Path to citizenship
- Residency3 years · permanent
- Apply180-545 days
- Citizenshipafter the oath
Overview
- Country
- United States
- Program
- USA Citizenship by Marriage
- Local name
- Naturalization for Spouses of U.S. Citizens (N-400)
- Type
- Marriage Fast-Track
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 3 years
- Processing time
- 180-545 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 179 destinations
- Passport rank
- #10 (Henley Index)
Spouses of US citizens can apply for naturalization after 3 years as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) instead of the standard 5 years. Must pass the English language test (reading, writing, speaking) and the 2025 Civics Test (20 questions, must answer 12 correctly from 128 study questions). If divorced before applying, must wait the standard 5 years.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $760
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam required
- Interview required
- Language Basic English (reading, writing, speaking) (USCIS English Test)
- Language exemptions Age 50+ with 20yr permanent residency; Age 55+ with 15yr; Age 65+ with 20yr (simplified civics in native language)
- Civics test 2025 USCIS Civics Test (20 questions from 128, 12 correct to pass)
- Oath required
- Renunciation required (not enforced)
Residency requirements
- Residency required
- 3 years
- Residency type
- Permanent
- Continuous
- Must be unbroken
- Physical presence
- 540 days
- Max absence
- 180 days
- Cohabitation
- Must live with spouse
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #10 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 179 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- No
- Schengen access
- No
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Both
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- www.uscis.gov
- Legal basis
- Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 319(a); 8 U.S.C. § 1430(a)
Notes and caveats
Fee is $710 for online filing ($50 discount). Fee waiver available for income at/below 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. 2025 Civics Test replaced the 2008 version for applications filed on/after Oct 20, 2025 (20 questions from 128 vs old 10 from 100). Must be physically present in US for at least 18 of 36 months. Oath includes symbolic renunciation but US generally tolerates dual citizenship.