Documents Needed to Apply for U.S. Citizenship Through Marriage

Applying for naturalization through marriage is largely about eligibility and evidence. USCIS reviews documentation to confirm eligibility under INA § 319(a) and to determine whether the marriage is bona fide.

Complete, consistent documentation helps reduce delays and lowers the risk of Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

This guide explains what documents are required when applying for citizenship through marriage, how to organize them, and what to expect at each stage of the process.

What Does It Mean to Apply for Citizenship Through Marriage?

If an individual is married to a U.S. citizen, they may be eligible to apply for naturalization after three years as a lawful permanent resident, rather than the usual five years.

This shorter pathway is commonly referred to as marriage-based naturalization.

Are You Eligible Under the 3‑Year Rule?

To apply under INA § 319(a), an applicant generally must:

• Be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for at least three years immediately before filing
• Have lived in marital union with a U.S.-citizen spouse for those three years
• Show physical presence in the U.S. for at least 18 months during the three-year period
• Reside for three months in the state or USCIS district where the application is filed
• Meet all other naturalization requirements, including good moral character and English/civics knowledge

90-day early filing: Form N-400 may be submitted up to 90 days before completing the three-year continuous-residence period, as long as all requirements are met by the time USCIS decides the case.

If these conditions are not met, the applicant may still qualify under the standard five-year rule, though documentation requirements may differ.

Why the Right Documents Matter

USCIS uses documentation to verify:

• Eligibility for naturalization, including immigration status, residence, and moral character
• That the marriage is legitimate and not entered solely for immigration benefits

Providing complete and consistent evidence helps applications move forward more efficiently.

What to Submit with Form N‑400 (Copies)

When applying for citizenship through marriage, applicants must complete Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization).

Supporting documentation should be organized and clearly labeled. Most marriage-based applicants include the following:

1. Proof of Permanent Residency

A copy (front and back) of the Permanent Resident Card (Green Card), Form I-551

2. Proof of Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Evidence must establish both the marriage and the spouse’s U.S. citizenship:

• Marriage certificate (official or certified copy)
• Spouse’s U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate

3. Proof of Termination of Prior Marriages

If either spouse was previously married:

• Divorce decrees, annulment records, or death certificates showing legal termination

4. Proof of a Bona Fide Marital Union

Examples include:

• Joint lease or mortgage statements
• Joint bank or credit-card statements
• Joint tax returns for the past three years
• Utility bills showing shared residence
• Insurance policies listing each other as beneficiaries
• Photos together over time or with family
• Children’s birth certificates, if applicable

5. Name-Change Documents (If Applicable)

• Legal name-change orders or updated identification reflecting the change

6. Other Standard Naturalization Documents

USCIS may also require:

• Selective Service proof (if applicable)
• Certified court or police records for any arrests or citations
• Certified English translations for non-English documents
• Passport-style photos (if filing from outside the U.S.)

Documents to Bring to the Citizenship Interview

Applicants should bring originals to the interview, including:

• Green card, passports, and state ID
• Marriage certificate and spouse’s proof of citizenship
• Joint tax returns and recent joint evidence
• Records of prior marriages and any court or police documents

What If You’re Missing a Document?

If a required document is missing or unavailable:

• Provide a written explanation describing why the record can’t be obtained.
• Submit secondary evidence, such as affidavits from relatives or records from government agencies.
• Never submit falsified or altered documents; USCIS can verify authenticity.

In some cases, especially when documents are unavailable due to foreign recordkeeping practices, you may need legal help to prepare a proper explanation.

How to Prepare Proof of a Genuine Marriage

Proving a bona fide marriage is not about the volume of documents submitted. USCIS focuses on credibility, consistency, and continuity.

Strong marital evidence should reflect a real shared life rather than materials created solely for immigration purposes.

Best practices include:

• Use multiple evidence types. Avoid relying on a single category, such as photos alone or only bank statements.
• Demonstrate a timeline. Include both older and recent records to show continuity over time.
• Organize clearly. Label documents and group them logically so the officer can review them efficiently.
• Check for consistency. Addresses, dates, and names should align across all records.

USCIS looks for signs of a shared financial, residential, and practical life. Documentation that reflects everyday reality tends to be more persuasive than staged or last-minute submissions.

Special Situations to Consider

Conditional Residents (2-Year Green Card) Filing Form N-400

Applicants with conditional residence may file Form N-400 while Form I-751 (Remove Conditions on Residence) is pending.

USCIS typically adjudicates the I-751 before or at the same time as the N-400, often at a combined interview.

In these cases, robust marital evidence is especially important, as both applications rely on proof of a genuine marriage.

If the Spouse Became a U.S. Citizen After Marriage

If the U.S.-citizen spouse naturalized after the marriage:

• Include proof of when the spouse became a citizen
• Provide evidence showing marital union for the required three-year period up to the date of examination, not just the filing date

If You or Your Spouse Have Children

Children can be relevant marital evidence. Include:

• Birth certificates
• Adoption decrees
• Custody or guardianship orders, if applicable

These documents help demonstrate the structure and continuity of the household.

If You Changed Your Name

Submit documentation for every legal name change since becoming a lawful permanent resident. Inconsistencies in names are a common source of delays.

If a Required Record Is Missing or Unavailable

If a document cannot be obtained:

• Provide a written explanation detailing why the record is unavailable
• Submit secondary evidence, such as sworn affidavits or official agency letters
• Never submit altered or false documents, as USCIS can verify authenticity

How to Organize Your Packet

A well-organized packet makes it easier for USCIS to review your case and reduces the likelihood of follow-up requests.

Recommended structure:

• Table of contents
• Clearly labeled tabs, for example:
  • A: Identity
  • B: Spouse’s Citizenship
  • C: Marital Union
  • D: Prior Marriages
  • E: Naturalization Requirements
  • F: Translations

Ensure that dates and addresses match across all sections and include documents from different points in time to show continuity.

Common Document Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-prepared applicants can experience delays due to avoidable errors. Common issues include:

• Submitting uncertified or untranslated foreign-language records
• Inconsistent addresses, employment histories, or dates
• Insufficient evidence of a bona fide marital union
• Filing before eligibility requirements are met
• Failing to disclose arrests or omitting required court or police records

If there is uncertainty about whether documentation is sufficient, a review by an immigration attorney can help identify gaps before filing.

How Quijano Law Can Help

Marriage-based naturalization requires careful documentation.

Quijano Law assists Atlanta-area clients with eligibility analysis, evidence preparation, and interview readiness.

Your Next Steps

• Review your eligibility carefully under the three-year rule.
• Gather all required documents and organize them into labeled folders.
• Complete Form N-400 accurately and attach your supporting documents.
• Keep originals for your interview.
• Consider scheduling a consultation with an immigration attorney to review your case before submitting.

Conclusion

Becoming a U.S. citizen through marriage is a significant milestone.

Proper documentation plays a critical role in ensuring the process moves forward without unnecessary delays.

Quijano Law assists individuals and families with citizenship applications and other immigration matters.

FAQs

What documents are required to apply for U.S. citizenship after marriage?

Applicants generally must submit:

• A copy of the permanent resident card (green card)
• A marriage certificate
• Proof of the spouse’s U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
• Evidence that all prior marriages for either spouse ended legally
• Proof of a bona fide marriage, such as joint tax returns, lease or mortgage documents, bank or insurance records, and shared household bills

Any document not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

My Form I-751 is pending. Can I still file Form N-400?

Yes. USCIS generally allows applicants to file Form N-400 while Form I-751 is pending. In most cases, USCIS adjudicates the I-751 first or reviews both applications at the same interview.

Applicants should be prepared to present strong evidence of a bona fide marriage, as both filings rely on proof of a genuine marital relationship.

How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen through marriage?

Most applicants become eligible to apply after three years as a lawful permanent resident while living in a genuine marital union with a U.S. citizen.

From the time Form N-400 is filed until the oath ceremony, the naturalization process typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on the USCIS field office, background checks, and case-specific factors.

What are the steps after getting married to a U.S. citizen?

For applicants in the United States, the process generally involves:

1. Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
2. Filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), if eligible
3. Attending biometrics and a green card interview
4. Becoming a lawful permanent resident
5. After three years in a bona fide marriage, filing Form N-400 for naturalization
6. Completing the naturalization interview and oath ceremony, if approved

Each step has eligibility and documentation requirements that must be met.

Can someone work immediately after marrying a U.S. citizen?

No. Marriage alone does not grant authorization to work in the United States. Employment is permitted only after receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or a green card.

Work eligibility depends on the individual’s current immigration status and whether an application allowing employment has been filed and approved.

Author: Viviana A. Quijano

(Founder and Managing Attorney, Quijano Law)

Mrs. Viviana Quijano is the founder of Quijano Law, established in 2013. Since then, she has helped countless individuals, families, and businesses achieve success in their immigration matters. An internationally recognized attorney, Mrs. Quijano is licensed to practice in both the United States and Colombia. She holds law degrees from The University of Alabama School of Law and the Universidad Santo Tomas in Bogotá, Colombia. Passionate about community engagement, she works tirelessly to educate immigrants on the importance of pursuing legal pathways and embracing American culture.