Over 5 years or spouse of US citizen ?

[C&T 0]

My spouse could apply either way, having been a US resident for over 5 years or as having been the spouse of a US Citizen for more than 3 years. Is there a difference? Is one method preferred over the other? Perhaps faster? The only difference I see is that it seems like less supporting documentaion is needed to file as having been a US resident for over 5 years. Thanks

[Okalian 41]

Applying as a souse is only if you're trying to use the 3-year rule.

[OKflyboy 35]

My spouse could apply either way, having been a US resident for over 5 years or as having been the spouse of a US Citizen for more than 3 years. Is there a difference? Is one method preferred over the other? Perhaps faster? The only difference I see is that it seems like less supporting documentaion is needed to file as having been a US resident for over 5 years. Thanks

No difference as far as faster or slower. Less paperwork with the 5-year application.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,235]

Even if you are married for 50 years to the same spouse, the very day you have been a LPR for 5 years you file based on residency, not marriage.

Do you understand why?

[v333k 59]

There is no difference in speed. Even if you check the 3-year box on your N-400, the IO will cross it and check the 5 years instead...

[NickD 202]

A huge amount of paper work with the three year, practically nothing with the five year, plus a lot longer interview to prove your relationship. The advantage of the three year, can tear up that I-864 and the AR-11, and for two years, don't have to walk around with your green card stapled to your forehead. Oh, but my wife got to vote in a local election where 95% of the candidates ran unopposed. They did let me go into the booth with her to help her with one referendum that used three negative sentences that twisted her brain.

Was my main goal to quit having to drive down to Chicago to renew her foreign passport, but that didn't work, still has to maintain it to visit her mom. If both of you had previous marriages, that can really stack up the paper work and I already proved I was a US citizen and we were free to marry so she could get her green card. Have to do all this stuff all over again for the three year. But another advantage of the three year thinking about divorces. You are finally divorcing your relationship with the USCIS!

[Toommy43 0]

I have the same eligibility as well. But my husband is not with me right now, he's working abroad. Would that be a problem? Should I pick 5 years of Permanent Resident instead of through married US citizen?? Anyone know??

[Dakine10 5,452]

I have the same eligibility as well. But my husband is not with me right now, he's working abroad. Would that be a problem? Should I pick 5 years of Permanent Resident instead of through married US citizen?? Anyone know??

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/325360-over-5-years-or-spouse-of-us-citizen/page__view__findpost__p__4854317