When Can I apply For Naturalization

[Dave H 12]

Hi everyone, long time no see

Just to clear things up as I have seen and read some conflicting reports towards gaining citizenship in America.

I wanted to know when can I apply?

I have lived here since 2011 (April) and married in May. I got my Green Card (2year one) in September 2011and my new Green Card (10 year one) in June this year.

I just want to know so I can get my items together and I have already learned most of the test answers, more than my wife gets

I work long days at the moment bill will check after work.

Thanks in anticipation everyone

Dave

[skysofialila 45]

Use the USCIS calculator to find out when you can apply:

http://www.uscis.gov/early-filing-calculator

If you gained the green card through marriage, it is 3 years minus 3 months from the date on the green card. If you got it through employment, it is 5 years minus three months.

Edited January 8, 2014 by skysofialila

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

It's actually 90 days, not three months,... they WILL deny you if you apply a couple of days early because your month has 31 days in it.

But yes- essentially, look at your greencard, the "resident since..." date on there. Add 3 years, subtract 90 days and that is when you can apply.

[Dave H 12]

Thank you so much for the great advice.

One more thing, does anyone have a list of items that are needed to apply for the citizenship, such as the usual things that I sent off with the previous status updates.

Thanks again

Dave

[Shub 78]

There's a guide to naturalization on this very site: http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_guide

If you go to http://www.uscis.gov/n-400 there is also a document checklist there, I recommend using that. The same document has an eligibility worksheet to help you make sure you can apply at the time you're thinking of applying.

[Dave H 12]

Thanks Shub

I actually found it while doing a search.

Just saving all the docs needed and making a Word document so I don't miss anything

I cannot apply until the end of June but I like to be ready way in advance

Dave

[Dave H 12]

Oooops, one more question.

On the N-400 form in section 7, it asks for dates you were times outside the USA in the last 5 years.

Do I have to calculate all the dates before I came to stay here under my visa. As I have only lived here 3 years (But not traveled outside the USA in this time), so really do I have to put in ALL the days I lived in England before I can me here?

Do I put 0 or do I have to add up all the days I lived in England.

Thanks in anticipation.

Dave

[Shub 78]

Nah, they just want to know how often and how much you were out of the country since you got your green card. If you never left the US during those years, just write down N/A.

[Dave H 12]

Thanks again Shub,

That saved a lot of work lol

You are a STAR

Dave