Can You Become A U.S. Citizen Through Marriage?

A foreign spouse who marries a U.S. citizen can live in the United States and become a United States. Before they can do so, though, they must meet a series of requirements and go through a set of immigration processes.

 Can You Get A Green Card Through Marriage? 

When a United States citizen marries someone from a foreign country, their spouse is eligible for a green card. Assuming they are successful in obtaining a green card, their spouse will become a permanent resident of the United States.

A permanent resident with a green card can:

• Live permanently in the United States.
• Work at a job.
• Own/rent property.
• Open a bank account.
• Live anywhere in the United States.

All of these benefits, and many more, require the spouse to obtain a green card. To obtain a green card, the spouse must:

• Prove that their marriage is legitimate.
• Establish that they are eligible for a green card.
• Conduct an interview with their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Each one of these steps is complex and involves a variety of other procedures. But, assuming each one is completed successfully, the foreign spouse will be able to obtain a green card.

Even though a green card allows the foreign spouse to permanently reside within the United States, this doesn’t mean that they are a U.S. citizen. Rather, becoming a U.S. citizen is a distinct process that relies on the foreign spouse possessing a green card.

 Can You Become A U.S. Citizen Through Marriage? 

To become a U.S. citizen, through marriage, a foreign spouse must meet a series of rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are as follows:

• The spouse must have a green card.
• The spouse must have lived in the United States, as a permanent resident, for three-years.
• The spouse must be living in marital union with the other, non-foreign, spouse, during this three-year period.
• The spouse must file their application for citizenship in a state or district they’ve lived in for at least three-months.
• The spouse must reside continuously, in the United States, from the day they file their citizenship application to the day they become a U.S. citizen.
• The spouse must have been physically present in the United States for at least 18-months, within the three-year period preceding the citizenship application.

Outside of those requirements, the foreign spouse must also:

• Be able to speak, read, and write English.
• Possess an understanding of the history, principles, and form of government within the United States.
• Be a person of good moral and ethical character.

Assuming the foreign spouse meets these requirements, they can become a U.S. citizen. By becoming a U.S citizen, they can:

• Vote in elections.
• Work for federal agencies.
• Expedite the visa process for their family members.
• Live outside of the United States for more than one-year.

The process of becoming a U.S. citizen can take quite some time. But, if these requirements are met, a spouse can, and will, become a U.S. citizen.

 Speak With A Houston Immigration Lawyer 

The act of getting married does not, in and of itself, guarantee a green card or U.S. citizenship. But, by meeting the requirements and following the proper procedures, you or your spouse can acquire a green card. Soon enough, you, or your spouse, can become a U.S. citizen.

Speak with a Houston immigration lawyer today. We will assist you in acquiring your marriage green card and becoming a U.S. citizen.

Sources: 

uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/guides/M-618.pdf

uscis.gov/citizenship/learn-about-citizenship/citizenship-and-naturalization/i-am-married-to-a-us-citizen

uscis.gov/n-400