I (French citizen) started a PhD in computer science in the US one year and a half ago: what can I do to get the US citizenship as quickly as possible?
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There are several options:
Marry a US citizen. Once the US government is satisfied that your marriage is not a sham marriage (i.e.: you didn't get married just for the immigration benefits) - you'll get a green card (permanent residency). After three years as permanent resident married to a US citizen, you can apply for US citizenship.
Get a green card on your own. Either through an employer (EB1/EB2 process) or because you're such a distinguish scholar that the US would want to keep you (EB1 self sponsored process). After 5 years as a permanent resident you can apply for US citizenship.
Have a congressman introduce legislation to the US Congress to grant you a citizenship. Once the bill passes and is signed into law by the President - you'll become a US citizen.
Join the US military. After 4 (IIRC...) years in the military, as long as you're not dishonorably discharged, you can apply for US citizenship.
littleadv
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3Don't forget the chance to win it in the Greencard lottery. – juergen d Mar 22 '14 at 16:09
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Hmm @littleadv... in the #1 option, the 3 years as a permanent resident, are in addition to the 2 years of being a "conditional" permanent residency since it's thru a marriage... isn't? What I'm trying to say is that to become a US Citizen one will pretty much always have to wait at least 5 years, no? Unless you are military (4 yrs) or get a bill thru congress (infinite yrs... ) ;) – unknownprotocol Mar 28 '14 at 21:22
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1@CesarDV no, the 2 years "conditional" are overlapping with the 3 years you have to be married to a US citizen. – littleadv Mar 29 '14 at 00:41
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Thanks, I went with option 2, self-sponsored process. FYI, once you get the green card: What shall one do after receiving a green card? ; I have received the green card: what should I keep track of to be prepared to apply for naturalization in five years? – Franck Dernoncourt Oct 17 '17 at 18:54