Hopefully quick question!

[bettypentiér44 12]

Hey,

So I a while away from this step yet (in AOS process coming over as K1), however I like to plan ahead so I know what to expect - hate leaving things to the last minute!

So, I know when I get this greencard I can apply to ROC after 2 years, then I'll be issued one that lasts 10 years (please correct me if I'm wrong!). So my question would be, can I apply for dual citizenship before that 10 year greencard expires, or do I have to wait till near the end?

Thanks

[Messybrownhair 251]

If you apply based on the 3 year rule, then the general rule is 3 years married + 3 years of being a permanent resident. So you can apply once you have been a GC holder for 3 years minus 90 days.. Hope that makes sense

You can also wait a little more and apply based on being a permanent resident for 5 years..

Some things to consider are leaving the country for over 6 months, that can affect your eligibility and set you back.

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Resources/Citizenship%20%26%20Naturalization%20Based%20Resources/A%20Guide%20to%20Naturalization/PDFs/M-480.pdf

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hey,

So I a while away from this step yet (in AOS process coming over as K1), however I like to plan ahead so I know what to expect - hate leaving things to the last minute!

So, I know when I get this greencard I can apply to ROC after 2 years, then I'll be issued one that lasts 10 years (please correct me if I'm wrong!). So my question would be, can I apply for dual citizenship before that 10 year greencard expires, or do I have to wait till near the end?

Thanks

Your greencard will have an issue date on it. For example 10-10-14

Two years later it expires. 10-10-16

You need to apply to renew the card (Remove Conditions) before expiration. The earliest they will accept your application is 90 days before the expiration. You get a new card that expires 10-10-26.

One year later 10-10-17 (three years after your 1st greencard) you are eligible to become an American citizen as long as you are still married to your K1 American petitioner. You will do some proof of marriage documentation. The earliest they will accept your application is 90 days before the eligible date. You can wait as long as you want. There is no deadline.

Five years after your first greencard 10-10-19 you are eligible whether you stay married or not. If you wait five years there is no requirement to prove marriage so less documents to include. The earliest they will accept your application is 90 days before the eligible date if you are using the five year plan not based on marriage. Other greencard holders like those based on work must wait five years. Marriage to a USC gives you a perk of eligible after three years of being a permanent resident.

Should you spend a lot of time out of the US, you are putting your 3 year clock on pause. In that case, you wouldn't reach your eligible date exactly three years after getting your greencard. They detail how long and what counts toward pausing the clock on USCIS.gov . It's not short vacation trips.

[bettypentiér44 12]

Awesome, thanks you guys for your responses!