My wife green card expires in about 6 months, is it time to apply for citizeneship?

[baltoro 27]

I thought we have to wait for 3 years before my wife can apply for citizenship but I noticed today her green card expires in Sept of this year. She entered into US in Sept of 2014. That means her green card was issued for 2 years.

We were married in 2012 and my wife did wait for 1.5 years in her native country when her green card application was being processed.

Does this mean we can actually file for her citizenship/naturalization now( 6 months before its due)? or should we be renewing her green card otherwise? I am confused but feeling excited if she eligible to apply this year!

If not what does this means that her green card was issued for only 2 years and not 3? Thanks!

[Georgia16 2,858]

No you'll have to remove conditions first (10 year green card).... But you can file for citizenship before the card gets there if you are with in the right timeline.

[Kastrs 723]

She can file up to 90 days before her 3rd anniversary of becoming a resident-so June of 2017, first you will need to file RoC for your current GC in order to keep her legal status and get the 10 year GC

[teeak 224]

If your wife entered the US when you both were married for less than 2 years then she would have been issued a 2 year green card. In this case, you will need to file to remove the conditions: http://www.visajourney.com/content/751guide

During this process, you need to provide evidence of your bona fide marriage and possibly attend an interview. If the ROC is approved, she will receive a 10 year green card.

She can still apply for citizenship in 3 years but, you must file the ROC application within the last 90 days of the green card expiration (before it expires).

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

***** Moving from US citizenship to ROC (Removal of Conditions) forum, as Op needs to do that process first *****

[andy78 178]

What your wife has is a 2-year conditional green card. The next step is to apply for "removal of conditions", to obtain a 10-year green card. After your wife has been a permanent resident for a total of three years, she can apply for citizenship. She must file for removal of conditions before her 2-year green card expires, in order to remain in status. If this is the first time you hear about this process, you might want to consult an attorney, in addition to reviewing the I-751 guide link provided earlier.

Edited March 3, 2016 by andy78

[baltoro 27]

Thank you all. I didn't know that but I followed up with USCIS website and will file for RoC when hit the 90 day mark.

Edited March 3, 2016 by baltoro

[Penny Pincher 11]

Thank you all. I didn't know that but I followed up with USCIS website and will file for RoC when hit the 90 day mark.

Too bad she came in the USA after 1.5 years married. If she entered in 2 yrs relationship as Married, she could have gotten a 10 yr GC and a not 2 yr GC. Anyways, its in the past. We almost have same timeline.