Information for my situation

[angst88]

I am a British citizen and professional basketball player in Italy. I came to the USA for college from 1998-2002. I married an American woman in 2004 but I never applied for a green card because I was playing ball in Europe.
We were separated for 3 years then divorced this past summer. I have one daughter who is an American citizen and lives with her mother in NC. I am planning to marry my girlfriend this coming summer who is also American. This time I would like to start the process for American citizenship right away although I plan to play for 2 or 3 more years in Europe. Please could you explain the process for me starting if we are married in June, 2010. How long does it take and will it be a problem if I am not living in the USA for the majority of that time? What are the costs involved including laywers fees if I was to retain a legal services for this process? Is it worthwhile to use a lawyer?
Thank you and all the best,
Chris Pearson

 

[elcupacabras]

I am a British citizen and professional basketball player in Italy. I came to the USA for college from 1998-2002. I married an American woman in 2004 but I never applied for a green card because I was playing ball in Europe.
We were separated for 3 years then divorced this past summer. I have one daughter who is an American citizen and lives with her mother in NC. I am planning to marry my girlfriend this coming summer who is also American. This time I would like to start the process for American citizenship right away although I plan to play for 2 or 3 more years in Europe. Please could you explain the process for me starting if we are married in June, 2010. How long does it take and will it be a problem if I am not living in the USA for the majority of that time? What are the costs involved including laywers fees if I was to retain a legal services for this process? Is it worthwhile to use a lawyer?
Thank you and all the best,
Chris Pearson

To be eligible for citizenship you need to have been a Permanent Resident for 3 years (less 90 days) if you are apply through marriage....therefore you need to AOS to become a permanent resident (ie Green card holder) once you are married to your US citizen fiance. The problem you have though is wanting to go and live in Europe for 2-3 years. This could cause you to lose your permanent residency- you can file for a re-entry permit, though Im not too sure whether this will work with it being such a prolonged period of time.