N-400 Application prior to moving to a different state

[Vadim D. 0]

Hi,

 

In about 3 weeks I will be eligible to submit my N-400 application. 

Currently I am a resident of NJ, but somewhen during the summer I plan to relocate to GA. 

My question is the following: Should I submit my N-400 in 3 weeks and later on change my address or it's better to relocate to GA, wait for 3 months and only then to submit my application?

I know that the avarage waiting time in NJ is significantly shorter than in GA, but I want to make sure that after the relocation I won't be requested to come to the interview in NJ

 

Thanks

 

[Mike E 11,745]

It’s a gamble.  
 

You can apply in weeks and then after your move, hope that USCIS properly records the address change.  VJ and Reddit are full of posts where USCIS fails.   

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Well people only complain when things go wrong, the vast majority actually seem fine. Nobody makes posts just to say “hey they changed my address like they were meant to”. You can also check your account to ensure the address has been updated after you’ve submitted the form. 

 

if that was me I’d personally want to get my application in sooner rather than later, and change address later, but if you are in no particular rush and are very risk averse you can wait till 3 months after you have moved.

 

 

Edited March 18, 2021 by SusieQQQ

[milimelo 4,583]

It will be denied if you’ve left the district and you will have as you moved to GA. Move and wait the requisite three months (get the proof of residency, change your driver’s license) and then apply. 

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Just now, milimelo said:

It will be denied if you’ve left the district and you will have as you moved to GA. Move and wait the requisite three months (get the proof of residency, change your driver’s license) and then apply. 

Sorry, this is flat out incorrect. You are allowed to move after submitting an application.

[milimelo 4,583]

Just now, SusieQQQ said:

Sorry, this is flat out incorrect. You are allowed to move after submitting an application.

You can move all you want but if it’s not in the same district you won’t have the required three months residence - and they are sticklers to that. 

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Just now, milimelo said:

You can move all you want but if it’s not in the same district you won’t have the required three months residence - and they are sticklers to that. 

Please ensure you read the requirements properly. You have to reside in a place three months before you SUBMIT THE APPLICATION. You do not have to reside anywhere for 3 months for the case file to move there and be able to interview there.  We had a case on VJ not too far back of someone who had been in a place with a long wait, moved somewhere with a short wait, got scheduled almost immediately after submitting the change of address and was successful.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Here is the USCIS manual. Note it says nothing at all about having to be in the new place for 3 months, only the place where you file.

https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-d-chapter-6

A. Three-Month Residency Requirement (in State or Service District)

In general, an applicant for naturalization must file his or her application for naturalization with the state or service district that has jurisdiction over his or her place of residence. The applicant must have resided in that location for at least three months prior to filing. 

The term “state” includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). ^[1] The term “service district” is defined as the geographical area over which a USCIS office has jurisdiction. ^[2] 

The service district that has jurisdiction over an applicant’s application may or may not be located within the state where the applicant resides. In addition, some service districts may have jurisdiction over more than one state and most states contain more than one USCIS office.

In cases where an applicant changes or plans to change his or her residence after filing the naturalization application, the applicant is required to report the change of address to USCIS so that the applicant’s A-file (with application) can be transferred to the appropriate office having jurisdiction over the applicant’s new place of residence.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

Sorry @milimelo I’m a little grumpy before I’ve had enough coffee sometimes 

 

 

[.yana 599]

Submit then change the address when settled in GA. Might as well start the process now.

I filed my N400 then moved across the country within weeks of the application. Had my interview on Tuesday where I reside now no issues.