US citizen general discussion

[helpinghand 0]

Hi,

I am a US citizen and just married my wife who is origanally from Mexico. What is the next step in order to making her a legal citizen? Any one with a little helpful information please respond back. thanks

[AbbynSheryl 0]

hey u can get all the info in the guide section

it tell u how and what to file and where to file

good luck

abby n sheryl

[Otto 83]

First step would be to obtain Permanent Residency status (PR/Green Card). Then, 3 years from then, can apply for US citizenship. (Is the short version of the answer to your question.)

[helpinghand 0]

hey u can get all the info in the guide section

it tell u how and what to file and where to file

good luck

abby n sheryl

Thank you for your response

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Need more information. Where is your wife, it in the US or in Mexico? If in the US, is she here legally or illegally? If illegally, did she overstay after entering legally or sneak in illegally?

[helpinghand 0]

Need more information. Where is your wife, it in the US or in Mexico? If in the US, is she here legally or illegally? If illegally, did she overstay after entering legally or sneak in illegally?

My wife is currently in the US living with me. She came to the US legally , but she did overstay.

[Anh map 2,098]

Read the Guides at the top of the page. You will be filing for Adjustment of Status with form I-130. Follow the guide and you will get a great understanding of the process. Also look at the corresponding example forms to familiarize yourself with all the forms and supporting documents/evidence needed.

Welcome to VJ

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Anh map has given you the right information.

You need to file an I-130 petition and your wife needs to file the I-485 (adjustment of status -AOS) along with the various other documents requested. Definitely read the guides here on VJ, and don't hesitate to ask questions here on VJ if you need help. You should also read over the instructions for all of the forms involved as well as the forms themselves. This will give you a good idea of what is involved.

It is important that your wife NOT leave the country for any reason until she gets her green card (the AOS application) as she would not be allowed back in, and she would have a ban on returning to the US for either 3 years of 10 years, depending on how long she has been out of status. She does not need to apply for form I-131 (Advance Parole) as she cannot use it. She can apply for Employment authorization when she files the I-485 and then she can legally work when she gets her approval.

After your wife has had a green card for 3 years and you are still married and living together, she is allowed to apply for US citizenship.

Good luck.