Fact check: What are the residency requirements for US citizenship through marriage?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, the residency requirements for US citizenship through marriage are clearly established. According to USCIS Policy Manual, a spouse of a U.S. citizen must meet several specific requirements ^[1]:

• Continuous residence: Must have continuously resided in the United States as a lawful permanent resident for at least 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the naturalization application
• Marital union: Must have lived in marital union with their U.S. citizen spouse for at least those same 3 years
• Physical presence: Must have been physically present in the United States for at least 18 months (548 days) out of the 3 years immediately preceding filing
• Local residence: Must have lived within the state or USCIS district with jurisdiction over their residence for at least 3 months prior to filing

Additional eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years old, being a lawful permanent resident at the time of filing, and demonstrating good moral character for at least 3 years prior to filing the application ^[1]. One source confirms that a permanent resident married to a US citizen can apply for citizenship after 3 years of residency, with the condition of living with their spouse and spending at least half that time physically in the US ^[2].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important contextual information about recent procedural changes that could significantly impact applicants. USCIS has quietly tightened marriage green card procedures in 2025, introducing new mandatory editions of key forms such as Form I-485 and Form I-129F, and applicants must ensure they use the correct editions to avoid rejection ^[3].

Critical recent updates include:

• Stricter rules around medical form submission ^[3]
• COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required as of January 22, 2025 ^[3]
• Updated Policy Manual clarifying how USCIS determines marriage validity for immigration purposes, specifically for refugees and asylees ^[3]
• Increased focus on fraud detection and stricter scrutiny of marriage-based applications ^[3]

The question also doesn't address the K-1 fiancé visa pathway, where a K-1 nonimmigrant who marries a U.S. citizen within 90 days of admission can apply for lawful permanent resident status, requiring physical presence in the United States and eligibility to receive an immigrant visa ^[4].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question itself does not contain misinformation or bias - it is a straightforward inquiry about residency requirements. However, the absence of information about recent procedural changes could lead applicants to use outdated forms or procedures, potentially resulting in application rejections.

The analyses reveal that immigration law firms and consultation services would benefit financially from the increased complexity and stricter scrutiny of marriage-based applications, as applicants may require more professional assistance to navigate the updated requirements successfully. The emphasis on new form editions and stricter procedures suggests that USCIS is prioritizing fraud prevention, which could create additional barriers for legitimate applicants while generating more business for immigration attorneys and consultants.