Application based on Marriage Vs. 5 year residency

[cutiepie28 4]

Good day everyone! Am about ready to send in my application for citizenship, just want some inputs from all the expert advisers here in VJ. I have been here in the US and married to a US citizen for 8 wonderful years. I became a lawful permanent resident 2008. Now my question is, should I still have to go through the based on marriage or the 5 year residency? I know this is a silly question but just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. Thanks!

[newacct 688]

Since you qualify under the 5-year rule, you should file under the 5-year rule, even though you also qualify under the 3-year rule, because the 3-year rule requiers more scrutiny of your marriage.

[cutiepie28 4]

_{That was I thought too, but I just want to make sure. Thank you for the quick and helpful response.}

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi,

File under the 5 years rule. It's less burdensome. You would not need to prove a bona fide marriage as required under the 3 years rule based on marriage to a USC.

Best of luck

[Abenabonady 0]

You can do either one as long as you're still married. However I will recommend filing based on 5year residency because it is less paperwork. No need to prove an ongoing marriage= less paperwork.

[cutiepie28 4]

Thanks to all, VJ is awesome!

[myselfdotcom 0]

ya, use the 5 year rule instead. If you filled through the 3 year marriage rule, you need to submit last 5 years of tax form, marriage cert, bank statements etc...a lot of paper!

Edited July 18, 2015 by myselfdotcom

[chenfamily1 0]

I filed under the 3-year rule and got my interview on July 7th and the IO was a pain in the butt, asking for more proof of out marriage taxes,bills,car insurance, car titles and medical records from 2011 to present now i am stuck waiting for a response from them. I passed all the test but a discussion could not be made.