Not on named on lease or utilities bills - problem for N-400?

[summertime2 43]

Hello! I joined my husband in the US on a spousal green card earlier this year. I left the US once for 2 weeks since then. It never occurred to me that when it became time to naturalize, I would need to prove continuous residence in the US. While I have my own US credit card I'm named on and a US bank account, I am not named on my husband's and my lease, internet, or utilities bill. This is because my husband had already set all these up before I joined him. I am not even listed on a cellphone bill, because I joined my husband's family's plan. I am not yet employed but expect to be soon (with a US-based company, of course), however, when my husband and I have children I expect to be a stay-at-home mom for a few years. So I'd imagine by then I'll only be able to provide a year or so of proof of employment in the US.

 

Is all of this going to be a problem for me for the N-400 in 3 years?

[SteveInBostonI130 3,454]

Vacations out of the country do not count against the continued residency requirement, unless they are unusually long.

 

I suggest you get added to your lease.  Depending on the landlord, you may not have certain rights concerning your dwelling, like emergency access (without your husband).

 

Start collecting evidence now of your residence and relationship. Create a file folder or document box.  You will need it for the removal of conditions and citizenship application.

[JeanneAdil 6,510]

your name will be on his tax returns even if filing MFS he has to name spouse and SS #

your DL will list same address

 

nice to be added to a lease, utility bill or credit card 

[randy32 165]

Since you entered the US this year, there is still lots of time to get the needed proof.

N-400 is more about you than about your marriage.

Proof for the first few months is hard but after that it gets easier, you can get added when the lease is renewed or now if not too much issues with the leasing office.

Paycheck stubs, hospital bills, passport and things like that.

 

They list of evidence on the instruction page says "joint accounts and credit card statements". This way they are able to examine the transactions to see that it is being used by you within the US.

Start from page 10 for evidence needed. No need to start stressing unless you plan to stay off the grid  . Also as long as you have your 10 year green card, you don't really have to file the N-400 at the 3 year mark.

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/n-400instr.pdf

[JP John 65]

Contact the companies you mentioned and get added.  It is not difficult.  I had to do the same

[Ontarkie 14,226]

It was not an issues for me. We provided other things with both our names. I still don't have my name on the deed to the house or the utilities.