Considering Naturalization?

[Krikit 1,164]

I was just reviewing the process for Naturalization and came across some really important information which I did not realize. On Form N-400 Application for Naturalization we are required to list all trips outside the US since becoming a lawful permanent resident. Since Canadians tend to travel back and forth quite a bit, this will be a bit of a challenge if we don't keep a record of our trips. We are required to show:

• Dates we left the US
• Dates we returned to the US
• Countries visited
• Total # of days outside the US for each trip

I am SO glad I saw this before I lost track of the information. Luckily, I was able to pull up my flight history and hotel stays online so I could enter the data into a spreadsheet. If you are thinking of becoming a US citizen, you might want to do the same.

[Flames9_RN 358]

yeppers!! I should be keeping better track,lol Im sure I can find the required info on my account with the various airlines I have traveled on. have never driven across, only flown

[Emancipation 2]

Thanks for that tip girlie.. I"ll do the same..

I'm thinking they are cross referencing this information... so what do they have to check if it's a land crossing? Do they swipe your GC or something and get a record of you coming back into the US? Otherwise they'd never know about land crossing trips.

[neiks 19]

I imagine if I'm ever going to be going through that application they will be getting the vise versa reply that I put on the LPR applications when they asked to list the trips to the US.... "Multiple entries to Canada to work, shop, visit. Lengths of absence from US from a few hours to a few weeks." There is no way I will ever be able to keep track.

I'm thinking they are cross referencing this information... so what do they have to check if it's a land crossing? Do they swipe your GC or something and get a record of you coming back into the US? Otherwise they'd never know about land crossing trips.

Yes, generally, they will swipe your GC when you cross at a land border.

[Reba 2]

I think they want this information so they can tally up the days you HAVE been in the US to make sure you are eligible for naturalization.

[KarenCee 3]

I think they want this information so they can tally up the days you HAVE been in the US to make sure you are eligible for naturalization.

Meaning that if you've been absent more than present in the US you might not be eligible? Not that we have that to worry about, but just curious if I understood what you meant.

[Reba 2]

Yeap, exactly.

Guide to Naturalization go to Page 18

[Krikit 1,164]

I imagine if I'm ever going to be going through that application they will be getting the vise versa reply that I put on the LPR applications when they asked to list the trips to the US.... "Multiple entries to Canada to work, shop, visit. Lengths of absence from US from a few hours to a few weeks." There is no way I will ever be able to keep track.

Hmmmm. I had forgotten about that, Neiks. That's so true. When we applied for my visa and they wanted you to list trips to the US, I was like.... . So I had my husband call them because there was absolutely no possible way I could have listed all the trips I'd made to the US in my lifetime. That was just craziness. They told him that all they were looking for was whether someone had stayed beyond their allowable time.... they didn't need to see it all itemized (even though that's how their form is set up). So I ended up entering "numerous trips to the US but none beyond x amount of weeks".

But if their main concern is length of absence, why not just ask only for information on stays lasting longer than six months or so, rather than a request to list all trips. And if they're counting total number of days outside the country based on numerous trips, then they're going to require a tally of each visit.... which is how the form is set up. Sheesh. I just love red tape.

Edited February 17, 2008 by Crikey!

[Flames9_RN 358]

I imagine if I'm ever going to be going through that application they will be getting the vise versa reply that I put on the LPR applications when they asked to list the trips to the US.... "Multiple entries to Canada to work, shop, visit. Lengths of absence from US from a few hours to a few weeks." There is no way I will ever be able to keep track.

Hmmmm. I had forgotten about that, Neiks. That's so true. When we applied for my visa and they wanted you to list trips to the US, I was like.... . So I had my husband call them because there was absolutely no possible way I could have listed all the trips I'd made to the US in my lifetime. That was just craziness. They told him that all they were looking for was whether someone had stayed beyond their allowable time.... they didn't need to see it all itemized (even though that's how their form is set up). So I ended up entering "numerous trips to the US but none beyond x amount of weeks".

But if their main concern is length of absence, why not just ask only for information on stays lasting longer than six months or so, rather than a request to list all trips. And if they're counting total number of days outside the country based on numerous trips, then they're going to require a tally of each visit.... which is how the form is set up. Sheesh. I just love red tape.

get with the game Crikey!! What are you possibly thinking!! Things are suppose to be difficult when dealing with the gov't!! lol If they made it too easy, what else would one have to complain about?? lol

[Krikit 1,164]

get with the game Crikey!! What are you possibly thinking!! Things are suppose to be difficult when dealing with the gov't!! lol If they made it too easy, what else would one have to complain about?? lol

You're right Flames. I consider myself humbly chastised. But if they do decide to make it easy, I may just have to resort to complaining about Heinz ketchup.