting for marriage green card?
No, you are not allowed to work while your I-765 is pending. However, if you receive a job offer and your I-765 is pending, it is best to be transparent with the employer and tell them that you can only begin working when USCIS has approved your form.
How long does it take to get a 10 year green card after marriage?
For the California Service Center, as mentioned before, the processing times are: 12.5 months to 16 months if the petitioner is a Permanent Resident. 11 to 14.5 months if the petitioner is a U.S. citizen.
How long does it take to get a green card after marriage 2021?
The current total wait time for a marriage-based green card ranges between 9 to 36 months, depending on whether you are married to a U.S. citizen or green card holder and where you currently live (not including possible delays).