I am an American citizen and my wife is Singaporean? We do not live in the States-how can she be naturalized?

Question

We are missionaries and are planning on living most of our lives in Asian countries, but would like to know if it is possible for her to become an American citizen.
It seems like we might have to live in the States four or more years for her to be naturalized? Is it possible for her to become an US citizen when we are living in a third country, perhaps the Philippines?
As a Singaporean, I know that she does have some privileges compared to other countries-for example, Singapore is on the visa-waiver program. Could that help our cause?
It would be more convenient if we were both citizens of the same country, so that is why I am wondering if it is even possible, or if we will have to live in the States to do so.

Answer 1

www.uscis.gov or talk to an immigration lawyer in your case.

Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:

- the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;

- the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and

-the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements.
There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad.

Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:

- the U.S. Government (including the U.S. Armed Forces);
- American research institutes recognized by the Attorney General;
- recognized U.S. religious organizations;
- U.S. research institutions;
- an American firm engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States; or
- certain public international organizations involving the United States.

Answer 2

Your status as a missionary may have positive bearing on your situation if you are acting solely as a missionary and belong to a religious denomination having a bona fide organization within the United States. Your wife must meet all other requirement, but she may be exempt from statutory waiting periods and length of physical presence requirements.

Bear in mind though, that your wife cannot be naturalized unless she is physically present in the United States - she cannot be naturalized while in another country.

Answer 3

First, you should give up missionary work, you are only wasting your time and destroying others cultures.

secondaly, she will have to live in the US for five years before becoming a citizen, but she can get a permanant residence visa while overseas. check the govt website.

Answer 4

Definitely, your wife can become a US citizen by applying with the Embassy that she is your wife and you are a US citizen. She can be naturalized because of her affinity to you as your wife which is one of the grounds for being a naturalized citizen. But the two of you had to go first to the US to establish residency thereat and for her to establish loyalty to the US.

Answer 5

Thanks for your answer on the graded heavens, actually have been right through church and come out the other side. In fact with my AOG church friend i did a 2 year pastors training course all be it part time.
I wish you well in your search...but are you aware the earth as we know it today is very soon to end...well with in 2 years as the planet of the passing does its earth renewal work (it was last hear at the time of Moses).
so yes things are urgent...and i am sure we saved by how we do in our spirits...also by what we eat (or not eat) no flesh meat or fish..again as moses and Abraham and in fact Jesus and john the baptist who where I am who I am followers

Answer 6

Check with the American Embassy in Singapore. They should be able to answer all of your questions regarding naturalization for your wife.

singapore.usembassy.gov

Answer 7

you need to talk to the american embassy wherever you are!