A few simple questions

[msdelila 1]

Hi Everyone,

I've read all of the faqs, but I'm just a little confused about the time to file. Can I still file as early as 90 days ahead of time, like we did when removing conditions? Do you have to factor in short vacations? (e.g. we were on a vacation for 3 weeks in 2012, 1 week in 2011, 1 week in 2010). So do I have to count those 5 weeks from the 3 years (eg. do I send the N400 after 3 years+ 5 weeks), or can I still file after 3 years?

Husband arrived Sept 3rd, 2009, so can I file as early as June 3rd or wait until Sept 3rd, OR wait until Sept 3rd + 5w?

One more question. We did Direct consular filing for the green card. Our packet was sent from Israel to the USA. We never got our marriage certificate or any other documents back. I was told that they were going to keep that package in their files. Will we get those documents back during his interview? I need to send in a copy of our marriage certificate for the N400, and I don't have one. Do I have to try and order a new one, or should I try to locate our documents that they supposidly have.

Thank you.

[nwctzn 55]

Hi Everyone,

I've read all of the faqs, but I'm just a little confused about the time to file. Can I still file as early as 90 days ahead of time, like we did when removing conditions? Do you have to factor in short vacations? (e.g. we were on a vacation for 3 weeks in 2012, 1 week in 2011, 1 week in 2010). So do I have to count those 5 weeks from the 3 years (eg. do I send the N400 after 3 years+ 5 weeks), or can I still file after 3 years?

Husband arrived Sept 3rd, 2009, so can I file as early as June 3rd or wait until Sept 3rd, OR wait until Sept 3rd + 5w?

One more question. We did Direct consular filing for the green card. Our packet was sent from Israel to the USA. We never got our marriage certificate or any other documents back. I was told that they were going to keep that package in their files. Will we get those documents back during his interview? I need to send in a copy of our marriage certificate for the N400, and I don't have one. Do I have to try and order a new one, or should I try to locate our documents that they supposidly have.

Thank you.

- You can file 90 days prior to your 3rd year permanent residence anniversary. Short trips are fine and they do not add to this time. You are fine with the trips you listed. Look at your husband's green card where it says "Resident Since" and add 3 years minus 90 days. Be careful though, it is minus 90 days, not minus 3 months and the application can get rejected if it is filed just by 1 day or 2 days early. What most people do is to leave a 10 day grace period and apply about 80 days earlier (i.e., not 90 days) than their 3rd year residence anniversary.

- I would order and submit a new marriage certificate. Trying to locate your docs with them would take more time and effort. In fact, order two copies so that you have one still with you once you send in your N-400.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi Everyone,

I've read all of the faqs, but I'm just a little confused about the time to file. Can I still file as early as 90 days ahead of time, like we did when removing conditions? Do you have to factor in short vacations? (e.g. we were on a vacation for 3 weeks in 2012, 1 week in 2011, 1 week in 2010). So do I have to count those 5 weeks from the 3 years (eg. do I send the N400 after 3 years+ 5 weeks), or can I still file after 3 years?

Husband arrived Sept 3rd, 2009, so can I file as early as June 3rd or wait until Sept 3rd, OR wait until Sept 3rd + 5w?

One more question. We did Direct consular filing for the green card. Our packet was sent from Israel to the USA. We never got our marriage certificate or any other documents back. I was told that they were going to keep that package in their files. Will we get those documents back during his interview? I need to send in a copy of our marriage certificate for the N400, and I don't have one. Do I have to try and order a new one, or should I try to locate our documents that they supposidly have.

Thank you.

YES you can file 90 days before. As the other member mentioned, it is 90 days which is NOT three months. Be careful of that, and it goes by when they receive it, not when it was postmarked.

You will not get ay documents back from them and you will need to attach a COPY of the marriage certificate to your N-400 AND bring an original AND a another copy with you to the interview. Order a new original. At the interview they will look at the original, keep the copy and return the original. Do not leave without it.