How Long Does It Take To Become A Citizen If I Am Married?

Those aliens who are married to U.S. citizens have a less difficult time becoming a citizen themselves under immigration law than some other categories of applicants for naturalization, the term immigration law designates for becoming a U.S. citizen.  It takes time to become a citizen under U.S. immigration law, and there are a number of very specialized steps to complete; therefore, in most cases it is essential to employ the services of an immigration attorney.

Naturalization Requirements

First, immigration law requires that the applicant become a permanent resident of the United States.  That in itself is a difficult legal process, but the spouse of an American citizen has no quotas and a higher priority under immigration law, so while an immigration attorney is still highly recommended, it is much easier for this type of applicant and is almost immediate once their immigration attorney completes all the paperwork required under immigration law.

Residence:  Once the applicant for naturalization has their green card, immigration laws require that they maintain continuous residence for three years.  Their immigration attorney will have to be able to provide evidence that they were physically in this country for at least half of that time and never established residence in another country. 

Age:  Under immigration law, a spouse seeking naturalization must be at least eighteen years of age.  In some cases, adoptive parents can apply for younger children, but this is an exception in the immigration laws for naturalization that an immigration attorney can help facilitate.  In addition, such children may have the five-year residency requirement waived if their immigration attorney applies for it.

Education and Literacy:  The spousal applicant for naturalization must under immigration law, be able to speak, read, and write Basic English.  Immigration law requires that these applicants for naturalization must also display an understanding and knowledge of U.S. government, history, and politics, which are elements on which their immigration attorney can coach them.  The naturalization applicant must be able to pass an exam on this information.  If they do not do so on the first try, their immigration attorney can help prepare them for additional attempts.  In some cases, immigration law allows the immigration attorney of an applicant who is an older, long-time resident of this country to obtain an exemption of the English requirements. 

Moral Character:  An immigration attorney can help the applicant provide the evidence required under immigration law for good character throughout their residence.  There can be no evidence of consistent bad behavior like drunkenness, adultery, gambling, lying, or criminal activities.

Attachment to Constitutional Principles:  Immigration law requires that naturalization applicants and their immigration attorneys be able to show that the candidate agrees with the philosophical and political standards of this country, including the Bill of Rights and the principles of democracy.  The naturalization candidate will be tested on this information, so thorough coaching by their immigration attorney should help prepare them.

Allegiance to the United States:  Applicants for naturalization are required under immigration law to be able to recite the pledge of allegiance to the United States and they must understand and believe in the principles reflected therein.  That includes supporting the Constitution and a willingness to bear arms if called upon.  Their immigration attorney can prepare them for the questions and pledge required.

An applicant for naturalization should be sure to find an ,b>immigration attorney who is willing and proficient in these matters to not only prepare all the necessary forms and fees, and to present the necessary evidence, but to prepare and coach them through this naturalization process that is part of immigration law.    Above all, immigration attorneys should encourage spousal naturalization candidates to be honest in all of their answers.  Nothing will sabotage a naturalization application faster than dishonesty.

Completing the Naturalization Process

Once a spouse applying for U.S. naturalization and their immigration attorney file all the paperwork required under immigration law and prepare for the actual naturalization exams and activities, the naturalization process continues into the next phase, beginning with an interview with immigration officials.   This requirement under immigration law can be intimidating; therefore, an experienced immigration attorney should prepare the applicant thoroughly.  Next, the candidate is required under immigration law to be fingerprinted for security purposes.  Finally, immigration law requires that the applicant take the English and civics tests for which their immigration attorney should have prepared them.  If the spouse applying for naturalization passes all of these steps as required by immigration law, they will move on to the final step.  Taking the oath of allegiance is a big event, and many will invite family and friends, as well as their immigration attorney, to attend with them.  Once this final step required by immigration law is fulfilled, they will have completed the naturalization process.