3 years or 5 years

[MagnificentLady]

I have been married for 5 years but at the time of marriage my husband was a LPR, in the process of filing for my LPR, he became a US Citizen, which was some months after the marriage. I immigrated to the USA with a 10 year LPR and have lived in the USA for 3 years. Can I file for citizenship or wait till 5 years time?

 

[newacct]

You qualify for naturalization under the 3-year rule when you have been a permanent resident for 3 years (can file 90 days before that), AND you have been married to a US citizen for 3 years (i.e. you have been married to the same person for 3 years, and that person has been a US citizen for 3 years). You are not clear on your timeline, but basically in your case, you can apply for naturalization under the 3-year rule either 3 years after your husband naturalized, or 90 days before you have been an LPR for 3 years, whichever is later.

 

[MagnificentLady]

Thank you for clarifying! I was thinking my spouse must be a USA citizen at the time of marriage.

 

[MagnificentLady]

Thank you for clarifying. I was thinking my spouse must be a USA citizen at the time of marriage.