N-400 Application - Out of Country documentation

[kiwirst 39]

Filing out my application today and realized that since I moved jobs recently, I no longer have access to what I used for tracking my out of country trips.

 

When the application says 5 years of out of country trip history, how accurate does that have to be (exact date you left and returned)?

 

Would I have to go back to 2017? I think I have all my trips from 2018 through 2022 but the dates aren't the most solid.

[OldUser 6,635]

Are you applying under 3 year rule (marriage based) or 5 year rule?

 

If under 3, provide 3 years of travel history.

If under 5, yes, dating back 5 years.

 

As of today, 5 years ago is January 13, 2018. So any trips after this date.

 

Be as accurate as you can be.

Any inaccuracy may be used against you in N-400 interview.

 

[kiwirst 39]

8 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Are you applying under 3 year rule (marriage based) or 5 year rule?

 

If under 3, provide 3 years of travel history.

If under 5, yes, dating back 5 years.

 

As of today, 5 years ago is January 13, 2018. So any trips after this date.

 

Be as accurate as you can be.

Any inaccuracy may be used against you in N-400 interview.

 

My application is based on marriage and I've been eligible to naturalize for a long time now, pretty much think it's based on the 3 year but not sure to be honest.

 

The form is asking for 5 years.

[Mike E 11,739]

5 minutes ago, kiwirst said:

The form is asking for 5 years

You only need 3 years (because you are filing under 3 year rule). 

Edited January 13, 2023 by Mike E

[Olly_ 29]

Don't file under the 3 year rule if you're eligible under the 5 year rule - it means you'll have to provide a load more paperwork that's not necessary!

[kiwirst 39]

3 minutes ago, Olly_ said:

Don't file under the 3 year rule if you're eligible under the 5 year rule - it means you'll have to provide a load more paperwork that's not necessary!

I'm filing online, there is no way to avoid not giving 5 years of evidence of travel, once I completed the eligibility section that was the only option to provide.

[Olly_ 29]

Perhaps I wasn't clear enough...

 

 

It looks like you've been a permanent resident since 2013 if your signature is correct. If this is the case then (paraphrasing a bit) you should choose the "I've been a lawful permanent resident for 5 years" option rather than the "I've been a lawful permanent resident for 3 years and married to a US citizen" option for your eligibility - if you choose the 3 year option you'll have to provide documentation to prove your marriage is genuine which you could avoid entirely if you go the 5 year route.

[Mike E 11,739]

13 minutes ago, kiwirst said:

I'm filing online, there is no way to avoid not giving 5 years of evidence of travel, once I completed the eligibility section that was the only option to provide.

My wife managed to provide less than 5 years of evidence of travel. In fact she provided less than 3 years because when she filed she had not been an LPR for 3 years. And she still hasn’t been an LPR for 3 years despite having an interview later this month.  
 

Some people get a green card, never travel outside  the USA, and manage to file N-400.

 

Just don’t mention your travels from before 3 years ago.    

[JeanneAdil 6,492]

check your passport(s) for dates of entry to other countries 

and reentry back to US

[mniceguy16 186]

If You have been a LPR for 5 years or more, just do as the others have advised and file your petition based on 5 years, it is easier and statistics have shown that you may be getting an interview faster.