N400: Estimated time until case decision based on eligibility

[bolobao 1]

I filed my case initially with the eligibility option A.) Have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years, and the estimated time until case decision is approximately 26 months.

 

I just realized that I could have chosen eligibility option B.) Have been a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. for at least 3 years, and have been married to and living with the same U.S. born citizen spouse for the last 3 years.

 

I'm wondering if the estimated time varies based on eligibility options. Would option B take less time to receive case decision? If so, can I change my eligibility option after filing my case?

[Mike E 11,739]

N-400 based on 3 years

of marriage to a usc requires more evidence and can take longer to adjudicate 

[bolobao 1]

1 minute ago, Mike E said:

N-400 based on 3 years

of marriage to a usc requires more evidence and can take longer to adjudicate 

So I guess I'm better off filing with being a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years? I can't believe how long the estimated time is (26 months)! That's why I was wondering if it would take less time to file with US spouse support.

 

Thanks for your reply!  

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

13 minutes ago, bolobao said:

So I guess I'm better off filing with being a lawful permanent resident for at least 5 years? I can't believe how long the estimated time is (26 months)! That's why I was wondering if it would take less time to file with US spouse support.

 

Thanks for your reply!  

Local office is a factor.  We just filed my wife's N-400 online based on the 5 year rule.  The application was quite easy.  USCIS says estimated time = 13 months. 

Filing based on 3 year rule would require a lot of the evidence used for I-751.

Edited August 10, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[entoutcas 11]

I filed in January based on 5 year rule, estimated wait time was showing up as 13 months but I just passed my interview so it was a shorter timeline.  

[Sofitalian 134]

On 8/10/2022 at 3:07 PM, Crazy Cat said:

Local office is a factor.  We just filed my wife's N-400 online based on the 5 year rule.  The application was quite easy.  USCIS says estimated time = 13 months. 

Filing based on 3 year rule would require a lot of the evidence used for I-751.

What does "a lot of the evidence" mean? I read the guide in the VJ website. Those documents look pretty basic (tax filing, mortgage).

[Mike E 11,739]

1 hour ago, mave said:

What does "a lot of the evidence" mean? I read the guide in the VJ website. Those documents look pretty basic (tax filing, mortgage).

Some  LPRs applying for a passport under the 3 year rule get surprised  when the N-400 interview letter demands they bring their citizen spouse’s original evidence of citizenship (US birth certificate, CRBA, naturalization certificate, certificate of citizenship).  
 

They are surprised because their spouse lost that document years ago or in some cases never had it (e.g. their spouse was born abroad and acquired citizenship through their parent).  
 

The majority of these folks manage to be naturalized with their spouse’s passport. Some get an RFE. I imagine most eventually give up and file again under the 5 year rule.  

[Mike E 11,739]

1 hour ago, mave said:

What does "a lot of the evidence" mean? I read the guide in the VJ website. Those documents look pretty basic (tax filing, mortgage).

Also you are not looking at the same guide I am looking at:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/guides/us-naturalization/ has a section for the 3 year rule:

 

“you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following four items:”

And it turns  that isn’t enough.  You need either fe that you’ve been living together during those 3 years. At least one VJ member got tripped up because the couple was

living in different countries in day 1 of the 3 year period because the alien spouse was waiting for the immigration visa. 

 

 

 

[Sofitalian 134]

12 minutes ago, Mike E said:

Also you are not looking at the same guide I am looking at:

 

https://www.visajourney.com/guides/us-naturalization/ has a section for the 3 year rule:

 

“you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following four items:”

And it turns  that isn’t enough.  You need either fe that you’ve been living together during those 3 years. At least one VJ member got tripped up because the couple was

living in different countries in day 1 of the 3 year period because the alien spouse was waiting for the immigration visa. 

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing. Yes, I was looking at this guide and also the USCIS website. In my case, I think I would apply under the 3-year rule when the time comes.