Naturalization

[Tdeboevre 2]

Hello,

 

I have been living in the US since 2012. Married the same year to my US spouse in 2012 too.

I currently have a 10 year Green Card (permanent resident since 07/17/13).

 

My spouse might have a work opportunity in France, which might end up being a one way ticket (which would involve a visa journey for her).

But in the case, we ever come back to the US, I understand I would lose my permanent resident status after a period of time outside the US territory.

 

I am thus considering applying for US citizenship that would solve this issue.

My concern is that the job opportunity would probably happen a couple of months after our second child is born (scheduled early January 2020).

Looking at the current processing times, a naturalization can take 8 to 12 months.

 

I assume there is no quicker path for GC holders, married for over 5 years to a US citizen?

 

So should I still apply for a citizenship? Or don't bother? I imagine you can't finalize your citizenship (interview and/or oath) in a US embassy in a foreign country?

 

TIA,

Thomas

 

[JeanneAdil 6,510]

married 3 years to a USC

and you must be living in the same state and county here in the USA for 3 months before applying

 

[jamrep 105]

It doesn't hurt to go ahead and apply

[xyz12345 260]

imho I think you should apply right now based on the 5-yr residence but make sure you meet other criteria.

 

If you look at the table of N-400 timelines here on VJ, you would see for Indianapolis that the 2018-2019 citizenship timelines took an average of 169 +/- 47 days (for 14 people so far). But if we're talking about data from 2009 to 2019, the average is 140 days +/- 66 (for 48 people). Of course, this is only represents a miniscule amount of actual applicants but I would say that this is pretty consistent. Only problem is if you become the outlier like I was in Jax. Interviews in Indianapolis were held on average 100+/- 38 days after application. That's very fast. Just go for it! If these timelines are are the same for you, you might even be a USC before you leave for France. Good luck!

 

 

Edited September 19, 2019 by xyz12345

[Steve&Anna 3]

Citizenship is forever.   A greencard requires you to live in the US with no large breaks in time or risk losing it.   My opinion is to get your N400 submitted.  

[coloradoman 32]

Does France allow dual citizenship or would you have to petition the French government first if you don’t want to lose your citizenship there (like I had to in Germany)? If the latter is the case, that would add to your timeline. Just a heads up.  

[Tdeboevre 2]

Thank you all. Sending the packet this Saturday morning and hoping for the best!

we shouldn't move before March/April so it could work.

 

@coloradomanFrance allows dual citizenship as long as you are not using your French citizenship while staying in the other country you adopted.