| In general, you may qualify for naturalization if you have been a permanent resident (green
card holder) for at least 3 years, have been living in marital union with the same U.S. citizen
spouse during such time, and meet all other eligibility requirements under this section.
In certain cases, spouses of U.S. citizens employed abroad may qualify for naturalization
regardless of their time as permanent residents.
General Eligibility Requirements
● Be 18 or older
● Be a permanent resident (green card holder) for at least 3 years
● Have been living in marital union with the U.S. citizen spouse, who has been a U.S.
citizen during all of such period, during the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing
the application and up until examination on the application
● Have lived within the state, or US district with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of
residence, for at least 3 months prior to the date of filing the application
● Have continuous residence in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at
least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application
● Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for
naturalization until the time of naturalization
● Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years
immediately preceding the date of filing the application
● Be able to read, write, and speak English and have knowledge and an understanding of
U.S. history and government (civics)
● Be a person of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of
the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the United States
during all relevant periods under the law
Spouses of U.S. Citizens Employed Abroad
Generally, the spouse of a U.S. citizen who is employed by the U.S. government, including
the military, or other qualifying employer, whose spouse is stationed abroad in such
employment for at least 1 year, may be eligible for naturalization
In general, a spouse of a U.S. citizen employed abroad must be present in the United States
pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence at the time of examination on the
naturalization application and at the time of naturalization, and meet of all of the
requirements listed above except that:
● No specific period as a permanent resident (green card holder) is required (but the
spouse must be a permanent resident)
● No specific period of continuous residence or physical presence in the United States is
required
● No specific period of marital union is required; however, the spouses must be living in
marital union.
Note: You must also establish that you will depart abroad immediately after naturalization
and that you intend to reside in the United States immediately upon the termination of your
spouse’s employment abroad.
For More Information, Please Contact:
San Diego Immigration Attorney Phillip Kim
(619) 752-5379
http://pkimmigration.com/
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