Hi,

I am a US citizen. My wife got her green card in 2007, before we got married in 2009 (ie. She didn't get the card as a result of our marriage). I have a question regarding how long she needs to wait before she can apply for citizenship. Is it 3 years as a spouse to a citizen (and I assume the card being the result of the marriage) or 5 years (as she would normally have to wait).

Thanks.

Bostonian

Generally, it is 5 years. Actually it is 4 years 9 months.

Please note that there are really 3 time windows to be mindful of for natz eligibility. (1) 5 years LPR, (2) 30 of 60 months physically present in US and (3) never more than 180 days out of US continuously.

Best to have an immigration attorney review the facts to determine when she can file for natz. Good luck.