Foreign women (or men) can become U.S. citizens through marriage to a U.S. citizen by going through a process called "adjustment of status." This process is available to immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, which includes spouses.
Here are the general steps that foreign women married to U.S. citizens need to follow to obtain U.S. citizenship:
Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: The foreign woman must marry a U.S. citizen. It is essential to ensure that the marriage is valid and recognized under U.S. immigration law.
File Petition (Form I-130): The U.S. citizen spouse must file an immigration petition on behalf of the foreign spouse. This is done by submitting Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Approval of Form I-130: After USCIS approves the Form I-130, the foreign spouse is considered an "immediate relative" of the U.S. citizen. This is an essential step before proceeding with the adjustment of status.
Application for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Once the I-130 is approved, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This application is used to request a change in immigration status from a temporary visa holder to a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Biometrics and Interview: The foreign spouse will typically be required to attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Additionally, an interview with USCIS may be scheduled to evaluate the bona fides of the marriage.
Conditional Green Card: If the marriage is less than two years old at the time of obtaining the green card, the foreign spouse will be granted a conditional green card, which is valid for two years. This allows USCIS to monitor the authenticity of the marriage.
Removal of Conditions (Form I-751): Within the 90-day period before the conditional green card expires, the couple must jointly file Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence. This petition is meant to prove that the marriage is genuine and not solely for immigration purposes.
Obtaining a Permanent Green Card: If the couple can provide sufficient evidence of a bona fide marriage, USCIS will remove the conditions on the green card, and the foreign spouse will receive a permanent (10-year) green card.
Applying for U.S. Citizenship: After holding a green card for at least three years (if married to a U.S. citizen) or five years (if married to a lawful permanent resident), the foreign spouse may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through the naturalization process by filing Form N-400.
It's important to note that the process may vary depending on individual circumstances, and immigration laws and policies are subject to change. It's recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or the USCIS website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining U.S. citizenship through marriage.