Legal Question in Immigration Law in Arizona

If someone is here visiting with a non-immigration (tourist) visa and get married to a U.S. Citizen during that visit, do they then automatically become a citizen themselves? If not, then what further steps need to be taken so that they can become a U.S.citizen?

Thank you,

Rodney Smith

Suyrprise, Arizona


Asked on 11/10/11, 1:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dianne Brooks The Mandel Law Firm

No one automatically becomes a citizen unless they are born in the U.S. If someone marries a U.S. citizen that citizen will then have to file a petition and the person will have to file an application to become a legal permanent resident. That permanent residence, since it is based on a marriage, is conditional for 2 years, after that period, the person will have to apply to have the conditions removed. Three years after the person becomes a legal permanent resident they are eligible to apply for citizenship (this only in cases where the permanent residence is based on marriage to a U.S. citizen.)

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Answered on 11/10/11, 6:34 am


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