Expedited U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Helping Spouses of U.S. Citizens Secure Naturalization Faster

For lawful permanent residents (green card holders), the standard naturalization timeline requires five years of continuous residence before applying for U.S. citizenship. However, spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify for expedited naturalization in just three years under Section 319(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we help eligible spouses navigate the naturalization process efficiently and accurately, ensuring a smooth and successful application.

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Who Qualifies for Expedited Citizenship Through Marriage?

To be eligible for expedited citizenship based on marriage, an applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years old when applying.
  • Hold lawful permanent resident (green card) status for at least three years.
  • Be married to a U.S. citizen for at least three years before applying.
  • Have lived in a marital union with their U.S. citizen spouse for three years.
  • Meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements.
  • Demonstrate good moral character.
  • Pass the English and U.S. civics test.
  • Conditional green card holders (CR1 holders) must first file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), but they are still eligible to apply for naturalization after three years, even if I-751 is still pending.
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Benefits of Expedited Citizenship for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

  • Faster Naturalization Process – Green card holders normally wait five years for citizenship, but spouses of U.S. citizens can apply after only three years.
  • Waiver of State Residency Requirement – Unlike standard applicants, spouses applying under Section 319(a) do not need to reside in a state for three months before filing.
  • More Immigration Security – U.S. citizens have a permanent immigration status, protecting spouses from potential deportation risks.
  • Expanded Travel & Work Opportunities – U.S. citizens can travel abroad freely, vote in elections, and apply for government jobs that require citizenship.

The Expedited Naturalization Process for Spouses

File Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization)

✅ Submit Form N-400 to USCIS with supporting documents:

  • Proof of marriage to a U.S. citizen.
  • Evidence of U.S. citizen spouse’s citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate).
  • Documents proving continuous residence and marital union, including:
    • Leases, mortgage titles, or property ownership documents.
    • Joint bank accounts, tax returns, insurance policies.
    • Birth certificates for children born to the couple.

Biometrics Appointment

✅ Attend the biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints and background checks.

Naturalization Interview & Exam

✅ Attend an interview at a USCIS field office, where an immigration officer:

  • Reviews marriage history and eligibility.
  • Administers the U.S. civics and English test (unless eligible for an exemption).

USCIS Decision on Naturalization Application

USCIS will issue one of three outcomes:

✅ Approval – The applicant proceeds to the Oath of Allegiance.
⚠️ Request for Evidence (RFE) – USCIS may ask for more documentation.
❌ Denial – The applicant can appeal or reapply after resolving any issues.

Oath of Allegiance & Certificate of Citizenship

✅ If approved, the applicant attends a naturalization ceremony, takes the Oath of Allegiance, and receives a Certificate of Citizenship

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Common Challenges in Expedited Citizenship Cases

  • Breaks in Marital Union – Divorce or separation before naturalization approval can lead to ineligibility under the three-year rule.
  • Failure to Meet Continuous Residence Requirements – Absences of 6 months or more may disrupt eligibility.
  • Conditional Green Card Holders – Spouses with conditional residency (CR-1 visa) must first file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) before applying for citizenship.
  • Criminal or Immigration Violations – Some offenses may impact the Good Moral Character (GMC) requirement, leading to application delays or denials.

How can Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration Help?

At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we assist spouses of U.S. citizens in securing naturalization through expedited pathways. Our services include:

  • Evaluating citizenship eligibility and advising on possible risks.
  • Preparing Form N-400 with complete supporting documents.
  • Helping clients prove continuous residence and marital union.
  • Preparing applicants for the USCIS interview & naturalization exam.
  • Handling application denials & appeals.

 

Need help applying for expedited U.S. citizenship?

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Why Partner with Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration?

  • Personalized Strategy: Each case receives a tailored approach based on specific circumstances.
  • Proven Track Record: Success in uniting families through immigration solutions.
  • Clear Communication: Regular updates and transparency throughout the legal process.
  • Dedicated Advocacy: Persistent efforts to achieve favorable case outcomes.
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See What Our Clients Say About Us!

""I am beyond grateful for the incredible support I received from my immigration lawyer, Ava Benach, and her amazing team. From the very start, they treated me with kindness, patience, and understanding, making a complex and overwhelming process feel manageable. Despite the challenges of my case, Ava made the impossible possible. She is not only an exceptional attorney but also a compassionate and generous human being who genuinely cares about her clients. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering support were invaluable to me. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ava’s wonderful colleagues, Ashley and Erica, who were incredibly helpful, meticulous, and always punctual. Their attention to detail and commitment made all the difference, and I truly appreciate their hard work. The level of service I received was worth far more than the fees we paid. Ava’s knowledge and professionalism are unmatched, and I trusted her completely every step of the way. If you need an immigration lawyer who will fight for you while treating you with respect and care, I wholeheartedly recommend Ava Benach and her team. Thank you, Ava, Ashley, Erica, and the entire team, for everything you have done for me!"" - Abdullah K.
""For those of you who need immigration assistance from a kind human soul and an expert lawyer, you don’t need to look further than Ava Benach. I have known Ava since around 2013, and throughout the years, she has been more than just my lawyer—she has been a trusted advocate, a source of strength, and a guiding light during uncertain times. From the very first moment I spoke with her, I felt an immediate sense of trust and reassurance. She listens with genuine care, treats every case with the utmost dedication, and makes sure her clients fully understand their options. Ava’s expertise in immigration law is unmatched. She has an incredible ability to break down even the most complex legal matters, ensuring her clients feel informed and empowered. She is not just a brilliant attorney—she is also a compassionate human being who truly cares about the people she represents. Beyond her legal work, Ava’s dedication to helping others extends to her writing and advocacy. Her blog on naturalized citizenship and denaturalization is just one example of how she takes the time to educate and support not only her clients but also the wider immigrant community. She goes above and beyond to make sure people have the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their journey with confidence. I cannot fully express how grateful I am to have had Ava by my side. She is an exceptional attorney who fights tirelessly for justice while treating her clients with kindness, respect, and unwavering support. If you need an immigration lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate, Ava Benach is the one to call. Thank you, Ava, for everything you have done for me and for so many others. You are truly making a difference in the world, and I am forever grateful."" - Genet A.
""I am incredibly grateful to Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my immigration case. From the very first consultation, I felt welcomed and assured that I was in good hands. The team was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely caring, taking the time to answer all my questions and explain the process in detail. Ava and Sarah were especially helpful, and they guided me every step of the way, providing clear communication and keeping me updated on progress. Their hard work and dedication made a significant difference in experience. I highly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration to anyone in need of immigration assistance. They are truly a team of professionals who care about their clients and fight for their success. Thank you once again, Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration !"" - Raymond A.
""I cannot express enough gratitude to Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Thanks to your professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of immigration law, I now have my green card. From day one, your team demonstrated a genuine commitment to my case, providing not only expert advice but also compassionate support that made all the difference in this important process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration to anyone looking for a reliable, professional and efficient team for immigration matters and thank you. miss sarah pitney for helping me in this long process that gave everything so that i was in the best way thank you for everything"" - Carlos M.
""I cannot express enough gratitude to Benach Collopy LLP. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of immigration law, I now have my green card. From day one, their team demonstrated genuine commitment to my case, providing not only expert advice but also compassionate support that made all the difference in this important process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Benach Collopy LLP to anyone seeking a reliable, professional, and efficient team for immigration matters. Thank you for changing my life!"" - Alessia O.
""Ava is an immigration powerhouse! Her expertise and commitment to her clients are unmatched. While other lawyers were at a loss, Ava took charge and confidently navigated our case with precision. From day one, she knew exactly what needed to be done and executed it flawlessly. Thanks to Ava’s relentless dedication, we have our green card! She went above and beyond, and we are beyond grateful for her exceptional work. If you need an immigration expert, Ava is the one you want on your side."" - Fede P.
""My Immigration Journey: From Uncertainty to Triumph! I embarked on my immigration journey 5-6 years ago, navigating uncharted waters with little understanding of the complex process. I faced numerous challenges, changed lawyers, and sought answers, but to no avail. That was until I found Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Through diligent research, I discovered the right team and was fortunate to have Dree as my initial consultation attorney. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, and provided invaluable guidance, setting the tone for a successful partnership. As my case progressed, I had the pleasure of working with David, who took the reins and expertly navigated me through the remaining process. David, you are a beacon of hope, guidance, and humility. Your selflessness, compassion, and willingness to help are traits that make you an outstanding attorney and an inspiration to many. Under the exceptional guidance of Dree and David, my immigration process transformed from a daunting task to a manageable and successful journey. The entire team's professionalism, empathy, and commitment to excellence are unparalleled. To anyone seeking immigration guidance, I highly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Sofia , David, and the team are the epitome of excellence, and I'm honored to have had the privilege of working with them. Thank you, David and Sofia for being shining examples of what it means to serve with humility and kindness."" - Shoukat A.