getting married in USA

[Nikki25 0]

Hi,

I am from BC and but have lived in the USA for about 10 years and I have a permanent resident status since 2000. My card expires on 08/03/2012. I am pregnant with my second child and getting married next month. I still live in Montana and my soon to be husband was born in Montana. Once we are married you do you know the steps I need to take to then become a USA citizen? I dont even know where to start I have been searching the net for a week now and cant seem to figure out what forms I am going to need. if someone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it very much,

Sincerely

Nicole

[stronger 43]

Hello Nicole,

I myself am a Naturalized US Citizen born in Canada. You know you are eligible now for citizenship. You were 5 years ago. Your child will already be a citizen, however, you can begin the process now, as it will take about 5- 10 months. Depending on when the next swearing in ceremony is after your interview. I can tell you it is close to $700 to apply. No, not cheap. But you will again have rights to vote and have your voice heard in this country. I waited 10 years myself. And now, I am a happy US Citizen, and I fell in love with a Turkish man whom I have applied for K-1 visa for. A right I now have as a USC.

Good luck to you, and congrats on your second child!

Sabrina

[Nikki25 0]

Hello Nicole,

I myself am a Naturalized US Citizen born in Canada. You know you are eligible now for citizenship. You were 5 years ago. Your child will already be a citizen, however, you can begin the process now, as it will take about 5- 10 months. Depending on when the next swearing in ceremony is after your interview. I can tell you it is close to $700 to apply. No, not cheap. But you will again have rights to vote and have your voice heard in this country. I waited 10 years myself. And now, I am a happy US Citizen, and I fell in love with a Turkish man whom I have applied for K-1 visa for. A right I now have as a USC.

Good luck to you, and congrats on your second child!

Sabrina

Hi Sabrina,

thank you for the information, quick question,

should I wait to start the process until we are already married?

I was thinking it might make everything that much easier if I am already married to a US citizen.

Thanks for your help.

Nicole

[stronger 43]

Honestly, there is no need to wait. You would file as a long term permanent resident. I was married to a USC for 9 years. 2 years after we divorced is when I initiated my citizenship application. So, you see, I had been through the K1 before. We have a 6 year old daughter together. I was just too young when we met. Things did not work out unfortunately. However, we are really great friends now and work together for our daughter. So, you see, you will be ok to file now. If your green card expires before your citizenship is complete, you will have to renew your VERY expensive green card. I'm told it's close to $1200 to renew. Citizenship is cheaper. How strange is that? lol

Hi Sabrina,

thank you for the information, quick question,

should I wait to start the process until we are already married?

I was thinking it might make everything that much easier if I am already married to a US citizen.

Thanks for your help.

Nicole

[Inky 1,110]

Hi Sabrina,

thank you for the information, quick question,

should I wait to start the process until we are already married?

I was thinking it might make everything that much easier if I am already married to a US citizen.

Thanks for your help.

Nicole

You are not applying for citizenship based on marriage to a US citizen. You are applying based on being a LPR for 5 years.

File now for your citizenship no need to wait.

Process http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_process

step by step guide http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_guide

Edited October 25, 2011 by Inky

[hikergirl 277]

Hi Sabrina,

thank you for the information, quick question,

should I wait to start the process until we are already married?

I was thinking it might make everything that much easier if I am already married to a US citizen.

Thanks for your help.

Nicole

The only advantage to being married to a USC and naturalizing is that you can apply 2 years earlier than a regular LPR. But you qualified on your own at your 5 year mark of being a LPR.

No point in waiting.