ROC still processing but wife eligible for naturalization

[Bjh 39]

Hey guys-

 

My wife came to the US on a K1 visa and got her conditional 2 year green card March 2021. We filed the ROC about a year ago and it's estimated it'll take until March 2025 to process it.

 

However, since she hasn't moved in the past 3 months, has been married to me (US citizen by birth) >3 years, and has been a lawful permanent resident for >3 years, she's now able to apply for US citizenship.

 

Should we wait for ROC to process or just get started on the N400?

 

Thank you!

[Dashinka 24,480]

It is entirely up to you and her.  My wife followed the same path, and she did file the N400 when her filing window opened, and about 6 months later, she had her US passport.  In my eyes, the N400 runs on its own timeline, and if naturalization is the ultimate goal, there is no real reason not to file when possible.  In some ways it may kick start the ROC process as the I751 is supposed to be transferred to your local office for processing when the N400 has been filed.  That usually happens, but there have been stories where it did not.

 

Anyway, whatever you choose, good luck!

[interprime 27]

If you're eligible to apply now, I say go for it. I got tired of waiting around after being stuck at "fingerprints received" for 2 years and submitted my N-400 last April. Had my interview at the beginning of November with my I-751 still pending. Didn't even call my spouse into the interview, just did the normal N-400 interview and approved my I-751 then and there. I believe people who filed their I-751 at the same time as me without applying for the N-400 are just beginning to see approvals come in now, so it definitely helped. But the main reason for doing it was so I wouldn't have to deal with USCIS ever again.

[nastra30 2,284]

Op, if she wants to be a citizen there's no upside in waiting. Wife should go ahead and file N400 and get the ball rolling. Best case scenario she gets a combo interview; if not, well at least she's gotten the ball rolling.

Good luck.

[Bob in Boston 698]

USCIS probably likes when the N400 is filed. They get both fees and its cleared in a day. Win Win for them and You. Fees going up soon too!

Edited January 30 by Bob in Boston