Marrying a U.S. citizen isn’t a shortcut to citizenship, but it opens an easy path if you follow the rules and requirements.
Let’s walk through what citizenship through marriage means, how long it can take, and what can speed up or prolong the process.
From Marriage to Citizenship
You don’t just marry and get a passport. You start by getting a green card, which is your ticket to live in the U.S. legally.
Step 1: The Green Card
Your U.S. citizen spouse files Form I-130 for you.
The next step is to file Form I-485 to adjust your status if you’re already in the U.S. If you’re outside the country, you go through consular processing. If your marriage is less than two years old when your green card is approved, you’ll get a conditional green card. It lasts two years.
Before your conditional card expires, you and your spouse must file Form I-751 to remove the conditions and prove your marriage is real. If your marriage is more than two years old, you’ll get the standard green card, which is valid for ten years.
Step 2: Living as a Green Card Holder
Once you have your green card, the clock starts. To qualify for citizenship through marriage, you must:
- Be a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years
- Stay married to and live with your citizen spouse
- Show good moral character
- Meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements
This three-year rule only applies in the citizenship through marriage process. Other green card holders wait five years.
Step 3: Applying for Citizenship
When you’ve been an LPR for three years, you can apply for citizenship using Form N-400. USCIS lets you file up to 90 days early.
You’ll go through biometrics, an interview, and a civics and English test, unless you qualify for an exemption. Then you take the Oath of Allegiance, and you’re officially a U.S. citizen.
The Timelines
There’s no set timeline for citizenship by marriage.
Some people finish in a few years, others wait longer. Here’s why:
- Backlogs: USCIS and consular offices move at different speeds.
- Type of process: Adjustment of status runs differently from consular cases.
- Conditional Residence: If you miss the I-751 filing window, your case will stall.
- Travel: Long trips outside the U.S. can break your continuous residence.
- Case details: RFEs, prior overstays, or criminal history can slow things down.
USCIS keeps updating policies. Those shifts can affect how you prepare and when to file.
What’s New in 2025
Updated Civics Test
A new naturalization test began in 2025. The standard Civics test has been updated. Those who file Form N-400 now must take an oral test with twenty questions, and they are required to pass at least twelve of them.
If you’re applying, make sure you know which version applies. The rules depend on the date you file. The new test applies to those who file on or after October 20, 2025.
Avoid These
Here’s where many applicants slip up:
- Missing the I-751 filing window.
- Taking long trips abroad and breaking residence.
- Ignoring criminal or good moral character issues.
- Getting divorced before applying. If this happens, the 3-year rule no longer applies.
- Filing under the wrong version of USCIS rules.
Each of these can negatively impact your case.
Got Immigration Questions? Ask FREE on ImmigrationQuestion.com
Citizenship by marriage is an immigration path with strict rules and rewards for those who comply. How long it takes depends on you, your marriage, and how well you follow the process.
If you’re thinking about applying, or you want clarity on where you stand, check out ImmigrationQuestion.com.
It’s a platform packed with free resources, policy updates, and professional insights. There, you can also ask your questions FREE and get answers from licensed immigration attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get citizenship after marrying a U.S. citizen?
Typically, it takes about three years, provided you already have your green card and you’ve been living with your spouse, who is a citizen, tthe whole time.
But that’s just the minimum. Some people wait longer because of USCIS backlogs or missing paperwork.
What if I get divorced before I apply?
Then you’ll have to wait five years instead of three. The three-year rule only applies if you’re still married and living with your citizen spouse. If the marriage ends, you switch to the standard naturalization timeline.
Do I have to take the citizenship test?
Everyone applying for naturalization takes the civics and English test, unless you qualify for an exemption. Heads up: USCIS has rolled out a new test format in 2025, so make sure you study the right one for your filing date.
Can I travel while waiting for my application to be approved?
You can, but don’t stay away too long. Trips over 6 months might break your continuous residence and delay your eligibility. It is best to keep your trips under six months.
What if my spouse is abusive, so we’re separated?
You may still qualify under special provisions, like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). That’s something you should talk about with an attorney. Meet with licensed attorneys on the ImmigrationQuestion.com network.
What happens if my removal of condition is still pending when I apply for citizenship?
You can still apply for citizenship while your I-751 (removal of conditions) is pending. USCIS usually handles both together. Just make sure your marriage is well-documented and ongoing.
Where can I get reliable information on the citizenship through marriage process?
Go to ImmigrationQuestion.com. You’ll find real-time policy updates, insights, and professional guidance specifically for your case.
