How long should you have been married to apply for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen?

To apply for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen, the requirement is that you must have been married for at least three years. This three-year period is a specific guideline set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for applicants who are spouses of U.S. citizens.

This provision allows for a shorter residency requirement compared to the standard five-year requirement that is applicable to most other applicants for naturalization. Moreover, being married to a U.S. citizen during this time not only expedites the process but also fulfills one of the key requirements for establishing eligibility for naturalization.

Other time frames mentioned in the options do not align with the established requirements. For instance, one year does not meet the minimum threshold necessary to demonstrate a stable marital relationship, while five years is the requirement for those applying based on other grounds other than marriage to a citizen. Thus, three years stands out as the correct duration for those married to a U.S. citizen seeking to apply for naturalization.