The process for marrying a U.S. citizen varies depending on the individual's circumstances, such as their current country of residence and whether they are currently in the United States.
If the individual is currently outside of the United States, they will first need to obtain a visa in order to enter the country. The most common type of visa for this purpose is a K-1 fiancé visa, which allows the individual to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying their U.S. citizen fiancé.
Once the individual has entered the United States on a K-1 visa, they must marry their U.S. citizen fiancé within 90 days. After the wedding, the individual can apply for a green card to become a permanent resident of the United States.
If the individual is already in the United States on a different type of visa, they may be able to adjust their status to that of a permanent resident without leaving the country. However, this depends on the specific details of their situation and it is recommended that they speak with an immigration attorney for guidance.
Once the individual has obtained a green card, they will be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period of time has passed. This period is typically five years, but it may be shorter if the individual is married to a U.S. citizen.
After the required period of time has passed, the individual can apply for U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization. This involves completing an application, passing a test on U.S. history and government, and attending an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer. If the application is approved, the individual will be required to attend a naturalization ceremony, at which point they will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen.
Overall, the process for marrying a U.S. citizen and obtaining U.S. citizenship can be complex and time-consuming. It is recommended that individuals seek the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney to ensure that they understand the requirements and can complete the process successfully.