Can I apply for U.S. citizenship after getting my marriage-based green card?

Yes, you can apply for U.S. citizenship after getting your marriage-based green card, but the timeline depends on how long you’ve been a green card holder. If you received your green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen and you remain married to that citizen, you are eligible to apply for naturalization after three years of continuous residence as a green card holder. During this time, you must also meet other requirements, such as living in the U.S. for at least half of that three-year period and demonstrating good moral character. If your marriage ends or if your spouse is a green card holder (not a U.S. citizen), you must wait five years before applying for citizenship. Becoming a U.S. citizen provides additional benefits, like the ability to vote and greater ease in sponsoring family members.