Seems like people are applying sooner than 3 years after they received their GC

[coocoo 2]

What am I missing? It seems like many people are applying for naturalization 3 months before their 3 year anniversary of receiving their green card. I've been looking through the guidelines and threads for hours and can't find a reason why that works. In other words, I got my GC on August 3 2012 and am married to a US Citizen. When may I file my application? August? May?

Thanks guys and I apologize if I am missing something obvious here.

Coocoo

Edited April 10, 2015 by coocoo

[Villanelle 4,122]

Hmm

Maybe Im misunderstanding your question ?

First paragraph of the guide on here-http://www.visajourney.com/content/naturalization_requirements

• Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:
  
  the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;
  the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and
  the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

If you are filing based on marriage, you can file 90 days before the three year anniversary of receiving your green card.

http://www.uscis.gov/early-filing-calculator

[coocoo 2]

If you are filing based on marriage, you can file 90 days before the three year anniversary of receiving your green card.

http://www.uscis.gov/early-filing-calculator

Yesss, this is exactly what I was asking. Thanks!

Second, kind of unrelated question: My husband and I have been talking ever since we got engaged years ago about who's taking whose name. I took his name, but we made a deal that when we have kids, we'll talk about changing to a hyphenated name. We still haven't had kids and he's not so stoked to take my name. I just noticed that n-400 is providing us a chance to change our name. I'm thinking of changing it back as I really like my maiden name and it shows off my heritage. I wonder if the USCIS is going to be sketched out if I all of a sudden went back to my maiden name now... Has anyone experienced something like this? Can anyone tell me some good reasons for not doing it? I guess they put the option out there for a reason... Is this kinda thing common?

Thanks again for any tips!

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Yesss, this is exactly what I was asking. Thanks!

Second, kind of unrelated question: My husband and I have been talking ever since we got engaged years ago about who's taking whose name. I took his name, but we made a deal that when we have kids, we'll talk about changing to a hyphenated name. We still haven't had kids and he's not so stoked to take my name. I just noticed that n-400 is providing us a chance to change our name. I'm thinking of changing it back as I really like my maiden name and it shows off my heritage. I wonder if the USCIS is going to be sketched out if I all of a sudden went back to my maiden name now... Has anyone experienced something like this? Can anyone tell me some good reasons for not doing it? I guess they put the option out there for a reason... Is this kinda thing common?

Thanks again for any tips!

See question 18. As long as your Oath Ceremony is done in court, you can change your name at that time. Otherwise you will have to have it changed in court.

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/chapter3.pdf

[coocoo 2]

See question 18. As long as your Oath Ceremony is done in court, you can change your name at that time. Otherwise you will have to have it changed in court.

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/chapter3.pdf

I know I can, the question is whether the USCIS is going to take it as a red flag.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I know I can, the question is whether the USCIS is going to take it as a red flag.

I don't see how they possible could since they are giving you the option.