Naturalization through marriage
A qualifying spouse of a U.S. citizen may use a 3-year statutory period instead of the standard 5-year period. Marriage alone does not confer citizenship, and the marital requirements are specific.
Core INA 319(a) requirements
Be at least 18 years old when filing Form N-400.
Be a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years immediately before filing, subject to the applicable rules.
Have been married to the same U.S. citizen spouse for at least 3 years immediately before filing.
Have lived in marital union with that U.S. citizen spouse for the 3 years immediately before filing.
The spouse must have been a U.S. citizen for that 3-year period.
Remain legally married to the U.S. citizen spouse through the Oath of Allegiance for eligibility under INA 319(a).
Meet the applicable continuous-residence, physical-presence, good-moral-character, English, civics, and oath requirements.
“Living in marital union” and “remaining married” are not the same requirement
USCIS policy explains that the couple generally must have lived together in marital union for the 3 years immediately before filing. After filing, the applicant does not have to continue living in marital union through naturalization, but the valid marriage itself generally must continue until the applicant takes the Oath of Allegiance.
If the marriage terminates before the oath, eligibility under the ordinary INA 319(a) spouse provision ends. Separate statutory provisions can apply to some battered spouses and certain surviving family members of U.S. service members; those should not be confused with the ordinary 3-year marriage route.
Current Form N-400 fee
Verify with primary sources
Educational information, not legal advice. Last policy review: August 29, 2026.