When exactly can you file for citizenship

[Rapha85 6]

Hi,

I married my American wife in 2016, after the whole cr1 process was completed I came here on 01/16/2020 and I’m a resident with a permanent greencard. 

However, I would like to apply for citizenship. But my question is, do I have to wait till 01/16/2023 when it’s been exactly 3 years that I would be living in the usa. Or can I start the whole process a few months earlier? How long are the processing times right for the N400? 
Thank you

[nastra30 2,239]

2 hours ago, Rapha85 said:

Hi,

I married my American wife in 2016, after the whole cr1 process was completed I came here on 01/16/2020 and I’m a resident with a permanent greencard. 

However, I would like to apply for citizenship. But my question is, do I have to wait till 01/16/2023 when it’s been exactly 3 years that I would be living in the usa. Or can I start the whole process a few months earlier? How long are the processing times right for the N400? 
Thank you

+Assuming you meet all other requirements to naturalize, your earliest filing date will be 10/ 18/2022 (1/16/2023 - 90 days)

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/uscis-early-filing-calculator

 

+Processing times is dependent on your local USCIS office.

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

 

+Note: When filing online do not submit exactly on the 90days. Because of a glitch those who submitted exactly on 90days online were not approved. Wait a couple to few more days before submitting online. Paper submission is also an option but I'll recommend online. Good luck.

[powerpuff 6,465]

~~ Topic moved from CR1/IR1 forum to US citizenship forum - question is about naturalization ~~

[Mobius1 175]

Use this link:

 

https://www.timeanddate.com/date/dateadd.html

 

Assuming you are a LPR since 01/16/2020 and are applying under 3 year rule, you can apply for n400 on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at the earliest. However, just give a cushion of 1 extra day to avoid any misunderstandings and apply on Wednesday, October 19, 2022

 

Some lawyers (including Jim Hacking) recommend applying on paper instead of online since their online system is prone to glitches and often times selects the wrong entry than the one intended.

Edited October 4, 2022 by Mobius1

[randy32 165]

The rule is 90 days before the date on the date in your case, 01/16/2020.

Don't try to be smart and file on the exact date, 10/18/2022.

 

At least 10/19/2022, an additional couple days will not hurt.

Due to days in a leap year and how USCIS counts the days, the additional days will help prevent you from submitting early.

Even one day too early can lead to a rejection that you will get months later

[Rapha85 6]

Okay great, thanks all