Am I able to apply for naturalization yet?

[Esya 18]

Hello everyone! I came to the USA based on K1 visa, got married on 07/09/2017, but only received my first green card on 03/20/2018. So, I've been married for at least 3 years, but I haven't had my green card for 3 years. So do I have to wait till March 20, 2021, to be eligible? Also, is there a 90-day period where can I apply, meaning I would be eligible to apply at the end of this month? My other question is, I haven't stayed in the USA all this time, I had one trip for 5.5 months and another one for 3 months, not sure if that affects the whole ''3-year thing''. Thanks!

[Dashinka 24,874]

Yes, March 20, 2021 is the date, but you can apply 90 days prior to that, so your window will open soon assuming you meet all the residency requirements.  Do not apply too early.  The 8 months out of the country should not be an issue, but you need to look at all the residence requirements.

 

Good Luck!

[Esya 18]

2 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

Yes, March 20, 2021 is the date, but you can apply 90 days prior to that, so your window will open soon assuming you meet all the residency requirements.  Do not apply too early.  The 8 months out of the country should not be an issue, but you need to look at all the residence requirements.

 

Good Luck!

Thank you!

[H.Angy 51]

Of course your trips are not an issue. Under 6 months it is ok+ ties(more or less). Between 6 months and 1 year , so so but still ok as long as you kept the ties with the US. More than 1 year, you need a reentry permit.

[aratamorne 165]

So you can actually start the application process online and enter all your information.  It will ask you all your timeline info, marriage date, green card info, foreign travel, etc, and then tell you when you are eligible to apply for citizenship. 

 

https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/apply-for-citizenship