Naturalization Eligibility Question

[jwcassidytx 1]

For a US born spouse married to a non US born spouse, how long does the non US born spouse have to wait to apply for Naturalization?

Is it three years from legal entry into the US?

Is it three years from marriage?

Is it three years from receiving their green card?

Thank you

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Depends on the order of things. They must have been married 3 years and be 3 years - 90 days since they become a green card holder

[olna83 20]

For a US born spouse married to a non US born spouse, how long does the non US born spouse have to wait to apply for Naturalization?

Is it three years from legal entry into the US?

Is it three years from marriage?

Is it three years from receiving their green card?

Thank you

Please read the below about eligibility to apply for citizenship

Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

In general, you may qualify for naturalization under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) if you

• Have been a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years
• Have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse during such time
• Meet all other eligibility requirements under this section

In certain cases, spouses of U.S. citizens employed abroad may qualify for naturalization regardless of their time as permanent residents. These spouses may qualify under Section 319(b) of the INA.

For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

For information relating to spouses of military members, see our Members of the Military and Their Families page. Also for information about becoming a permanent resident or petitioning for family members, please visit our Green Card or Family webpages.

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for naturalization pursuant to section 319(a) of the INA, an applicant must:

• Be 18 or older
• Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization
• Have been living in marital union with the U.S. citizen spouse, who has been a U.S. citizen during all of such period, during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application and up until examination on the application
• Have lived within the state, or USCIS district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application
• Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
• Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization until the time of naturalization
• Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
• Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of U.S. history and government (also known as civics)
• Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law

For more information, see USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.