immigration and non-immigration needs
Marriage to US Citizen
Marriage to US Citizen
Learn MoreParents of US Citizens
Parents of US Citizens
Learn MoreNaturalization and Citizenship
Naturalization and Citizenship
learn moreMarriage to a US Citizen
Phone number
(925) 831-0636
some options for immigration
Marriage within the U.S. and the spouse is currently in the US
Marriage outside the US and Spouse is abroad
Parents of US Citizens
Parents of US Citizens are considered immediate family and therefore are not subject to any of the limitations and caps on immigration. In other words, a US Citizen may opt to bring his or her immediate family to the US at any time. The Citizen (must be an adult) commences the process by filing a petition to bring his/her foreign national parents to the US. The process differs depending on the location of the parents at the time of petition filing. If the parent is eligible for a “Green Card”, is in the US and had entered the US legally (inspected by an immigration officer at customs) the request for Adjustment of Status can be filed contemporaneously with the Petition for Alien Relative. If the relative is abroad, once the petition is approved, the process continues through the NVC (National Visa Center) and then on the consulate or embassy abroad.
Phone number
(925) 831-0636
Naturalization & Citizenship
So, you would like to become a US Citizen? Congratulations! There are several options for immigrants to become naturalized citizens. The following are the two most common categories.
Phone number
(925) 831-0636
Most people will be eligible for naturalization after 60 months of US residency, or, to be more specific, on the 5th anniversary of their “green card” issue date. However, the 60 month residency rule has some strict provisions including:
- You must have continuous residency without leaving the country for more than 6 months at a time
- You must have been present in the US for a total of 30 of the 60 months
- You must have good moral character (this generally deals with any criminal actions against you) and
- You must pass the English and civics examination (unless you are exempt)
if you have been married to a US Citizen, you may be eligible for naturalization after only three years rather than five. The rules are similar to those above but based on the 36 month requirement:
- You must have continuous residency without leaving the country for more than 6 months at a time
- You must have been present in the US for a total of 18 of the 36 months
- You must have good moral character (this generally deals with any criminal actions against you)
- You must pass the English and civics examination (unless exempt)
