File then move or move, wait and then file, or hybrid

[westmeetseast 7]

Hello,

I am currently unemployed but anticipate a job offer very soon in a different state and part of the country. We have lived in the state of WA for the entire three plus years my wife has been in the USA. We can file the N-400 paperwork within the next two weeks and my question is:

1--Should we go ahead and file here since this is where we are currently living and meet all requirements and then put in an address change to move the file?

2--Should we move, wait the three months and then file in the new location? This seems the cleanest but would require a wait and push the process into the holidays when we usually travel to Thailand.

3--Should we take a hybrid approach and file in two weeks, keep a residence here and in the new state so my wife can do the biometrics and interview, and then officially move?

Thank you

[JimmyHou 611]

I would go with option 2. Move. Wait 3 months then apply.

As you say, that's the cleanest and safest option.

Option 1 would also work, although you rely on USCIS to correctly process your address change and you rely on the interviewer to understand that the 3 month residence requirement applies to the the time before you file your application and not the time before your interview. I've read about cases where both these issues caused delays. However, USCIS seems to be getting better and more consistent, so this may not be as big a worry as it once was.

Option 3 is, in my opinion, a bad idea. You will have to answer questions about employment at your interview and if he interviewed determines that you're not really residing in his state, then he may decide that he may deny your application. Again, this is subjective, but I wouldn't want to worry about it all the way up to the interview. Also, the intrude may be several months from now, and you don't know how long you'll have to be tied down in Washington.

I'd advise you to choose between the first two depending on your circumstances and how quickly you need to be done with the naturalization process.

[westmeetseast 7]

Thank you. That is what I am thinking too