Cincinnati OH’s Best Citizenship Lawyer can Help you Become Naturalized

by | Oct 1, 2014 | Law Firms

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If a foreigner marries a United States citizen, he or she becomes eligible to receive a green card. However, the green card is only one step in achieving US citizenship, or becoming naturalized. The process is the same, whether a person gets their green card through marriage or for another reason -; but getting married means that citizenship application process can start sooner. Read on to learn how marriage relates to the naturalization process.

The Three Year Rule

Most foreigners with green cards are required to wait at least five years before beginning the naturalization process. However, if one is married to a citizen, the waiting period is reduced to three years. The applicant must be married at the time of filing, and at the time the application is approved. It isn’t necessary for couples to live together at naturalization, but cohabitation increases the chance of approval.

Domicile Issues

Living with a spouse for at least three years proves the legitimacy of a marriage, but there are other criteria to meet before citizenship can be obtained. The applicant must have had a US address for the last three years, and must have lived with the citizen spouse continually. Travel outside the US is permissible, especially if spouses travel together -; but the applicant must be in the US for at least half of the three-year period.

Beginning the Naturalization Process with Form N-400

If you are an eligible foreigner, you may file form N-400 with the USCIS to apply for citizenship. Other documents must be submitted with this form, to prove identity, confirm marriage, and prove that a couple is living as if they are married. Cincinnati OH’s Best Citizenship Lawyer can help you gather the necessary documentation.

The USCIS Interview

After Form N-400 and other documents are submitted, the process is the same as if you got your green card for non-marriage reasons. You will have to get fingerprinted, and you will be interviewed by the USCIS. This interview tests your knowledge of American history and government, and it determines the legitimacy of your marriage.

The United States’ immigration laws are complex, and every person’s case is different. There are many circumstances that can change the outcome of a citizenship application. For help and advice that’s specific to your needs and your case, consult Cincinnati OH’s Best Citizenship Lawyer. Or visit the Website today.

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