how long does it take to get a citizenship using a lawyer and married to a us citizen

by Eda Ernser 9 min read

When you have a U.S. spouse, you can apply for U.S. citizenship in three years instead of the normal five years. This shorter timeline can be incredibly helpful but also requires careful planning to get all the necessary documents and fill out the necessary forms. So the best approach is to start planning right away!

How much does it cost to get citizenship through marriage?

Cost Of Applying For A Marriage Based Green Card In The U.S. As of February 2021, the cost of applying for a marriage-based green card in the United States is $1760.

Can a person become a U.S. citizen by marrying a U.S. citizen?

If you remain married to and living with your U.S. husband for three years from the date of your approval for conditional residence, you can finally apply for U.S. citizenship (naturalization).

How do I become a Dominican citizen by marriage?

A foreign national who legally marries a Dominican citizen may apply for citizenship after six months of marriage, no matter the location of the marriage. The foreign spouse must provide an authenticated and translated copy of the marriage certificate and the documents shown below under Residents, with some variations.

How long does it take to get citizenship through military marriage?

In 3–5 years, you can apply for U.S. citizenship. You'll qualify for expedited or overseas naturalization if you meet certain requirements and if the sponsoring spouse is stationed abroad.

What is the 4 year 1 day rule for U.S. citizenship?

The statutory period preceding the filing of the application is calculated from the date of filing. Once 4 years and 1 day have elapsed from the date of the applicant's return to the United States, the period of absence from the United States that occurred within the past 5 years is now less than 1 year.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen in 2021?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14 months, as of April 2022. But that's just the application processing wait time (see “Understanding USCIS Processing Times” below).

Is a Dominican Republic marriage legal in the US?

If you met all the requirements to be married in the Dominican Republic and you get legally married there, then yes - the marriage is fully recognized in the USA.

Is it easy to get citizenship in Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic immigration rules and procedures are comparatively favorable for foreigners. In other words, it is relatively easy to obtain temporary residence permit, permanent residence, and second citizenship.

Can you legally get married in Dominican Republic?

In order to get married in the Dominican Republic, a man and a woman must be of a certain minimum age (16 for men, 15 for women), be legally eligible to marry, and be entering into the marriage contract of their own free will.

Can military spouses get citizenship faster?

Expedited Naturalization for Spouses of Service Members Spouses of U.S. citizen service members who are (or will be) stationed outside the United States may be eligible for expedited naturalization in the U.S. under section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).5 days ago

Do military spouses pay for citizenship?

U.S. service members and spouses and children may be eligible for citizenship (including expedited and overseas processing) under special provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). U.S. service members are not required to pay a filing fee.Jun 23, 2021

Do I have to wait 5 years to apply for US citizenship?

As a permanent resident, you are generally eligible for naturalization after five years. This is the most common way that people apply to become a U.S. citizen. To qualify, you must have lived in the U.S. continuously for the five years immediately preceding the date you file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization.

Establish Permanent Residency

Establishing permanent residency is the first step to acquiring U.S. citizenship by marriage. The Permanent Resident Card, also known as Form I-551 or a “green card,” provides proof that you are a permanent resident of the United States and is granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Immigration Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

To enter the U.S. legally if you are married to a U.S citizen, your spouse should complete Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, and all required documentation and filing fee to obtain the proper visa permission to immigrate to the U.S.

Green Card Through Marriage

After your arrival, you should file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, and pay the filing fee to adjust your status to that of a permanent resident in the United States. If you are already in the U.S. legally, you should file both forms at the same time.

Applying for Citizenship

Now, the big question arises: “When can I apply for U.S. citizenship?"

Final Considerations on Getting U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage

Remember that the final authority regarding all immigration and citizenship issues lies with the USCIS, so be sure to consult the USCIS website for further information, especially the USCIS Policy Manual Citizenship and Naturalization Guidance.

How long does it take to get a citizenship interview?

The citizenship interview is usually about 14 months after you file Form N-400. You can reschedule the interview and exam if you absolutely can't make it on the scheduled date. However, rescheduling may add several months to the naturalization process.

How long does it take for USCIS to approve a citizenship application?

USCIS decides on your application - (12-16 months after you file form N-400) If your interview goes well, you pass the exam, and USCIS doesn't need any additional documents, they may approve your application on the same day as your citizenship interview and exam.

What is the USCIS?

U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that processes Citizenship by Naturalization applications. USCIS receives tons of applications every year, so it uses field offices all over the United States to process local applications as quickly as possible.

How long does it take to get an oath of naturalization?

They'll send you the date, time, and location of your Oath ceremony on Form N-445, "Notice of Naturalization Oath Ceremony" 1-4 weeks after passing your exam.

What is the citizenship test?

The Citizenship exam has two parts: an English test and a Civics test. The first tests your grasp of the English language, and the second tests your understanding of how the American government works and of U.S. history. You will usually take it on the same day as your Naturalization interview .

How long does it take to get a passport?

Applying for a passport takes 2–6 weeks. Register to vote so that you have a say in who governs your new country! Registering to vote takes 2-4 weeks, depending on where you live. Immigrationhelp.org can guide you through the entire naturalization process for free with our simple web app.

How to reschedule an interview with USCIS?

If you absolutely must reschedule, you can do so by writing a letter to the office where your interview is to take place. The office will then send you another letter with a new date and time.

How long does it take to get a citizenship interview?

Like the prior letter, it will state the time, date, and location for your interview. You can expect this notice anywhere from 6-18 months after filing Form N-400. Typically, your citizenship interview will take place about 14 months after filing Form N-400. You can reschedule your interview and exam date, but it can add months to the process.

How to apply for citizenship?

The process of applying for citizenship is similar for everyone, and it typically includes six steps: Applying for naturalization. Going to a biometrics appointment. Attending a citizenship interview and taking an exam. Wait for a decision by USCIS. Take the Oath of Allegiance.

Why does USCIS continue to approve my citizenship application?

They approve your citizenship application; you can move on to the next step. They “continue” your application because: You didn’t pass the citizenship exam. You will get another chance to take it, but if you fail a second time, USCIS will deny your citizenship application. You’re missing documents.

How long does it take for USCIS to process a N-400?

It typically takes anywhere from 6-10 months for the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to process and approve or deny this application. The faster that you send your N-400 form and supporting documents, the sooner than USCIS will begin reviewing your application for naturalization.

How long does it take to get a biometrics appointment?

After USCIS receives your Form N-400, you’ll receive a notice to attend a biometrics appointment in about 5-8 weeks. They will give you a time, date, and location for this appointment (usually at your local USCIS office).

What is the citizenship test?

The exam for citizenship consists of an English and Civics test. The first test examines your grasp of the language, and the second test is to show well you understand U.S. history and how the government works. This exam occurs during your interview.

How much does it cost to get a naturalization?

Filing your application for naturalization will cost you about $725. Depending on your circumstances, it’s possible to have your fee reduced or even waived. If you’re 75 years or older, the naturalization fee will cost you $640 since you won’t have to pay for biometrics.

How long do you have to live with your spouse to get citizenship?

citizen, there is a marital union requirement. Generally you must be living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse for at least three years immediately preceding the time of filing the N-400 application. This provision requires that you live in marital union with the citizen spouse during the entire period of three years before filing. USCIS considers you to be “living in marital union” with your citizen spouse if you and the citizen actually reside together.

How long do you have to be a permanent resident to get citizenship?

Before applying for citizenship through marriage, you must have continuously resided in the United States as a permanent resident for at least three years immediately preceding the date of the filing the application and up to the time of the Oath of Allegiance.

What is CitizenPath?

CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application or petition. We provide support for the Green Card Replacement Application (Form I-90), US Citizenship Application (Form N-400), and several other USCIS forms.

How long does it take to get citizenship in 2021?

immigration law allow permanent residents applying for citizenship through marriage to submit the application after just three years. Most permanent residents must live in the United States for a minimum of five years before applying for citizenship.

What does USCIS do when a person is married?

In cases of marriage between persons of the same sex, USCIS officers will review the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage took place to determine if the jurisdiction recognizes same-sex marriages and the marriage otherwise is legally valid.

How long do you have to be a good moral character to apply for naturalization?

Demonstrate good moral character for at least three years prior to filing the application until the time of naturalization; and. Show attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution and well-disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States during all relevant periods under the law.

Do you have to be married to get permanent residence?

It isn’t necessary for you to have obtained permanent residence through the marriage. In other words, you may become a permanent resident first and marry afterwards to qualify for the three-year exception. Consider the following examples:

How long does it take to get citizenship in 2021?

The national average processing time for naturalization (citizenship) applications is 14.5 months, as of June, 2021. But that’s just the application processing wait time (see “ Understanding USCIS Processing Times ” below). The overall naturalization process involves more steps and a longer citizenship timeline.

How long does it take for USCIS to send you a letter of citizenship?

Otherwise, USCIS will have 120 days (four months) from the date of your citizenship interview and exam to send you its decision in writing. More specifically, you’ll receive Form N-652 (officially called the “Notice of Examination Results”). You can expect one of three outcomes: 1.

What is USCIS processing?

Understanding USCIS Processing Times. USCIS is the government agency responsible for processing naturalization applications (and other immigration forms). In order to handle the enormous volume of applications it receives, USCIS is supported by field offices across the United States.

How long does it take for USCIS to review a case?

USCIS will then schedule a hearing within 180 days. If the USCIS officer denies your application after the hearing and you still believe you deserve approval, you can request to have a U.S. district court review your case.

How long does it take to get a letter from USCIS if you are denied citizenship?

If you believe you deserved to be approved for U.S. citizenship, you may file an appeal (request a hearing with a USCIS officer) within 30 days of receiving the denial letter.

How often does USCIS send a letter?

USCIS will send you a letter — only once — with the date and location of your interview, as well as a list of any documents that you must bring. For a successful interview, make sure that you: Update your mailing address (if it’s changed since you filed your application) to avoid missing your appointment.

What documents are needed for a second biometric appointment?

These documents include your appointment letter, Permanent Resident Card (your “green card”), and second form of ID with your photo (driver’s license, passport, or state ID). Sometimes, however, a second biometrics appointment is necessary for other reasons.