2 Year Permanent Res card to 10 Year and passport

[AleGwi 11]

Yesterday marked the 1 year anniversary of me coming to be with my wife. The 28th marks our 1 year anniversary of marriage.

I've looked around the site and see different things about the next steps. I know roughly (have the information somewhere) about applying for my 10 year permanent resident card 90 days before our 2nd anniversary or something. I have 5 questions:

- What are the exact guidelines of this?

- What will it mean for me once this is done (and how long does it take for a bonus question)

- When can I apply for/get a us passport

- In general, what are the next steps from now until this whole process being done with... Or at least settled.

- Will I need to take an oath AND a history test of some kind? I didn't think I would but some things on here suggest I will need to.

Thanks!

[kzielu 1,153]

First - forget about wedding anniversaries - they're pretty much irrelevant (except a need to be 3 years married when applying for N-400). What's important is your residency anniversary - you will have to apply for 10-year card within 90 day period of your 2-year card expiration date.

- Guideline - I suggest to start with I-751 instruction on USCIS site. That's ultimate official reference with all the adresses and fees listed.

- You will get 10 year unconditional green card. So not really that much. However, if you don't do it, your status will be terminated and you will be removalble from US.

- You can apply for naturalization when your married for 3 years _and_ you have been US resident for 3 years minus 90 days. Google N-400 - plenty of materials on USCIS site.

- Yes - you will have to take test and an oath during naturalization - there is everything you need on USCIS site. Takes about 2 seconds to find it. You will also have to prove you paid taxes, maintained good moral character, have bona-fide marriage.and maintained US residency during that 3 year period.

http://www.uscis.gov/i-751

http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide

http://www.uscis.gov/n-400

Looking at your timeline you will be sending I-751 about a year from now...

Edited January 21, 2015 by kzielu

[Lainie B 465]

Yesterday marked the 1 year anniversary of me coming to be with my wife. The 28th marks our 1 year anniversary of marriage.

I've looked around the site and see different things about the next steps. I know roughly (have the information somewhere) about applying for my 10 year permanent resident card 90 days before our 2nd anniversary or something. I have 5 questions:

- What are the exact guidelines of this?

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-751instr.pdf

- What will it mean for me once this is done (and how long does it take for a bonus question)

You get to remain a green card holder. It can take up to a year. Once approved, you get a 10-year green card.

- When can I apply for/get a us passport

You can apply for a US passport when you become a US citizen

- In general, what are the next steps from now until this whole process being done with... Or at least settled.

You can remain a green card holder for as long as you want. You just need to keep renewing your 10-year green card. Becoming a US citizen is optional

- Will I need to take an oath AND a history test of some kind? I didn't think I would but some things on here suggest I will need to.

Only if you are applying to become a US citizen

Thanks!

[AleGwi 11]

Ok, thanks. Will we get notice of this in the mail or do we just submit it all when the time comes? I can't look at those links right now but will take a look later. I just needed to know this stuff for some work opportunities that have come my way.

I don't have to give up my British passport if I get a US one do I?

[Lainie B 465]

You may or may not get a notice reminding you to file the I-751. Some do, some don't. Don't rely on it. You need to work out when your 90-day window opens.

Also you should be aware of what evidence you need to including in your I-751 filing. You will need to submit a lot of evidence of cohabitation and comingling finances. You should be collecting this right now as it will need to cover the two-year period of your green card residency.

I believe the UK allows dual citizenship.

Edited January 21, 2015 by Lainie B

[Lainie B 465]

Moving post to the Removal of Conditions forum as a more appropriate forum

[Ms Hogan 295]

I got a notice to submit and was surprised but I was already to file exactly 90 days out!