Question from a newbie

[zoony 0]

Hello ,

I have a question about the Naturalization process. I recevied my GC on May 20 2004 and have been out of the US once for 3 weeks and a three times for a week or less. I think I was eligible to apply Feb 20 2009 ( based on the 4yrs and 9 mths) . I also have to go India in April and so did not apply thinking I would miss the fingerprint notice. My questions are as below:

1. If I apply within the next two days , how long does it usually take to receive the FP notice.Would it be a good idea to apply asap ?

2. Can I apply and leave the country for 3 weeks

3. What is the estimated processing time these days ( I live in Herndon , VA and need to send my application to Vermont SC)

I would appreciate your help in clarifying my queries.

Thanks ,

karthik

[YuAndDan 153]

1) It all depends on how busy your local ASC office is, usually within 1 month or so. Alexandra VA will be the office that does fingerprints.

2) Yes, however if Biometrics is scheduled for a date during your leave this may be inconvenient.

3) Your field office (WASHINGTON DC) is processing N-400 within 5 months:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp

Too be safe, why not wait until after your trip to file, or have someone file it for you while you are on your trip.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=63749

Profile details please "Filed for Naturalization" NOT N/A http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...rCP&CODE=01

Edited March 17, 2009 by YuAndDan

[zoony 0]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply . I have one more question though.

I was born 02/01/1974 and came to the USA in December 1998 on and H1B visa . I got my GC in May 2004 . I am reading about the selective service and have never received any mail regarding the same. It says on the SSS.gov website that " Lawful non-immigrants on visas" do not have to register. So was I an "lawful non-immigrant " while I was on the H1B . I got my GC in May 2004 by which time I was 30 years.

Again appreciate all of your help.

Karthik

[YuAndDan 153]

Thank you very much for the prompt reply . I have one more question though.

I was born 02/01/1974 and came to the USA in December 1998 on and H1B visa . I got my GC in May 2004 . I am reading about the selective service and have never received any mail regarding the same. It says on the SSS.gov website that " Lawful non-immigrants on visas" do not have to register. So was I an "lawful non-immigrant " while I was on the H1B . I got my GC in May 2004 by which time I was 30 years.

Again appreciate all of your help.

Karthik

Then you should be fine.

http://www.sss.gov/MUST.HTM (Chart indicates that NON-Immigrant do not need to register (Only Undocumented, and permanet residents do))

[zoony 0]

Thank you very much for your help.

[Lappa1 0]

It will take only a couple of days to receive the Bio letter and almost one month to get the interview letter. The best option for you is come back from India before you send your N-400 application.

[jasminelily 1]

It will take only a couple of days to receive the Bio letter and almost one month to get the interview letter. The best option for you is come back from India before you send your N-400 application.

I agree with Lappa1. Wait till you come back from your trip then file, otherwise you might miss the biometrics appointment, usually missing biometrics appointment means abandon the case and you don't want that to happen because you have to refile and pay the fee again.

Edited March 17, 2009 by jasminelily

[zoony 0]

Thank you guys for your help in answering my questions.

[AusCal 3]

t, usually missing biometrics appointment means abandon the case

Not true - if you miss your biometrics appointment, you can do it as a "walk-in" within the next 30 days.

However, why mess with this unless there is an urgency to getting your citizenship. At most, fill it our before you leave, and have someone mail it for you about 10 days before you are due to come back.

[queendlee 0]

t, usually missing biometrics appointment means abandon the case

Not true - if you miss your biometrics appointment, you can do it as a "walk-in" within the next 30 days.

However, why mess with this unless there is an urgency to getting your citizenship. At most, fill it our before you leave, and have someone mail it for you about 10 days before you are due to come back.

I concur w/ Auscal

[jasminelily 1]

t, usually missing biometrics appointment means abandon the case

Not true - if you miss your biometrics appointment, you can do it as a "walk-in" within the next 30 days.

However, why mess with this unless there is an urgency to getting your citizenship. At most, fill it our before you leave, and have someone mail it for you about 10 days before you are due to come back.

I concur w/ Auscal

Oh! Thanks for the correction! I didn't know that but thanks sincerely for the enlightment.

[zoony 0]

Thanks again . I can actually have someone mail it while I am away , but what about the trip details , don't I have to include that also.?

[AusCal 3]

Thanks again . I can actually have someone mail it while I am away , but what about the trip details , don't I have to include that also.?

If you complete the application before you leave, you should sign and date it with the actual date - this will be before your trip, so, you won't include the details of the trip you are about to take. When you go to your interview, the IO will ask if you have travelled since you completed the application, tell them about this trip at that point.

Edited March 18, 2009 by AusCal