Are you automatically a U.S. citizen if you marry an American?

Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: A Path to Green Card, Not Automatic Citizenship

Marriage to a U.S. citizen offers several immigration benefits, including the possibility of obtaining a green card. However, it’s important to clarify that marrying an American citizen does not automatically grant U.S. citizenship.

Green Card Eligibility

While marriage to a U.S. citizen does not lead to immediate citizenship, it can initiate the process of obtaining a green card. A green card is a permanent resident card that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States indefinitely.

To be eligible for a marriage-based green card, the following requirements must be met:

• The marriage must be bona fide (genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits).
• The U.S. citizen spouse must file a petition (Form I-130) with USCIS on behalf of the foreign national spouse.
• The foreign national spouse must provide supporting documents to prove the validity of the marriage, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, and financial records.

Process to Obtain a Green Card

The process of obtaining a marriage-based green card typically involves several steps:

1. Filing the I-130 petition
2. Attending an interview with USCIS to establish the bona fide nature of the marriage
3. Undergoing a background check
4. Medical examination
5. Issuance of the green card

Path to Citizenship

Once a foreign national has obtained a green card, they can apply for naturalization and become a U.S. citizen. The naturalization process requires:

• Five years of permanent residency (three years if the marriage is to a U.S. citizen)
• Good moral character
• Passing a civics and English proficiency test

Conclusion

Marriage to a U.S. citizen provides a path to obtaining a green card, but U.S. citizenship is not automatic. It requires a separate process of naturalization, which can be initiated after obtaining a green card. The requirements and timelines for both the green card and naturalization processes should be carefully considered before proceeding.