Can I convert my N400 Paper app to Online (migrate or cancel and reapply?)

[realg 0]

I applied in Sept 2017 thru paper application (Seattle Field Office/Phoenix region) and I am still waiting for interview date (Biometrics done in Oct). I have a 3-5 month trip that I want to make in July and looks like my n400 app will not move that fast and get my citizenship by then. Looks like online applications are moving really fast compared to the paper applications and even though I am totally eligible to apply online was not aware of such an option untill recently!  Is there any way to cancel/withdraw my paper application and reapply thru online (ok to repay the app fee if that is the only issue) or preferably migrate the application to online?  Is that even possible? 

 

[Liam2021 583]

It will took another 3-4 month.BTW, Do not plan any trip last long like that because it's possible you will get the interview when you out of USA.

[Name O Boy 511]

Simply a big NO. You have waited that long and to wait for a month or few months won't harm you, my friend. I am positive you would be done with this process pretty soon, regards. 

[Going through 5,671]

14 hours ago, realg said:

Is there any way to cancel/withdraw my paper application and reapply thru online (ok to repay the app fee if that is the only issue) or preferably migrate the application to online?  Is that even possible? 

You would have to withdraw the paper application (in writing to USCIS), wait until you receive confirmation from them that it has been withdrawn, and then reapply online as a new N400 applicant.  

 

There is no way to transfer/migrate an existing application from paper to online.

 

Withdrawing the paper application is going to make your wait time even longer since you'll have to wait for confirmation from them before going ahead with the online application...and it just sets you back to square one in the queue for adjudication as well.

 

The speed of online applications (I filed online) depends greatly on the speed of the individual field office processing your case.  Some online cases move faster than others---mine took 96 days from filing to oath ceremony, however there are those who filed the same month and year as me and are still waiting for their interviews to even be scheduled.

 

Personally, I would suggest sticking it out with the paper application since you've already come this far already in the process.  In regards to your upcoming travel, I would suggest you shorten your trip so as not to  miss your interview date, OR, have a trusted friend check your mail regularly for any contact from USCIS and inform you immediately should you need to cut your vacation short and fly back in time for your interview (just be sure to update the IO during your interview with the travel dates while your N400 was pending).

[ariendj 39]

Stick the current paper filing. 

I would suggest you to keep an eye on the uscis website every few days even while your on vacation and shorten your trip once you receive the interview date.

There will usually be a gap of 25 to 35 days from the interview letter to the interview date.

If you are going to a place with no internet access then I would suggest you to shorten the trip before hand.

[realg 0]

thanks everyone for the reply. This was very helpful and much appreciated.  Is there any restriction on how long can we be outside of US while on Greencard and awaiting citizenship interview? 

I plan to have a friend watch the post and inform me about the interview date and I can return back for that.  

[marriedtomrg 141]

3 minutes ago, realg said:

thanks everyone for the reply. This was very helpful and much appreciated.  Is there any restriction on how long can we be outside of US while on Greencard and awaiting citizenship interview? 

I plan to have a friend watch the post and inform me about the interview date and I can return back for that.  

As long as it is less than one year, you are good.

 

Otherwise, if you are planning to be outside the US for one year or more, you need to apply for a re-entry permit (I-131).