How long does it take to become a U. S citizen?

Question

If I am married to a U.S. citizen and I have already applied for my permanent residency. How long will I have to wait before I can apply for citizenship and how long does it take to get it? Do I have to be a permanent resident for 3 years total before I can apply or 3 years after I was granted my "permanent" permanent residency?

Thanks for your help!

I agree I can't become a citizen just by marrying the person I love, who happens to be a U.S Citizen but from readin on internet it just seemed like that a person who obtained their permanent residency through marriage to a citizen can apply for it in 3 years as opposed to a person you got a green card throught their company. It seemed that for those people the wait is 5 years before they can apply for citizenship.

Just wanted to check with people who have gone through this process or have any knowledge about it.

Answer 1

...Anyways... lol

Once you are married to a US Citizen, you file the necessary forms to become a Permanent Resident, aka the I-485, G-325A, I-130, I-864 (this form sucks!), & the two optional forms I-765 & I-131 if you need to travel/work while the applications are pending. Once everything is approved (it can take anywhere from 6 months to a year, sometimes less, depending on your officer working your case & the office itself) you will be processed to receive a "conditional" permanent resident card valid for only two years. This card is conditional because it somewhat "tests" the reason why you married this person-to assue it is working out & there isnt any fraud. 90 days prior to the expiration of this conditional card you will file an I-751 to remove the conditions of your residency. You will received a receipt notice within 15 days of filing, which increases your current card for another year while the 751 is pending. You need to keep that receipt & your card together, especially if you travel outside the US. Once the I-751 is approved, you will be processed to receive a new card valid for ten years... Once you have had the card, all together, for three years... And youre still married to your US Citizen husband & living with him, you can then file the form N-400 for Naturalization.

I hope I have helped out, if you have any questions just email me.

Answer 2

Yes! You could apply 3 years after the date on your permanent resident card. . You can't do it before. Actually, the process takes 3-5 months. I don't know if it will be longer in the future. But, I know that the fees to pay for citizenship will be around $800.00 in a few months.

Answer 3

5 years

Answer 4

Once you apply for and recieve your permanent residency or "green card" you have to wait three years before you are able to apply for citizenship. Sorry those are the rules, you don't become a citizen just by marrying one. God Bless, Martha S.

Answer 5

I filed the paperwork 3 month before 5 years, my lawyer said that is OK, then again, that was in 1999, my son applied for his citizenship in may 2006 and became citizen in November 2006.
Don't know if there is difference if you married a us girl.
Good luck

Answer 6

I believe you can become a citizen five years after you get your geen card.

Answer 7

Two to three years. Unless you get divorced there shouldn't be any problem.