USCIS Sets Age and Residency Rules for Spousal Citizenship

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has outlined the requirements for foreign nationals married to American citizens to apply for US citizenship through naturalisation. Applicants must be at least 18 years old when submitting Form N-400, the Application for Naturalisation.

This age requirement is applicable regardless of the marriage date. Additionally, foreign spouses must have been lawfully admitted as permanent residents for at least three years before filing their application.

During this three-year period, they must have lived in a genuine marital union with their US citizen spouse. Applicants are also required to have resided for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where they live and must have been physically present in the United States for a minimum of 18 months during the three years leading up to their application.

Furthermore, they must demonstrate good moral character for at least three years prior to filing and maintain this status until taking the Oath of Allegiance.