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Permanent Resident Marrying a U.S. Citizen

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  • 07-10-2011, 03:58 PM
    luicastano
    Permanent Resident Marrying a U.S. Citizen
    I've been a resident for like 10 years, I'm only 23 so I was too busy with high school/college and never applied for a citizenship. I'm getting married to a citizen, so I don't know what I have to do to apply for citizenship.

    Also, my green card just expired (I know my status doesn't change, but do I have to renew it first? Or can I just go and get my citizenship since I'm marrying a Citizen?)

    Thanks! :)
  • 07-10-2011, 04:02 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: U.s Resident Marrying U.s Citizen
    Get your green card renewed (if you're female and changing your name you might want to wait until after you're married), and then just go ahead with the citizenship process. Because you've been a green-card holder for 10 years, you don't actually need to be married to become a citizen; you qualify (apparently) on your own accord.

    Good luck with your marriage!
  • 07-10-2011, 04:06 PM
    luicastano
    Re: U.s Resident Marrying U.s Citizen
    We're getting married in September but I have to apply for jobs now. If I renew my green card now, but I will be changing my name in September, will I have to renew my green card again before I apply for citizenship? Or can I just use the green card with my old name to apply for citizenship?

    Thanks!
  • 07-10-2011, 04:08 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: U.s Resident Marrying U.s Citizen
    If you need to start work now, it's probably best to renew asap. You can use your old name when you apply for citizenship and then change your name once you naturalize - that would probably be easier (and markedly cheaper!).
  • 07-10-2011, 04:22 PM
    luicastano
    Re: U.s Resident Marrying U.s Citizen
    Thanks for your help. I've been looking everywhere for answers but the most common cases are of citizens marrying visa holders. So would I apply for citizenship on my own? Or does he have to "request me" or something like that?
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