N-400 Eligibility Question

[Beefheart 31]

Good afternoon, all.

Please note: I have read and re-read the forum's step-by-step guide, the USCIS's numerous requirements and eligibility documents, etc.,  but am still unclear on when, exactly, I am able to apply for Citizenship.

Given that my wife and I have been married for 3 years+ and providing my upcoming AOS interview is successful, how soon after receiving my (ten-year) green card am I eligible to submit form N-400?

Although I will have been residing continuously in the US for over 3 years -- albeit as a non-resident alien -- and will possess a ten-year green card, do I still have to accrue 3 years+ as a 'permanent' resident before being eligible to apply or am I go to go as soon as I receive my green card?

Sorry if the answer to this appears obvious; I've been going around in circles trying to decipher the intricacies of USCIS phrasing and am none-the-wiser for it.

Any solid and accurate information most appreciated.

Best,

Mark

[aleful 1,905]

yes, you have to be a GC holder for at least 90 days if you are married to a USC, and married minimum 3 years

 

90 days prior to your 3 year GC anniversary, you can file for citizenship

 

you have to have both, be married for at least 3 years and be a LPR, legal permanent resident for 3 years

 

the date that you start counting will be on your GC, resident since

 

 

Edited January 11, 2018 by aleful

[Wuozopo 4,293]

 

 

On 1/11/2018 at 3:28 PM, Beefheart said:

Good afternoon, all.

Please note: I have read and re-read the forum's step-by-step guide, the USCIS's numerous requirements and eligibility documents, etc.,  but am still unclear on when, exactly, I am able to apply for Citizenship.

Given that my wife and I have been married for 3 years+ and providing my upcoming AOS interview is successful, how soon after receiving my (ten-year) green card am I eligible to submit form N-400?

Although I will have been residing continuously in the US for over 3 years -- albeit as a non-resident alien -- and will possess a ten-year green card, do I still have to accrue 3 years+ as a 'permanent' resident before being eligible to apply or am I go to go as soon as I receive my green card?

Sorry if the answer to this appears obvious; I've been going around in circles trying to decipher the intricacies of USCIS phrasing and am none-the-wiser for it.

Any solid and accurate information most appreciated.

Best,

Mark

 

Look at your greencard when you receive it. It will say Resident since 2-??-2018 (probably if your interview goes well and your card is issued in February).

 

Add three years to that date on your greencard, so approximately 2-??-2021.

That will be your eligibility date. They allow you to send in your application up to 90 days before that eligibility date or any days, months or years after. Even if you send the application during the allowed 90 days early and it processed really fast, you can not take the oath and be a citizen until your Feb 2021 eligibility date rolls around.

Edited January 13, 2018 by Wuozopo

[Wuozopo 4,293]

Another comment. I don't remember your whole story, but had you married and applied for AOS in 2014 right after your K1 arrival, you would have gotten your greencard in 2015 and been eligible for citizenship this year 2018.  Your delay saved you from removing conditions,  but delayed your citizenship. 

[NikeS 49]

3 years after the “resident since” —/—/20– date, with the option of filing the form at most 90 days before that date.

Yes you have to accrue 3 years as a resident as well.