Citizenship/Naturalization through marriage for existing GC holder

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Jun 14th 2021, 3:18 pm

Jaag

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Citizenship/Naturalization through marriage for existing GC holder

I am a US Permanent Resident (LPR) having held my Green Card (GC) since 2018 (resident since 2014 on L1), and have lived with my US Citizen partner (un-married) since 2016.
I had the intention of waiting out the 5 years for citizenship (2023) after getting my GC, my partner has "dropped hints" it would be quicker if we got married, but I don't think that would.

USCIS mentions you must be "married and “living in marital union” (living together)" for 3 years preceding application which I read as "have to be married for three years" but it's slightly ambiguous as to whether it could mean "must be married", and also, "have been living together for 3 years". If anybody has any definitive information, that would be great to hear.

Example timeline

Code:

2016  |  '17  |  '18  |  '19  |  '20  |  '21  |  '22  |  '23  |  '24  |  '25
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start Relationship with US Citizen (live together un-married)
              | Become Permanent Resident (LPR) through employment
                                                      | Citizenship (5 years after LPR)
                                      | Get Married
                                      | Citizenship (Married + 3 years after LPR)?
                                                              | Citizenship (3 years after marriage)?

Citations:
"married and “living in marital union” (living together)"
https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/...rt-g-chapter-2
https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/...ritalUnion.pdf

Jun 14th 2021, 4:22 pm

Noorah101

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Re: Citizenship/Naturalization through marriage for existing GC holder

In order to apply for citizenship based on marriage to a USC you must be legally married AND living in martial union for 3 full years before you can apply. So if you got married in June 2021, you'd be eligible in June 2024.

Rene