Applying for US citizenship based on greencard through marriage

[NeedHelp213]

Hello people,

I got my greencard based on my marriage to a US citizen in September 2007. Due to delay becuase of name check, they sent me a 10 year greencard.

Based on information given to by someone, I was told that I am eligible to apply for citizenship after 32 months. That time is now and I would appreciate if someone could break the process down for me and guide me to do this right.

Would appreciate some guidance towards the first steps, forms, etc.

Thanks for your time and patience with a noobie.

 

[Jackolantern]

Based on information given to by someone, I was told that I am eligible to apply for citizenship after 32 months.

That's wrong. You can apply when it's 3 years* minus 90 days, which is a little more than 33 months. That's not a big difference from 32 months, but they will reject your application for applying even 1 day too early.

Would appreciate some guidance towards the first steps, forms, etc.

The one form you need is N-400, and there is a guide M-476.pdf. Google for both and you'll find PDF's of them. Also make sure to download the instructions document for the N-400.

*assuming you're still married to and living with the same person and haven't filed for divorce.

 

[NeedHelp213]

Yes sir, I am still happily married to the same person. Thanks for your help, I got the forms and the guide, will get on it.

 

[VisaNutz]

Btw, it's 3 years from the day you became a permanent resident - NOT 3 years from the day you got married.

 

[Jackolantern]

Btw, it's 3 years from the day you became a permanent resident - NOT 3 years from the day you got married.

Actually, it's both. To become a USC using the 3 year rule you must be married for at least 3 years to a USC and have a green card for at least 3 years. They allow a 90-day headstart before the 3- year GC anniversary, but not for the 3 years of marriage.

 

[da1980]

Actually, it's both. To become a USC using the 3 year rule you must be married for at least 3 years to a USC and have a green card for at least 3 years. They allow a 90-day headstart before the 3- year GC anniversary, but not for the 3 years of marriage.

Jack, can you please clarify this for me.
So what if an individual marries US citizen in 2007, but doesn't apply & receive greencard till 2009. Does this mean, this person can apply for US citizenship in 2010 because he was married to US citizen in 2007 and it's been 3 years.

 

[Triple Citizen]

The person mentioned below will be eligible 3 years (minus 90 days) from the day he got PR status. By that time, his marriage will be more than 3 years old anyway.

So what if an individual marries US citizen in 2007, but doesn't apply & receive greencard till 2009. Does this mean, this person can apply for US citizenship in 2010 because he was married to US citizen in 2007 and it's been 3 years.

 

[VisaNutz]

Jack, can you please clarify this for me.
So what if an individual marries US citizen in 2007, but doesn't apply & receive greencard till 2009. Does this mean, this person can apply for US citizenship in 2010 because he was married to US citizen in 2007 and it's been 3 years.

No, as Jacko mentioned - one has to be married to the same USC for at least 3 years, AND have the GC for 3 years also. You can apply up to 90 days in advance of the 3-year GC anniversary but on the day you file, you will have to be married for at least 3 years to the same USC.