Questions re N-400 submission

[Popple77 1]

Hi there,

I am about to submit my N-400 visa. I have held a Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) since 2007 and have only spent 16 days outside of the US in that time, although I have another 17 day trip pending. I have been in my current state for 6 months. So, all in all I think I am eligible. I really want to get going on my application submission ASAP as I have to move in 6 months - possibly back to my home country, but I want US citizenship so that if we choose to come back, it will be easier than reapplying for a green card again (My husband is a US-born citizen and my kids hold dual citizenship with the UK). However, I am about to go on vacation. I would like to submit my application the day I leave. I will be gone for three weeks. That three weeks is a huge chunk of time towards an application when you are in a hurry so you can see why I would like to submit before rather than upon our return. So, my questions are:

1. If I mail in on the 28th March, does any one here think it possible, based on previous experience, that my biometric appointment will happen before I return on April 14th. This is exactly 14 working days or 17 actual days. I would be amazed if I was bought in for biometrics before the 15th, but I would like to hear if it is worth postponing application because of this.

2. Should I go ahead and include this trip on my N-400 application form, even though I will only be at the start of the trip when I submit? I know if I wait until I return, it would definitely need to be on, and I would have to update this information with USCIS if I do not include it on the original application, but since the flights are booked etc, would it be ok to include it in the original application, since by the time I turn up for an interview, I will have completed the trip.

Thanks

[JimmyHou 611]

Hi there,

I am about to submit my N-400 visa. I have held a Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) since 2007 and have only spent 16 days outside of the US in that time, although I have another 17 day trip pending. I have been in my current state for 6 months. So, all in all I think I am eligible. I really want to get going on my application submission ASAP as I have to move in 6 months - possibly back to my home country, but I want US citizenship so that if we choose to come back, it will be easier than reapplying for a green card again (My husband is a US-born citizen and my kids hold dual citizenship with the UK). However, I am about to go on vacation. I would like to submit my application the day I leave. I will be gone for three weeks. That three weeks is a huge chunk of time towards an application when you are in a hurry so you can see why I would like to submit before rather than upon our return. So, my questions are:

1. If I mail in on the 28th March, does any one here think it possible, based on previous experience, that my biometric appointment will happen before I return on April 14th. This is exactly 14 working days or 17 actual days. I would be amazed if I was bought in for biometrics before the 15th, but I would like to hear if it is worth postponing application because of this.

Very, very unlikely.

2. Should I go ahead and include this trip on my N-400 application form, even though I will only be at the start of the trip when I submit? I know if I wait until I return, it would definitely need to be on, and I would have to update this information with USCIS if I do not include it on the original application, but since the flights are booked etc, would it be ok to include it in the original application, since by the time I turn up for an interview, I will have completed the trip.

Thanks

No. Update the information at the interview. It probably won't hurt to include it, but the question asks what trips you took in the past, so it's better to exactly what they are asking for. It'll only take a minute at the interview to say, "i've got one more trip to report".

Also, just FYI, that moving to another state may delay your application (depending on what stage it is in when you move) and that moving abroad may render you ineligible for naturalization even if you have already been interviewed.

Edited March 22, 2016 by JimmyHou

[aayitrun 66]

i wouldnt move out of the country until i have the certificate of naturalization if i were you.

[Popple77 1]

Jimmy Hou - good advice - thank you! I can't imagine them getting on to my biometrics so fast!

aayitrun - I don't plan on moving out before I am naturalized - it's just a preplanned 17 day vacation, and I still have a valid green card so returning shouldn't be a problem. Thank you.

[aayitrun 66]

aayitrun - I don't plan on moving out before I am naturalized - it's just a preplanned 17 day vacation, and I still have a valid green card so returning shouldn't be a problem. Thank you.

right, i meant for your emigration back to your home country after a few months.

[Popple77 1]

right, i meant for your emigration back to your home country after a few months.

Ah, yes, of course. I won't be leaving the US for good until I have my US passport in hand :-) (if ever to be honest)