GC Next Steps

[Mark UK 3]

Dear all,

It looks after a delay of six months (short by comparison to some here, but it felt like a very long time!), the CIS have ordered production of my I-485.

What is the next step for me? I know that my Green Card is conditional based on marriage and I think that I have to apply in two years’ time to remove those conditions. I presume at that point, my wife and I will be called in for an interview to ensure that our marriage is bona fide. Is it at that point that I can apply to become a naturalized US citizen? If so, how long does it take (roughly, of course) for me to become naturalized after I apply?

Finally, I can leave the country once I have the card in my paws, right? Niagara here I come…

(Does my wife (USC) need a passport to cross the land border at Niagara Falls? Or do USCs only need passports to go to Canada if they fly?)

TIA

Mark

[Jashley820 0]

Dear all,

It looks after a delay of six months (short by comparison to some here, but it felt like a very long time!), the CIS have ordered production of my I-485.

What is the next step for me? I know that my Green Card is conditional based on marriage and I think that I have to apply in two years’ time to remove those conditions. I presume at that point, my wife and I will be called in for an interview to ensure that our marriage is bona fide. Is it at that point that I can apply to become a naturalized US citizen? If so, how long does it take (roughly, of course) for me to become naturalized after I apply?

Finally, I can leave the country once I have the card in my paws, right? Niagara here I come…

(Does my wife (USC) need a passport to cross the land border at Niagara Falls? Or do USCs only need passports to go to Canada if they fly?)

TIA

Mark

Hi Mark,

Congrats on getting your GC! I don't know when you were married, but you'll probably get a 2 year conditional Green Card. You will have to submit paperwork to lift conditions 90 days prior to your GC expiry date. I am not sure what USCIS does once the paperwork is filed- you may or may not get an interview.

I believe there is a permanent residence requirement of somewhere between 3 -5 years before you can apply to be naturalized.

You have full travel privledges once you have the GC in your hand. Make sure if you're flying anywhere you and your wife both have your passports. Passports are not required for land crossing, but I would carry yours with your Green Card and ensure your wife has at least her drivers license and birth certificate.

Hope this helps! I am not an expert but I am sure others will come along to discuss the lifting of conditions and naturalization.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Congrats on the greencard...... yes you have to file to remove the conditions 90 days before the expiry of your greencard..... you can apply for citizenship 90 days before the 3rd anniversary of the date you were approved as a LPR.... based on being married to a USC..

Kez

[Laura_and_IanM 0]

Dear all,

It looks after a delay of six months (short by comparison to some here, but it felt like a very long time!), the CIS have ordered production of my I-485.

What is the next step for me? I know that my Green Card is conditional based on marriage and I think that I have to apply in two years’ time to remove those conditions. I presume at that point, my wife and I will be called in for an interview to ensure that our marriage is bona fide. Is it at that point that I can apply to become a naturalized US citizen? If so, how long does it take (roughly, of course) for me to become naturalized after I apply?

Finally, I can leave the country once I have the card in my paws, right? Niagara here I come…

(Does my wife (USC) need a passport to cross the land border at Niagara Falls? Or do USCs only need passports to go to Canada if they fly?)

TIA

Mark

Mark, as it stands right now, the USC does not need a passport for Canada but I believe in 2008 that is when you will definately need one. I only live like 30 minutes from the Canadian border at the falls. My hubby and I were just there not to long ago and they never asked me to see my passport. Although you do need your drivers identification.

[Mark UK 3]

Thanks, guys,

So, basically, the steps are:

2 years minus 90 days after I receive my GC, I apply for removal of conditions

3 years minus 90 days after I receive my GC, I apply for naturalization

Whenever CIS gets to a stage in my naturalization process, I'll be interviewed

If approved at the interview, I schedule an oath ceremony

At the oath ceremony, I hand in my GC and get a nice shiny certificate

Will I most likely have to attend an interview for the removal of my conditions? I expect I definitely will need to for the naturalization.

Also, I am hearing conflicting reports as to whether my wife would need a passport to go across the Friendship Bridge at Niagara and into Canada. I think I'll take your advice over my co-workers as you live near the Falls, Laura . However, I'll pester my wife to get a passport as we'll need it if we go and visit Britland next year.

Thanks a lot!

[Jashley820 0]

Thanks, guys,

So, basically, the steps are:

2 years minus 90 days after I receive my GC, I apply for removal of conditions

3 years minus 90 days after I receive my GC, I apply for naturalization

Whenever CIS gets to a stage in my naturalization process, I'll be interviewed

If approved at the interview, I schedule an oath ceremony

At the oath ceremony, I hand in my GC and get a nice shiny certificate

Will I most likely have to attend an interview for the removal of my conditions? I expect I definitely will need to for the naturalization.

Also, I am hearing conflicting reports as to whether my wife would need a passport to go across the Friendship Bridge at Niagara and into Canada. I think I'll take your advice over my co-workers as you live near the Falls, Laura . However, I'll pester my wife to get a passport as we'll need it if we go and visit Britland next year.

Thanks a lot!

You definitely don't need a passport for land crossings at this time. Just make sure she has her Birth Certificate and Drivers License with her.

Oh, and sorry to burst your bubble, but the naturalization certificate is a boring piece of paper. My hubby has one- it's definitely not shiny! Hahah!