Can I have EB-4 and then apply for citizenship after 3 years?

EB-4 is an immigrant visa category aimed at special groups, such as religious workers, certain judges, and international organization employees, among others. Once approved for this visa and receiving the green card (permanent residence), you begin the required period to apply for United States citizenship.

Normally, for most permanent residents, the path to naturalization requires living with resident status for generally five years before being eligible to apply for citizenship. However, there is an important exception: if the resident is married to a U.S. citizen, the required time to apply may be reduced to three years – provided all other requirements, such as proof of continuous residence, physical presence, and good moral character, are met.

Therefore, if you obtain EB-4 and are not married to a U.S. citizen, the standard five-year permanent residence period will be required before you can apply for naturalization. In contrast, if you meet the criteria of marriage to a U.S. citizen and fulfill the additional requirements, you may indeed be eligible to request citizenship after three years of having the green card.

It is essential to highlight the importance of strictly following U.S. immigration laws throughout the entire process and avoiding promises of quick solutions that may arise in marketing campaigns or suspicious offers. Legislation and requirements may vary depending on each individual case, so it is advisable to seek updated information and review your specific situation with professionals who work in this field, ensuring that you remain compliant with the country’s regulations.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.