Will My Immigrant Spouse Become a U.S. Citizen Automatically? Sorry, but no. An immigrant who marries a U.S. citizen must apply for a green card (U.S. permanent residence). … After successfully obtaining a green card, the immigrant spouse can, after three years as a permanent resident, apply for U.S. citizenship.
What happens if you marry a foreigner?
Marrying a foreigner for money is illegal, and those participating in immigration fraud can face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both, according to the U.S. Code § 1325: Improper Entry by Alien.
How long does a foreigner have to be married to become a U.S. citizen?
All green card holders, as long as they meet key conditions, can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years (known as the “five-year rule”) — but those with a U.S. spouse and a green card through marriage can apply after only three years (known as the “three-year rule”).
Can you become a U.S. citizen by marriage?
As a permanent resident who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after just three years. … You must be married to a citizen the entire time; and your spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for the entire time.
Can an alien become a citizen by marriage?
Eligibility for Green Card (Lawful Permanent Residence) Based on Marriage. Under U.S. immigration law, immigrants who marry U.S. citizens or permanent residents are among the categories of people allowed to apply for U.S. green cards.
How much money do I need to make to marry a foreigner?
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $21,775. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
How do international marriages work?
Marriages performed overseas are considered valid in the country where they take place if they are entered into in accordance with local law. … Parties must be resident in that country for a specified period of time before a marriage may be performed there. Blood tests. Minimum age for the parties who are being married.
Can I stay in America if I marry an American?
Yes, in many cases, if you get married to an American citizen you will be able to move to America and apply for a green card. … The US has stringent immigration policies and any foreign national who wants to move to the US, must satisfy a number of conditions before they are able to permanently reside to the US.
Can I marry someone on a tourist visa?
Can I Marry A US Citizen on A Tourist Visa? The short answer is: yes, you can get married in the US while on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or on a visa waiver program. … In fact, you are even allowed to come to the US as a visitor with the sole intention of getting married.
What are the pros and cons of marrying a foreigner?
Pros & Cons Of Marrying Someone That Lives In Another Country
- Pro: Experience new cultures. Naturally, one of you will move to live with the other person. …
- Con: Leaving your old life behind. The flip side of this is that you will have to leave your old life behind. …
- Pro: Finally being with the person you love.
What happens if you get married while on a tourist visa?
Legally, there is nothing wrong with getting married while you are in the U.S. as a visitor (on a B-2 visa), if you return home at the end of your permitted stay.
Do you get money for marrying an immigrant?
In the US, marrying just to scale immigration laws, called green card marriage is considered a fraud. … Although getting paid to marry a foreigner is a smart way to make some cool cash, we have to lay out the cards for you to make a pick.
What happens if I marry a U.S. citizen?
After you marry a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a green card. While USCIS is processing your application, you can apply for “advance parole,” which gives you permission to travel. Unless you have an emergency situation, USCIS will take two to three months to process your parole.