File 3 years with spouse or wait until 5 years?

[Kristal 0]

Hi all should I file for citizenship with my spouse or should I wait for the five years? Does it really matter? I just want to know which way is easier to file for citizenship. My three year option will open in Novemever

[Dave&Roza 748]

Hi all should I file for citizenship with my spouse or should I wait for the five years? Does it really matter? I just want to know which way is easier to file for citizenship. My three year option will open in Novemever

It is really up to you. At the three year mark they will want more relationship stuff than at the five year mark, but what if a situation arises and you suddenly want to go live some place besides the US for an extended period of time--i.e. more than 1 year. As a USC, you do not need to worry about maintaining your LPR status. Also there is the issue for travel and visa requirements for your home country verses those for a USC. Those and being able to vote are the benefits. As a LPR you already have the done side of having to file an income tax return on worldwide income. Another benefit is the ability of a USC to get their Social Security anywhere in the world.

My wife is eligible for USC right now, but she does not want to file just yet. The ability to travel most of the world visa free is beginning to appeal to her, but so far we are not in any hurry. My Aunt never became a USC and just renewed her GC every 10 years. So this is a personal choice that you need to decide, but if you are thinking of become a USC, you might want to do it sooner rather than later.

Good luck,

Dave

[Kristal 0]

Thanks for the detailed reply, it helped a lot in making my decision.

[NickD 202]

Major prompt for us, wife never received her ten year green card.

But applying for US citizenship took care of this to finally receive her ten year card only to give it right back. She could vote in a local unopposed election, but still has to maintain her foreign passport due to an agreement with our DOS and her home country. Nothing gained here.

Would define the evidence for citizenship as a combination of everything we already sent in for the AOS and I-751, that was a huge pile of paper to gather again. Don't have to do this for the five year.

Her 45 minute interview consisted mostly of trying to convince her IO we had a valid marriage for the three year. If the five year, interview should be less than ten minutes.

Do your have your ten year card? Planning on working for the government? Do you plan to travel to other countries besides your home country? Are you excited about voting this November? Just some reasons. Price is the same either way, unless the USCIS is planning on another huge fee increase.

[Messybrownhair 251]

I applied based on 3 years because I wanted to get it over and done with. Its really up to you

[Udella&Wiz 325]

Up to you - I personally wanted to get it out of the way. It wasn't hard to provide the evidence required to show financial co-mingling in my opinion. My interview was 10 minutes long.

My daughter recently had her interview (based on 5 yrs) - her interview was also about 10-15 minutes. We had our papers in order on both occasions and were ready.