Expedited U.S. Citizenship for Foreign Spouses of U.S. Expatriates

US law requires that, before an individual with a green card may obtain US citizenship, he or she must be physically present in the US for at least 2 ½ years out of five years, or 1 ½ years out of three years (if the applicant is the spouse of a US citizen). There is an exception to this law. Green-card holding spouses of US citizens who are regularly stationed abroad may be naturalized without satisfying the physical presence requirement.

Who can qualify?

This exception applies to any person, holding a green card, whose spouse is

1. a US citizen;
2. employed by the US government, an American research institution, or a US company or subsidiary engaged in whole or in part in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the US; and
3. regularly stationed abroad.

In order to become naturalized, it is also necessary to have "good moral character,” be attached to the principles of the Constitution, and demonstrate some English-language and US civics knowledge. Upon naturalization, the applicant must intend to reside with the US citizen spouse abroad, and to take up residence in the US immediately upon the termination of the spouse’s employment abroad.

What documents will I need?

It is necessary to present documentation confirming the qualifying employment abroad, as well as the marriage certificate and documents confirming the legitimacy (e.g., children’s birth certificates, joint property) of the marriage. It will also be necessary to have fingerprints taken, and provide tax documentation.

How does the process work?

There are three primary steps to the process:

1. submission of the petition to the USCIS and fingerprinting;
2. passing the citizenship interview; and
3. attending the swearing-in ceremony.

Upon USCIS approval of the application, it will be necessary to travel to the United States to attend the citizenship interview at an USCIS District Office. Upon the successful passing of the interview, the applicant must attend the swearing-in ceremony in the United States. Although processing times vary, the whole process can be completed within 2–4 months.

This expedited naturalization for spouses of US citizens working abroad is a tremendous opportunity as it provides the full protection of the US government to the spouses of US citizens and is available immediately after admission as a lawful permanent resident. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about obtaining US citizenship using this provision of US law. Please contact us for more information.