N
The Daily Insight Hub

Can you marry someone for citizenship then divorce?

Author

Daniel Santos

Updated on January 28, 2026

Divorce Makes Applicants Ineligible to Apply for Citizenship in Three Rather Than Five Years. You have to remain married up until you actually get your citizenship, and you have to be living with your spouse three years before filing your citizenship application to qualify for early citizenship.

What happens if you marry an immigrant and get divorced?

Generally, an immigrant who divorces a United States citizen after two or more years of marriage is less likely to face deportation if you have already obtained a Green Card or permanent residency. In any event, if you divorce after two years of marriage, you will likely be allowed to remain in the United States.

What happens if you get married while applying for citizenship?

If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won’t be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away. If you marry a U.S, citizen, you won’t be eligible for U.S. citizenship right away. But you might become eligible for a U.S. green card, which can lead to U.S. citizenship.

Can you get in trouble for marrying someone for citizenship?

It is a federal offense to commit marriage fraud, or to “enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws.” This means that a marriage not for love, but for the purpose of obtaining citizenship for one of the spouses, is not legal and may result in one or both parties being punished.

How long do you have to stay married for citizenship?

As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years. This is a significant benefit (as it normally requires five years as a permanent resident before applying for citizenship).

Does spouse need citizenship interview 2020?

Your spouse will be required to accompany you to the interview.

Can a person apply for citizenship after a divorce?

Divorce Makes Applicants Ineligible to Apply for Citizenship in Three Rather Than Five Years. If you were hoping to get early citizenship after three years as the spouse of a U.S. citizen, understand that divorce will end that possibility.

Do you have to apply for citizenship based on marriage?

USCIS does not require you to apply for citizenship based on the marriage. Generally, it is easier to prepare an application when applying for citizenship based on five years as a permanent resident. That’s because it won’t be necessary to submit additional documents about your marriage and U.S. citizen spouse.

What happens if you get married to a foreign citizen?

Add in a foreign spouse and U.S. immigration laws, and the task becomes even harder. If you decide to get married in the United States, you will be eligible to apply for Adjustment of Status (AOS). This is an internal process whereby you can stay with your spouse in the United States and possibly eventually work while your case is processed.

What to do if you marry a non u.s.citizen?

After marrying in the United States, you will file Form I-485, which will require biometrics and possibly an interview. If the non-U.S. partner intends to seek employment or travel outside of the United States while the green card application is being processed, he or she must file for a work permit and a travel permit.