If you’re married to a U.S. citizen, you may have a direct path to living and working legally in the United States. Understanding your immigration options for spouses is the first step toward building a secure future with your partner. Let’s break down the main ways you can apply for lawful status and eventually U.S. citizenship.
Get a Green Card Through Marriage
The most common route is the marriage-based green card. This allows you, as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, to become a lawful permanent resident. How you apply depends on where you are currently living:
- Inside the U.S.: You may qualify for Adjustment of Status, which means you can apply for your green card without leaving the country. Both spouses file forms together (I-130 and I-485) and submit proof of a real marriage.
- Outside the U.S.: Your U.S. citizen spouse starts the process with Form I-130. After it’s approved, your case is sent to a U.S. consulate for Consular Processing, and you’ll attend an interview in your home country before entering the U.S. with a visa.
There are no annual limits on green cards for spouses of U.S. citizens, so you don’t have to wait in a long line—your application can begin as soon as you’re legally married.
The K-3 Visa: A Temporary Option
While less common today, the K-3 visa offers a quicker way for spouses outside the U.S. to reunite with their partners. After filing both Form I-130 and Form I-129F, you may be granted a K-3 visa to enter the U.S. and complete your green card process from within the country.
Become a U.S. Citizen in Three Years
Once you have your green card, you don’t have to wait the usual five years to apply for naturalization. If you’ve been living in marital union with your U.S. citizen spouse, you may apply after just three years. You’ll need to show:
- Three years of permanent residency
- Continuous cohabitation with your spouse
- At least 18 months of physical presence in the U.S.
- Good moral character and basic English and civics knowledge
Key Considerations to Keep in Mind
- Your U.S. citizen spouse must show sufficient income via an Affidavit of Support.
- Immigration officers closely examine marriage-based applications to prevent marriage fraud.
- Same-sex marriages have the same legal rights as opposite-sex marriages in immigration cases.
Let J. Molina Law Firm Guide You
The journey to legal residency—and eventually citizenship—can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At J. Molina Law Firm, we help couples navigate each step with clarity and care. Whether you’re just married or ready to apply, contact us today for a consultation. Let’s take the first step toward securing your future together.
