Most immigrants who come to the United States want to, some day, become U.S. citizens. To many, it makes official their permanent connection to their adopted country. Thus, a common question that is asked by clients is, “How long from when I enter on a K-1 Visa until I can become a citizen?”
Although it is not possible to give an exact date, the following provide a decent range for when a K-1 visa holder can apply for citizenship.
- When a K-1 fiance(e) visa holder enters the United States, he or she is given K-1 status for 90 days. Within those 90 days, he or she is expected to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner.
- Once married, the K-1 status holder must apply for adjustment of status to gain permanent residency. The adjustment of status application can be filed as soon as the couple is married.
- Once the adjustment of status application is submitted, it is necessary to wait for the immigration agency to approve the petition. Often this can take five months.
- Once the adjustment of status application is approved, the clock starts ticking for when naturalization can be sought.
- As a green card holder married to a U.S. citizen, a foreign national must wait three years before being eligible for naturalization. However, a naturalization applicant can apply for naturalization 3 months before becoming eligible for naturalization.
Thus, although it is not possible to determine exactly when a K-1 status holder will be eligible for naturalization, a K-1 status holder should expect to be eligible to apply for naturalization three years and about 3 months after marrying the K-1 petitioner and submitting the adjustment of status application.
Of course, not everyone is eligible for naturalization, and an applicant should consult a naturalization lawyer before applying.