What Is My Status If I Marry A US Citizen?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A marriage green card allows the spouse of a U.S. citizen or green card holder to live and work anywhere in the United States. A green card holder will then have “permanent resident” status until they apply for U.S. , if they choose to do so. ... Also, you still require sponsorship from your spouse.

What is it called when you marry someone for citizenship?

A foreigner has the opportunity to become a permanent resident whenever they marry a U.S. permanent resident or citizen. ... A citizenship marriage makes a U.S. permanent resident (who once was a foreigner) eligible to become a U.S. citizen. This is called the process of citizenship through naturalization.

What is the process after marrying a U.S. citizen?

After you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card . While USCIS is processing your application, you can apply for “advance parole,” which gives you permission to travel. Unless you have an emergency situation, USCIS will take two to three months to process your parole.

Do you get a visa if you marry an American?

If you marry a US citizen you are likely to be able to apply for a US green card . To start this process, the US citizen must submit a visa petition for their spouse using Form I-130. ... For those that are not in the US and are overseas, they will have an interview at the US embassy or consulate in their country.

Does marriage change immigration status?

If you are a foreign-born person who has married a U.S. citizen, and you are currently staying or living in the U.S., your marriage may qualify you for a green card (U.S. lawful permanent residence), and to apply for it through a process known as adjustment of status (AOS).

Can I stay in America if I marry an American?

Once you marry, your spouse can apply for permanent residence and remain in the United States while we process the application. If you choose this method, file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).

Can I be deported if married to U.S. citizen?

Can you be deported if you are married to an American citizen? The answer is yes, you can . About 10% of all the people who get deported from the U.S. every year are lawful permanent residents. You can actually be deported for several reasons.

Can you go to jail for a fake marriage?

An individual will be charged with marriage fraud if they entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading U.S. law. This felony offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000, and applies to both foreign nationals and U.S. citizens who perpetrate this crime.

Can I get married for citizenship?

If you are applying for citizenship through marriage to a U.S. 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.

How long do you have to stay married to get citizenship?

As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years . This is a significant benefit (as it normally requires five years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship).

Can an Indian marry an American?

According to information provided by the U.S. consulate, valid Indian marriages can take the form of either a religious or a civil ceremony . Some, but not all religious ceremonies will lead to a certificate that is considered sufficient for U.S. immigration and other legal purposes.

What happens when a foreigner marries a U.S. citizen?

An immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen must apply for a green card (U.S. permanent residence) . This is a long process involving many forms and documents. ... After successfully obtaining a green card, the immigrant spouse can, after three years as a permanent resident, apply for U.S. citizenship.

How much does it cost to become a U.S. citizen through marriage?

The cost involved with obtaining a green card through marriage varies depending on your age and immigration circumstances. The USCIS lists the green card fee cost as: $535 for the I-130 petition . $85 biometrics services fee .

What is the 30 60 day rule?

Previously, the Department of State applied what was known as the “30/60 day rule” to determine travelers had engaged in misrepresentation about their purposes at the time of their visa interview or admission into the U.S. Under this rule, a presumption of misrepresentation would arise if an individual engaged in an ...

Which is better fiance or spouse visa?

Application Process and Timeline for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa. If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.

How can I get a green card without getting married?

If you don't meet the eligibility requirements for a marriage-based or employment-based green card, you may be qualified to apply as a special immigrant . To qualify for this category, you must be one of the following: Religious worker. Special immigrant juvenile.

Maria LaPaige
Author
Maria LaPaige
Maria is a parenting expert and mother of three. She has written several books on parenting and child development, and has been featured in various parenting magazines. Maria's practical approach to family life has helped many parents navigate the ups and downs of raising children.