From Marriage-Based Green Card to U.S. Citizenship (2025 Guide)

Index

• Why Should You Become a U.S. Citizen?
• Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship (Marriage-Based Green Card)
• Cizitenship by Marriage-Based Card: Step-by-Step Process
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Citizenship by Marriage
• The Journey from Green Card to U.S. Citizenship

The Full Path from Marriage Green Card to American Citizenship

If you received your green card through marriage, your next milestone is likely becoming a U.S. citizen. Citizenship is more than just a symbolic status; it offers significant benefits, such as the right to vote, the freedom of a U.S. passport, and solid legal protections.

One of the biggest advantages for marriage-based green card holders is the shortened timeline. If your spouse is a U.S. citizen, you don't need to wait the usual five years. You can apply for citizenship after just three years. However, this privilege comes with specific requirements and a careful preparation process.

In this article, we explain the entire process of becoming a U.S. citizen through marriage-based Green Card status:

• Eligibility criteria
• How to file the N-400 naturalization form
• What to expect at the interview and civics test.
• The oath ceremony

Our goal is to make every step clear and approachable so that you know exactly what to expect.

Why Should You Become a U.S. Citizen?

Having a Green Card is a big achievement, but being a U.S. citizen gives you even more rights and protections. Here are the most important benefits of becoming an American citizen:

• Permanent security and protection: Citizenship provides lifelong status and removes the risk of deportation, except in rare cases of serious crimes.

• Full political rights: As a citizen, you can vote in all local and national elections and run for public office, with the exception of President and Vice President.

• Global travel freedom: A U.S. passport allows you to visit more than 180 countries without a visa.

• Economic and social opportunities: Citizens can access federal benefits, apply for scholarships and student loans, and qualify for many federal jobs that are reserved exclusively for citizens. Children born abroad to U.S. citizens automatically acquire citizenship at birth.

• Constitutional protections: Citizenship guarantees fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and religion, the right to a fair trial, and the ability to live freely and pursue happiness.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship (Marriage-Based Green Card)

If you hold a marriage-based Green Card, you may qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship in just three years instead of the usual five. However, this faster route is only available if you meet certain conditions under INA Section 319(a). Below are the key requirements, explained clearly and simply:

Three-Year Rule and Marital Union

• At the time of filing, you must have been married to a U.S. citizen for at least the past three years.

• It is not enough to remain legally married; you must also have lived together in “marital union” during that period.

• You must still be married to your U.S. citizen spouse on the date of filing, but the requirement to live together applies only until that point.

• If you divorce before completing the three-year period, you lose eligibility for early filing and must wait the full five years.

Continuous Residence and Physical Presence

• You must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least 18 months during the three years before filing.

• You must also have lived in the same state or USCIS district for at least the last three months before filing.

• After submitting your application, you are expected to maintain continuous residence in the U.S. until the oath ceremony.

• Extended trips abroad (six months or more) may break your continuous residence requirement and delay eligibility.

Good Moral Character

• You must show “good moral character” for at least three years before applying and up until the oath of allegiance.

• Criminal offenses, tax evasion, or failure to pay child support can negatively affect this requirement.

• You are also expected to uphold the principles of the U.S. Constitution and live in harmony with community standards.

Additional Legal Requirements

Tax Obligations: You must be up to date with your federal tax filings. As part of your application, USCIS may request copies of your tax returns from the last three years.

No false claims or voting: Prior to applying, you must never have voted in a U.S. election or falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Doing so can result in the denial of your application and even removal proceedings.

Selective Service registration: Male applicants between the ages of 18 and 26 must register with the Selective Service System and provide proof of registration. Applicants who received their Green Card after turning 26 are exempt from this requirement.

English Language and Civics Knowledge

English proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate a basic ability to read, write, and speak English.

Civics test: You must also demonstrate knowledge of U.S. history, government structure, and constitutional principles. This knowledge will be assessed during the citizenship interview and civics test.

Note: These rules apply specifically to marriage-based Green Card holders who are applying under the three-year rule. For other applicants, the general five-year residency requirement applies.

Cizitenship by Marriage-Based Card: Step-by-Step Process

Applying for U.S. citizenship is more than filling out a form. Each step needs careful attention. Here is the full path for marriage-based Green Card holders filing Form N-400.

1) Eligibility Check

Before you begin, make sure that you meet all the requirements, including the three-year rule, marital status, tax filings, and Selective Service registration (if applicable).

Use these official resources:

• Naturalization Eligibility Tool: A quick, interactive screening.
• Form N-400 Instructions: It includes the eligibility worksheet at the end.
• Early Filing Calculator: It confirms your 90-day early-filing window.

2) Form N-400 and Required Documents

You can file Form N-400 online or by mail.  Prepare the following documents: 

- Marriage certificate

- Proof that your spouse is a U.S. citizen (e.g., birth certificate or passport).

- Green card (front and back).

- Last three years of tax returns

- Passport-style photo (if applying from abroad)

Filing fees (2025)

• Paper filing: $760
• Online filing: $710 (reflects the $50 online discount from USCIS).

Note: Biometrics are included, so there is no separate biometrics fee. For more information, visit the Fee Schedule page.

3) Biometrics Appointment

USCIS will schedule biometrics to capture fingerprints, photo, and signature. Follow the notice instructions.

4. Naturalization Interview

USCIS will notify you of the date, time, and location of your naturalization interview. During the interview, a USCIS officer will:

• Review your Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)
• Test your ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Administer the civics test on U.S. history and government. You will be asked up to ten questions, and you must answer six correctly to pass.

To succeed, you should practice with official USCIS study materials:

- 100 Civics Questions
- Online Civics Practice Test

5. Decision on Your Application

At the end of the interview, the USCIS officer will make one of the following three decisions:

• Granted (approved): Your application is approved.
• Continued: USCIS requires additional documents or information before making a decision.
• Denied: Your application has been denied.

If you filed online, you can track the decision and updates in your USCIS online account.

6. Oath of Allegiance Ceremony

If your application is approved, USCIS will schedule your Oath of Allegiance ceremony. In some locations, the oath may take place on the same day as your interview.

7. Certificate of Naturalization

On the day of the ceremony, you will:

- Complete Form N-445 (Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony).

- Return your green card.

- Take the Oath of Allegiance

- Receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Citizenship by Marriage

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

If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after 3 years instead of the usual 5. The entire process, from filing Form N-400 to taking the Oath of Allegiance, usually takes between 9 and 14 months, depending on your local USCIS office. 

You can monitor your case using the Case Status Tool and check average processing times using the Processing Times Tool.

2. What are the naturalization requirements under the three-year marriage rule?

To qualify under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) Section 319(a), you must:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must be a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for at least three years.
• You must have been married to, and in marital union with, a U.S. citizen spouse for at least those three years.
• You must have resided in the same USCIS jurisdiction for the last three months.
• You must have maintained continuous residence in the U.S. for three years and been physically present for at least 18 months during that period.
• You must also demonstrate good moral character, English proficiency, and civics knowledge.

3. Can long trips abroad affect my citizenship eligibility?

Yes. Trips of 180 days or longer can break your continuous residence requirement. Even frequent short trips may affect your physical presence requirement, since you must spend at least half of the three-year (or five-year) period inside the United States.
Both rules are essential for naturalization eligibility.

4. What happens during the naturalization interview and test?

At the interview, USCIS will review your N-400 answers and documents.

They will also test your English skills (reading, writing, and speaking) as well as your knowledge of U.S. history and government (based on the 2008 test version).

If you are filing under the three-year rule, you may be asked questions about your marriage's bona fides.

5. What are some common "bona fide marriage" interview questions?

Officers often ask about:

- How you met,
- The timeline of your relationship,
- Wedding details, such as the venue, attendees, and reception,
- Your daily routines, home life, and shared finances,
- Family details and interactions.

These questions aim to verify the authenticity of your marriage.

6. How does divorce affect my U.S. citizenship application?

Yes, if you divorce before applying, you cannot use the three-year marriage rule and must wait five years as a green card holder. If you divorce after filing Form N-400, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review whether your marriage was bona fide (genuine). If it was valid for the required period, your case may still be approved. Otherwise, it can be denied.

7. Am I exempt from the English test because of my age?

Yes, some applicants are exempt based on age and how long they have held a Green Card.

• Age 50+ with 20 years of permanent residence.
• Age 55+ with 15 years of permanent residence

In these cases, you must still take the civics test, but you can take it in your native language instead of English.

7. What if I fail the naturalization test?

If you fail either the English or civics section, your application becomes "Continued." You will have another opportunity to retake the failed section within 60-90 days.

If you fail again, your application will be denied, but you can reapply later. 

8. Does a green card mean automatic citizenship after marriage?

No, marriage to a U.S. citizen does not grant immediate citizenship. You must still meet all the eligibility requirements, file Form N-400, and complete the naturalization process. It's only a expedited process, not instant citizenship.

The Journey from Green Card to U.S. Citizenship

Becoming a U.S. citizen is the final step in the immigration process. For marriage-based Green Card holders, the three-year rule offers a faster path to naturalization. Success depends on strong preparation and complete documentation.

At Gozel Law, our experienced team, led by Attorney Arif Gozel, will guide you through this process with care and precision. We ensure your application is accurate and thorough and positioned for approval.