Almost a Citizen

[Gumbi 1]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian , married to an US citizen, and will be a US citizen by next August. Do I really have to file for the status adjustment, to the tune of $600, in order to stay in the States until then? When entering the US through marriage, why don't they just make the permanent resident card valid for 3 years? Is this just an additional money grab? Is there any way around it?

And question #2: I am considering taking a part-time position back in canada over the next year. To still qualify to take the citizenship exam, how much of the next 12 months would I need to be in the States? Is it even necessary to get my citizenship at this point, if I want to be able to work again in the States in the future? or will this final adjustment to my residency card keep me legal to work, even if, say, I went back to canada for a few years?

Thanks

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian , married to an US citizen, and will be a US citizen by next August. Do I really have to file for the status adjustment, to the tune of $600, in order to stay in the States until then? When entering the US through marriage, why don't they just make the permanent resident card valid for 3 years? Is this just an additional money grab? Is there any way around it?

And question #2: I am considering taking a part-time position back in canada over the next year. To still qualify to take the citizenship exam, how much of the next 12 months would I need to be in the States? Is it even necessary to get my citizenship at this point, if I want to be able to work again in the States in the future? or will this final adjustment to my residency card keep me legal to work, even if, say, I went back to canada for a few years?

Thanks

Here is the link to thebUSCIS with info on naturalization process: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextchannel=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextoid=d84d6811264a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

Good luck!

[Harsh_77 718]

For people who entered the country thru valid process it is $600 or to be precise $590, but if you entered the country illegally you can get the workpermit and authorization to stay in the country for 2 years for $480.

That should answer your first question.

Second question you have to be in US for considerable time of the year.

Edited August 20, 2012 by Harsh_77

[Rachel & Tom 9]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian , married to an US citizen, and will be a US citizen by next August. Do I really have to file for the status adjustment, to the tune of $600, in order to stay in the States until then? When entering the US through marriage, why don't they just make the permanent resident card valid for 3 years? Is this just an additional money grab? Is there any way around it?

And question #2: I am considering taking a part-time position back in canada over the next year. To still qualify to take the citizenship exam, how much of the next 12 months would I need to be in the States? Is it even necessary to get my citizenship at this point, if I want to be able to work again in the States in the future? or will this final adjustment to my residency card keep me legal to work, even if, say, I went back to canada for a few years?

Thanks

I would take $600 dollars in a minute... my AOS is 1100 dollars almost....

Good luck =) ......

[Harsh_77 718]

I would take $600 dollars in a minute... my AOS is 1100 dollars almost....

Good luck =) ......

$600 option is when you get your 2 yr card renewed.... so actually $600 is on top of $1100... so you will get that option too eventually.

[Anh map 2,098]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian , married to an US citizen, and will be a US citizen by next August. Do I really have to file for the status adjustment, to the tune of $600, in order to stay in the States until then? When entering the US through marriage, why don't they just make the permanent resident card valid for 3 years? Is this just an additional money grab? Is there any way around it?

And question #2: I am considering taking a part-time position back in canada over the next year. To still qualify to take the citizenship exam, how much of the next 12 months would I need to be in the States? Is it even necessary to get my citizenship at this point, if I want to be able to work again in the States in the future? or will this final adjustment to my residency card keep me legal to work, even if, say, I went back to canada for a few years?

Thanks

You wouldn't be eligible for citizenship if your LPR status expired a year prior to what you see as your eligibility date.

To be eligible for citizenship you would need to remove the condition on your GC as well as meet the residency requirements leading up to that 3 year mark.

There is no requirement to become a citizen. However, if your want to leave the US for a few years and then return, obtaining citizenship would make that a whole lot easier.

Examine the options and choose the best path for you and your family.