United States USA Citizenship by Marriage — Citizenship Program
🏆 OVERVIEW
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.
📋 ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
Min 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 & MOBILITY
Passport Rank
#10 (Henley Index)
Visa-Free Access
179 countries
Passport Validity
10 years
EU Citizenship
No
Schengen Access
No
📝 HOW TO APPLY
Method
Both
Apply from Abroad
Must apply in-country
Application Type
Open
Legal Basis
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 319(a); 8 U.S.C. § 1430(a)
📌 NOTES & 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.
Source
🧭 CONTINUE EXPLORING USA CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE