Do I need to stay married till I get naturalized?

[Paatay Khan 16]

Hello there fellow Vjers,

 

I was married to my wife since Jan '13 but things fell apart after her mental condition got worse which I didn't know about prior to marriage, she refused to take medication and won't stop verbally abusing me. So I have decided to part myself from her. I got my temp residency in Dec '13 and my permanent residency mid last year and haven't since applied for naturalization. But I cannot live with her anymore considering the fact she could go ballistic anytime because of her deteriorating mental condition.

What I need to know is that can I file for divorce now and apply for naturalization later this year as soon as my 5-year timeline is up? Or I have to be married to her until I get my citizenship. Your expert advice will be of much appreciated. Thanks

Edited April 2, 2018 by Sam Mirza

[mcdull 474]

3 years rule: need to be married until you took oath.

5 years rule: anything goes.

[Lelita 74]

2 hours ago, Sam Mirza said:

Hello there fellow Vjers,

 

I was married to my wife since Jan '13 but things fell apart after her mental condition got worse which I didn't know about prior to marriage, she refused to take medication and won't stop verbally abusing me. So I have decided to part myself from her. I got my temp residency in Dec '13 and my permanent residency mid last year and haven't since applied for naturalization. But I cannot live with her anymore considering the fact she could go ballistic anytime because of her deteriorating mental condition.

What I need to know is that can I file for divorce now and apply for naturalization later this year as soon as my 5-year timeline is up? Or I have to be married to her until I get my citizenship. Your expert advice will be of much appreciated. Thanks

Hi there.

my husband petioned me in May 2012

got my permanent green card Jan 2015

applied for citizenship in June 2017 under the 5 year rule.

passed my interview in February 2018, no question asked about my husband good luck to you!

[Paatay Khan 16]

On 4/2/2018 at 2:00 PM, Lela37 said:

Hi there.

my husband petioned me in May 2012

got my permanent green card Jan 2015

applied for citizenship in June 2017 under the 5 year rule.

passed my interview in February 2018, no question asked about my husband good luck to you!

Were you married to your husband at the time of applying for naturalization?

On 4/2/2018 at 11:40 AM, mcdull said:

3 years rule: need to be married until you took oath.

5 years rule: anything goes.

So you're saying I don't have to stay married anymore for naturalization.

[mcdull 474]

59 minutes ago, Sam Mirza said:

Were you married to your husband at the time of applying for naturalization?

So you're saying I don't have to stay married anymore for naturalization.

yes, I am still married to my husband and I don't see that changing.

 

yes, you can apply for naturalization after 5 years of becoming a LPR regardless of your martial status.

[Lelita 74]

1 hour ago, Sam Mirza said:

Were you married to your husband at the time of applying for naturalization?

So you're saying I don't have to stay married anymore for naturalization.

Yes I was, I still married to him. I don't see that changing.

if applying for under the 5 year rule you don't need to be married for naturalization. 

Edited April 3, 2018 by Lela37

[Paatay Khan 16]

Thank you folks for your replies. Much appreciated.