Your path to U.S. citizenship
Pick the kind of case closest to yours and see the usual steps: the forms, the official rules and how long similar cases took. Change the answers and the path changes with them.
Illustrative · not legal advice
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Step 1
Your relative files the I-130
The petition proves the family relationship. It does not give status by itself.
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Step 2
Apply for the green card in the U.S. (I-485)
Adjustment of status: biometrics, possibly an interview, and the decision. Immediate relatives can often file it together with the I-130.
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Step 3
Green card: permanent resident
The "Resident since" date on your card is the date your years toward citizenship count from.
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Step 4
Remove the conditions (I-751), if your card is conditional
If you have been married less than 2 years on the day you get residence, the card is conditional for 2 years and you file the I-751 in the 90 days before it expires. Married 2 years or more by then: no I-751.
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Step 5
Apply for citizenship (N-400) · 3 years as a resident
After 3 years as a permanent resident, if you are still married to and living with your U.S. citizen spouse (a citizen for those 3 years); you can file up to 90 days early. You also need enough days physically in the U.S. and good moral character.
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Step 6
Interview, English and civics test
An officer reviews your application and gives the English and civics tests.
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Step 7
Oath ceremony: U.S. citizen
You become a citizen when you take the Oath of Allegiance.
Rules checked against USCIS's official pages on 2026-10-03.
Questions about your path?
Ask me with your details and I'll answer with USCIS's official rules and the cases I follow.