To become a US Citizen you must complete a process known as Naturalization. See Section 8 of the FAQ's for general information on becoming a US Citizen.
Here is the USCIS FAQ on becoming a Citizen of the US.
Full Version: General Info on Naturalization
Please see the next post for a comprehensive list of links to uscis.gov
USCIS Fact Sheets For Naturalization
The multi-language Guide to Naturalization is a downloadable document to help you prepare for naturalization to US Citizenship. Everyone should read this through completely. Remember that form fees and mailing instructions change before the Guide or the forms. ALWAYS check the form download page at uscis.gov for up to date forms, fees and mailing instructions!
A Guide to Naturalization
General Naturalization Requirements
Naturalization
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases
Family Members of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Waiver for Spouses: 3 years instead of 5
In general, if you have been a Permanent Resident for three years and have been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years AND you meet the other criteria (Residence and Physical Presence, Good Moral Character, Language etc), you are eligible for naturalization.
So called "conditional residents" are Permanent Residents nonetheless.
5. When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card). Click here to view a sample card.
Physical Presence Is Important!
"An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:
-has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see preceding section);
-has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;
-has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)
-has resided within a state or district for at least three months"
(for spouses of US Citizens filing under the "3 year" exception rule, change all "5 year" notes to 3 years)
Note from me: From the day you become a Permanent Resident, start keeping track of ALL time spent out of the US, including dates and dates of travel. Keep this list in one place, where it is easy for you to get at, and it will make completing N-400 much, much easier! Especially good idea for Canadians who cross the border a lot. Everyone should save whatever travel documentation available should it be required.
Fun!
Study materials in many languages, Flash Cards and test questions:
Civics and Citizenship Study Materials
100 Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers
These include the actual interview questions. Applicants should know all 100 questions, although a random 10 are selected and asked in the interview.
"There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:"
(see this page for more info)
(I'm still looking for the new version of this page, if anyone has it)
There are also special rules for children. Please see this page for Children's Citizenship information:
Citizenship of Children
See the links on the right side of the page.
Info for Military Personnel and their families:
Naturalization Information for Military Personnel
A MUST read:
Dual Citizenship FAQ
Dual Nationality and
United States Law
by Rich Wales
http://www.richw.org/dualcit/
Read here before you swear:
Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens
QUOTE
Citizenship is one of the most priceless gift that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most priceless immigration benefit that USCIS can grant.
The multi-language Guide to Naturalization is a downloadable document to help you prepare for naturalization to US Citizenship. Everyone should read this through completely. Remember that form fees and mailing instructions change before the Guide or the forms. ALWAYS check the form download page at uscis.gov for up to date forms, fees and mailing instructions!
A Guide to Naturalization
General Naturalization Requirements
Naturalization
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases
Family Members of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Waiver for Spouses: 3 years instead of 5
In general, if you have been a Permanent Resident for three years and have been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years AND you meet the other criteria (Residence and Physical Presence, Good Moral Character, Language etc), you are eligible for naturalization.
So called "conditional residents" are Permanent Residents nonetheless.
5. When does my time as a Permanent Resident begin?
Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card). Click here to view a sample card.
Physical Presence Is Important!
"An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:
-has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see preceding section);
-has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;
-has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)
-has resided within a state or district for at least three months"
(for spouses of US Citizens filing under the "3 year" exception rule, change all "5 year" notes to 3 years)
Note from me: From the day you become a Permanent Resident, start keeping track of ALL time spent out of the US, including dates and dates of travel. Keep this list in one place, where it is easy for you to get at, and it will make completing N-400 much, much easier! Especially good idea for Canadians who cross the border a lot. Everyone should save whatever travel documentation available should it be required.
Fun!
Study materials in many languages, Flash Cards and test questions:
Civics and Citizenship Study Materials
100 Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers
These include the actual interview questions. Applicants should know all 100 questions, although a random 10 are selected and asked in the interview.
"There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:"
(see this page for more info)
(I'm still looking for the new version of this page, if anyone has it)
There are also special rules for children. Please see this page for Children's Citizenship information:
Citizenship of Children
See the links on the right side of the page.
Info for Military Personnel and their families:
Naturalization Information for Military Personnel
A MUST read:
Dual Citizenship FAQ
Dual Nationality and
United States Law
by Rich Wales
http://www.richw.org/dualcit/
Read here before you swear:
Oath of Allegiance for Naturalized Citizens
That is one awesome post, Mo. It'll be a great resource for anyone planning to naturalize. 
ANSWERING MOST BASIC QUESTIONS: 
>WHEN exactly can we apply for US Citizenship?
THE 3 YEARS START AFTER THE DATE ON YOUR CONDITIONAL (2 YEARS) PERMANENT RESIDENT GREEN CARD STARTS... Plus you also have to be married to your US Citizen Spouse for 3 years by then. Logically this is automatically the case since you had to be married to file for the AOS in the first place and gee if you came thousands of miles to be with the love of your life it would again be logical that "only" 3 years married to them isn't a hard requirement at all since you plan on staying the rest of your life with that person, right?
>DO YOU QUALIFY To Become A US Citizen?
>HOW... THE STEPS in the process...
>WHAT is needed? Download the newest form from HERE and find out how much it will cost.
>WHERE do you apply?
>WHY should you apply?
>About DUAL CITIZENSHIPS...
>For the interview/ test... SAMPLE TESTS, MORE SAMPLE TESTS
Those sites above also have good links on more information on the other things concerning US Citizenship (like getting a passport, etc.). Most are DIY tips and tricks so you don't need a lawyer that will waste thousands of your hard earned dollars...
Remember, IMHO, keep your package neat, tidy and organized so it is easy to read and to go through. Try to be as throrough as possible. More pictures/ prove of marriage is always better than less, more good references (hmmm did I spell that right? 
) from work will only help showing your good intentions of wanting to become a US Citizen. For instance... if you already volunteer a lot of your time for the welfare of the homeless animals of the US or anything else that is good and posittive it will show that you don't waste your free time on plotting a terrorist attack 
All that combined logically also proves that you came to America for and because of your love for your SPOUSE and not for the American dollars or the American Citizenship only... 
TOO many US guys and US gals have been misused... Also it would not hurt if you can show you have always been legal and law abiding while you were in the US... gee that would already be more than the illegal aliens having their jolly merry fun at it with fake id-s, fake drivers licences, fake green cards and fake EAD-s, right? 
Have a good day, a great safe and happy life surrounded by the love, passion and affection of your loved ones! 
Sincerely, Gwyneth
So if someone does this, do they have to give up their other citizenship?
QUOTE(lizakur @ May 23 2006, 05:46 PM) 
So if someone does this, do they have to give up their other citizenship?
i think this depends on your country, some allows it some not
QUOTE(Rocio @ May 23 2006, 05:48 PM)
QUOTE(lizakur @ May 23 2006, 05:46 PM)
So if someone does this, do they have to give up their other citizenship?
i think this depends on your country, some allows it some not
http://www.us-immigration.com/information/...itizenship.html
check here
QUOTE(Rocio @ May 24 2006, 01:54 AM)
QUOTE(lizakur @ May 23 2006, 05:46 PM)
So if someone does this, do they have to give up their other citizenship?
i think this depends on your country, some allows it some not
QUOTE(Rocio @ May 23 2006, 05:48 PM)
QUOTE(lizakur @ May 23 2006, 05:46 PM)
So if someone does this, do they have to give up their other citizenship?
i think this depends on your country, some allows it some not
http://www.us-immigration.com/information/...itizenship.html
check here
Oh, thanks! I was just wondering as my daughter is a dual citizen (Russian and American) and it is allowed in both countries, I imagine. I'm so sure if it's allowed in Russia, but I delivered her there, so that was her first citizenship. I was wondering how it would work for my husband. If they'd make him give up his citizenship or not.
(for spouses of US Citizens filing under the "3 year" exception rule, change all "5 year" notes to 3 years)
Since the USCIS website reorg I can't seem to find the regs on physical presence within the U.S., but I thought the requirement went something like - "...had to have been physically present for 18 months of the 3 years the applicant is using toward the requirement..."
According to the quote above, from your post, it would seem that total absence from the U.S. cannot exceed 6 months. Is that correct? Is that a new rule? Yikes! My wife is way over that already. Please say it ain't so.
Bob
Since the USCIS website reorg I can't seem to find the regs on physical presence within the U.S., but I thought the requirement went something like - "...had to have been physically present for 18 months of the 3 years the applicant is using toward the requirement..."
According to the quote above, from your post, it would seem that total absence from the U.S. cannot exceed 6 months. Is that correct? Is that a new rule? Yikes! My wife is way over that already. Please say it ain't so.
Bob
QUOTE(nscvet @ Nov 17 2006, 11:13 AM)
(for spouses of US Citizens filing under the "3 year" exception rule, change all "5 year" notes to 3 years)
Since the USCIS website reorg I can't seem to find the regs on physical presence within the U.S., but I thought the requirement went something like - "...had to have been physically present for 18 months of the 3 years the applicant is using toward the requirement..."
According to the quote above, from your post, it would seem that total absence from the U.S. cannot exceed 6 months. Is that correct? Is that a new rule? Yikes! My wife is way over that already. Please say it ain't so.
Bob
Bob, I think you may have misunderstood. There are 2 guidelines,
-Absent +6 months at a stretch
-Total time in/out of the US since becoming a PR
-------------
Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:
-the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;
-the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and
-the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements.
(funny, I never noticed those restrictions on the US spouse before!)
Residence and Physical Presence
An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of the application, he or she:
-has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (see preceding section);
-has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with no single absence from the United States of more than one year;
-has been physically present in the United States for at least 30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than six months but less than one year shall disrupt the applicant's continuity of residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did not abandon his or her residence during such period)
-has resided within a state or district for at least three months
I understand the spouse waiver time to make it 50% of your PR time *in* the US. So if we substitue 3 years for 5, half that time would be 18 of the past 36 months.
Is that better?
PS: anyone who has the links I'm missing, or finds other error, help a sister out and drop me a PM please. The CIS site re-org has made some extra chores!
Thank you exceedingly, I think.
Bob
Bob
My husband has been in the military for just a year and is currently in his first tour of duty in Iraq. I recently became a Conditional Permanent Resident last Oct. 18, 2006. Are there any special clauses for military people? As far as I know, I still need to lift conditions two years from now. But someone here in VJ told me that I am eligible for naturalization because I'm a military spouse and that I don't need to lift conditions anymore. Is this true? That I don't need to be a PR for three years.. I have read some parts in USCIS's Guide To Naturalization - that I don't need to meet the residency requirements. How true is this??
I was looking for a link that I can test myself to answer the question on-line, then it will tell me how many wrong and right answers I made. It's like a Quiz. I did that before from this forum, now I could not fine it. Please someone help me.
Site for exemptions:
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases
This page, part of the Naturalization information, lists some of the Waivers, Exceptions and Special Cases to the normal waiting period of five (5) years before attaining minimum eligibility to apply for Naturalization.
Family Members of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:
*
the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;
o
the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and
o
the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements.
There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:
*
the U.S. Government (including the U.S. Armed Forces);
*
American research institutes recognized by the Attorney General;
*
recognized U.S. religious organizations;
*
U.S. research institutions;
*
an American firm engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States; or
*
certain public international organizations involving the United States.
See also INA 319, INA 316
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000
Children
There are several ways foreign-born children of U.S. citizens may obtain evidence of citizenship:
Generally, U.S. citizen parents of children born abroad may file a N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship. This form should be completed in accordance with the instructions provided and should be accompanied by 2 photographs of the child, copies of any documents that verify eligibility, and the required filing fee to be considered complete and ready to process.
Important note: Children born abroad of U.S. citizen parents derive citizenship from their parents. The Certificate of Citizenship is merely a record of citizenship - it does not confer citizenship on an applicant.
Adopted children of citizen parents acquire citizenship. For adopted children, adoptive parents file an N-643 instead of an N-600. However, adopted children over 18 must file an N-400.
For answers to more specific questions regarding naturalization of children, please contact your local INS office.
See also INA 320, INA 321, INA 322
Veterans of U.S. Armed Forces
Certain applicants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to file for naturalization based on current or prior U.S. military service. Such applicants should file the N-400 Military Naturalization Packet.
Lawful Permanent Residents with Three Years U.S. Military Service
An applicant who has served for three years in the U.S. military and who is a lawful permanent resident is excused from any specific period of required residence, period of residence in any specific place, or physical presence within the United States if an application for naturalization is filed while the applicant is still serving or within six months of an honorable discharge.
To be eligible for these exemptions, an applicant must:
*
have served honorably or separated under honorable conditions;
*
completed three years or more of military service;
*
be a legal permanent resident at the time of his or her examination on the application; or
*
establish good moral character if service was discontinuous or not honorable.
Applicants who file for naturalization more than six months after termination of three years of service in the U.S. military may count any periods of honorable service as residence and physical presence in the United States.
Naturalization Applicants Who Have Served Honorably in Any Specified Period of Armed Conflict with Hostile Foreign Forces
This is the only section of the Immigration and Naturalization Act that allows persons who have not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to file their own application for naturalization. Any person who has served honorably during a qualifying time may file an application at any time in his or her life if, at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, extension of enlistment or induction, such person shall have been in the United States, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island, or on board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial service, whether or not he has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
An applicant who has served honorably during any of the following periods of conflict is entitled to certain considerations:
*
World War I - 4/16/17 to 11/11/18;
*
World War II - 9/1/39 to 12/31/46;
*
Korean Conflict - 6/25/50 to 7/1/55;
*
Vietnam Conflict - 2/28/61 to 10/15/78;
*
Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm - 8/29/90 to 4/11/91
*
Operation Enduring Freedom – 9/11/01 to (open); or
*
any other period which the President, by Executive Order, has designated as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with hostile foreign forces.
Applicants who have served honorably during any of the aforementioned conflicts may apply for naturalization based on military service and no period of residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or any State shall be required.
See also INA 328, INA 329
Grounds for Eligibility
The Immigration and Naturalization Service has other specific grounds for Naturalization. For additional information, please review the instructions on an N-400 Application for Naturalization and/or contact your local District Office.
Hope this helps!
Tracy
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD
Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases
This page, part of the Naturalization information, lists some of the Waivers, Exceptions and Special Cases to the normal waiting period of five (5) years before attaining minimum eligibility to apply for Naturalization.
Family Members of U.S. Citizens
Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:
*
the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;
o
the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and
o
the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements.
There are also exceptions for lawful permanent residents married to U.S. citizens stationed or employed abroad. Some lawful permanent residents may not have to comply with the residence or physical presence requirements when the U.S. citizen spouse is employed by one of the following:
*
the U.S. Government (including the U.S. Armed Forces);
*
American research institutes recognized by the Attorney General;
*
recognized U.S. religious organizations;
*
U.S. research institutions;
*
an American firm engaged in the development of foreign trade and commerce of the United States; or
*
certain public international organizations involving the United States.
See also INA 319, INA 316
Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000
Children
There are several ways foreign-born children of U.S. citizens may obtain evidence of citizenship:
Generally, U.S. citizen parents of children born abroad may file a N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship. This form should be completed in accordance with the instructions provided and should be accompanied by 2 photographs of the child, copies of any documents that verify eligibility, and the required filing fee to be considered complete and ready to process.
Important note: Children born abroad of U.S. citizen parents derive citizenship from their parents. The Certificate of Citizenship is merely a record of citizenship - it does not confer citizenship on an applicant.
Adopted children of citizen parents acquire citizenship. For adopted children, adoptive parents file an N-643 instead of an N-600. However, adopted children over 18 must file an N-400.
For answers to more specific questions regarding naturalization of children, please contact your local INS office.
See also INA 320, INA 321, INA 322
Veterans of U.S. Armed Forces
Certain applicants who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to file for naturalization based on current or prior U.S. military service. Such applicants should file the N-400 Military Naturalization Packet.
Lawful Permanent Residents with Three Years U.S. Military Service
An applicant who has served for three years in the U.S. military and who is a lawful permanent resident is excused from any specific period of required residence, period of residence in any specific place, or physical presence within the United States if an application for naturalization is filed while the applicant is still serving or within six months of an honorable discharge.
To be eligible for these exemptions, an applicant must:
*
have served honorably or separated under honorable conditions;
*
completed three years or more of military service;
*
be a legal permanent resident at the time of his or her examination on the application; or
*
establish good moral character if service was discontinuous or not honorable.
Applicants who file for naturalization more than six months after termination of three years of service in the U.S. military may count any periods of honorable service as residence and physical presence in the United States.
Naturalization Applicants Who Have Served Honorably in Any Specified Period of Armed Conflict with Hostile Foreign Forces
This is the only section of the Immigration and Naturalization Act that allows persons who have not been lawfully admitted for permanent residence to file their own application for naturalization. Any person who has served honorably during a qualifying time may file an application at any time in his or her life if, at the time of enlistment, reenlistment, extension of enlistment or induction, such person shall have been in the United States, the Canal Zone, American Samoa, or Swains Island, or on board a public vessel owned or operated by the United States for noncommercial service, whether or not he has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence.
An applicant who has served honorably during any of the following periods of conflict is entitled to certain considerations:
*
World War I - 4/16/17 to 11/11/18;
*
World War II - 9/1/39 to 12/31/46;
*
Korean Conflict - 6/25/50 to 7/1/55;
*
Vietnam Conflict - 2/28/61 to 10/15/78;
*
Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm - 8/29/90 to 4/11/91
*
Operation Enduring Freedom – 9/11/01 to (open); or
*
any other period which the President, by Executive Order, has designated as a period in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or were engaged in military operations involving armed conflict with hostile foreign forces.
Applicants who have served honorably during any of the aforementioned conflicts may apply for naturalization based on military service and no period of residence or specified period of physical presence within the United States or any State shall be required.
See also INA 328, INA 329
Grounds for Eligibility
The Immigration and Naturalization Service has other specific grounds for Naturalization. For additional information, please review the instructions on an N-400 Application for Naturalization and/or contact your local District Office.
Hope this helps!
Tracy
[size="4"][/size]Thanks, Thanks, Thanks
for all the information. IT is more than we needed but worth the time reading. Maybe I do not understand everything now but I will.
Thanks again,
you are a rea l blessing
for all the information. IT is more than we needed but worth the time reading. Maybe I do not understand everything now but I will.
Thanks again,
you are a rea
l blessing
topic with official info and discussion about absence out of country between 6 and 12 months
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89841
topic with official info and discussion about filing N400 90 days prior to full 18 month spent in US out of 3 years
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89225
my case number is WSC*002 08 XXXX, and on the front of check cashed at California SC there were handwritten the last 7 numbers 2 08 XXXX when you try number from check online, dont forget the asterisk * between 3 letters and 9 numbers
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89841
topic with official info and discussion about filing N400 90 days prior to full 18 month spent in US out of 3 years
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=89225
my case number is WSC*002 08 XXXX, and on the front of check cashed at California SC there were handwritten the last 7 numbers 2 08 XXXX when you try number from check online, dont forget the asterisk * between 3 letters and 9 numbers
QUOTE(Captain Ewok @ Jan 29 2006, 06:30 PM)
See Section 8 of the FAQ's for general information on becoming a US Citizen.
Here is the USCIS Guide and FAQ on becoming a Citizen of the US.
Here is the USCIS Guide and FAQ on becoming a Citizen of the US.
as far as a Conditional Permanent Resident spouse of a USC, when does the timeline start? It's very confusing, can't find the answer anywhere, on here or on USCIS.
what I mean is, it is said that a foriegn spouse of a USC is eligible to apply for Naturalization after three years of continuous Permanent Residency, but nowhere can I find out, if this includes the two years of Conditional.
my wife just received her 10 year green card yesterday, so I'm wondering, are we eligible to apply for USC on her three year immigration anniversary this Sept., or do we have to wait until three years from yesterday?
my wife just received her 10 year green card yesterday, so I'm wondering, are we eligible to apply for USC on her three year immigration anniversary this Sept., or do we have to wait until three years from yesterday?
I was granted a visa waiver when I first entered the United States in April of '04. I got married before it expired, then divorced, and in '07 got married again. I have always heard that after 5 years you are eligible to naturalize. But after reading the above posts it looks like that is only possible if I was originally granted permanent residence status. Is that true or is there an exception I am not seeing? Do you have to be a permanent resident AND lived in the US consecutively for 5 years, or one or the other? I meet all other requirements and will be really upset if I am not eligible under this law.
FIELD OFFICES: for people waiting for Interview Letter
Interview Date depends on FBI Name Check clearance and on now busy is your Local Field Office, so don't compare your own priority date and progress to any other Service Centers or Filed Offices timelines - only compare with your own.
Locate your Field Office by zip here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of....office_type=LO
Find your Field Office's official processing dates https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp
Find people from your Field Office on this forum or others, for example this one has lots of Field Office specific info:
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18
If you find out that your own Field Office is processing or sending Interview Letters to cases with Priority Date 2-3 weeks later then your own, but you haven't received your Interview Letter yet, you can make Infopass apointment and find out if you are still on name check or already in your Field Office's line for Interview.
Interview Date depends on FBI Name Check clearance and on now busy is your Local Field Office, so don't compare your own priority date and progress to any other Service Centers or Filed Offices timelines - only compare with your own.
Locate your Field Office by zip here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of....office_type=LO
Find your Field Office's official processing dates https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp
Find people from your Field Office on this forum or others, for example this one has lots of Field Office specific info:
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18
If you find out that your own Field Office is processing or sending Interview Letters to cases with Priority Date 2-3 weeks later then your own, but you haven't received your Interview Letter yet, you can make Infopass apointment and find out if you are still on name check or already in your Field Office's line for Interview.
QUOTE(Topangel @ Jan 28 2008, 06:02 PM)
I was granted a visa waiver when I first entered the United States in April of '04. I got married before it expired, then divorced, and in '07 got married again. I have always heard that after 5 years you are eligible to naturalize. But after reading the above posts it looks like that is only possible if I was originally granted permanent residence status. Is that true or is there an exception I am not seeing? Do you have to be a permanent resident AND lived in the US consecutively for 5 years, or one or the other? I meet all other requirements and will be really upset if I am not eligible under this law.
Topangel (and others), please try to ask your question by creating a new thread, you will get more attention and answers, this thread is mainly for information, not questions.
as to your question:
EVERYBODY UNSURE OF NATURALIZATION ELIGIBILITY use this official Naturalization Eligibility Worksheet (M-480) http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-480.pdf
QUOTE(doninmichigan2004 @ Jan 7 2008, 03:24 PM)
what I mean is, it is said that a foriegn spouse of a USC is eligible to apply for Naturalization after three years of continuous Permanent Residency, but nowhere can I find out, if this includes the two years of Conditional.
my wife just received her 10 year green card yesterday, so I'm wondering, are we eligible to apply for USC on her three year immigration anniversary this Sept., or do we have to wait until three years from yesterday?
my wife just received her 10 year green card yesterday, so I'm wondering, are we eligible to apply for USC on her three year immigration anniversary this Sept., or do we have to wait until three years from yesterday?
please next time ask questions in a new thread or other similar existing thread, this thread is mainly for information, not questions
as to your question - yes, 2 conditional years count towards total 3 required years for spouses of US citizen, so your wife can apply 3 years after the date on her Green Card that says "RESIDENT SINCE" - this date is same on 2 year and 10 year green cards. Also check here eligibility in this official worksheet http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-480.pdf
QUOTE(Feliz @ Feb 21 2008, 05:21 AM)
FIELD OFFICES: for people waiting for Interview Letter
Interview Date depends on FBI Name Check clearance and on now busy is your Local Field Office, so don't compare your own priority date and progress to any other Service Centers or Filed Offices timelines - only compare with your own.
Locate your Field Office by zip here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of....office_type=LO
Find your Field Office's official processing dates https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp
Find people from your Field Office on this forum or others, for example this one has lots of Field Office specific info:
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18
If you find out that your own Field Office is processing or sending Interview Letters to cases with Priority Date 2-3 weeks later then your own, but you haven't received your Interview Letter yet, you can make Infopass apointment and find out if you are still on name check or already in your Field Office's line for Interview.
Interview Date depends on FBI Name Check clearance and on now busy is your Local Field Office, so don't compare your own priority date and progress to any other Service Centers or Filed Offices timelines - only compare with your own.
Locate your Field Office by zip here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of....office_type=LO
Find your Field Office's official processing dates https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp
Find people from your Field Office on this forum or others, for example this one has lots of Field Office specific info:
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18
If you find out that your own Field Office is processing or sending Interview Letters to cases with Priority Date 2-3 weeks later then your own, but you haven't received your Interview Letter yet, you can make Infopass apointment and find out if you are still on name check or already in your Field Office's line for Interview.
updated version:
After you file N400 USCIS starts process by cashing check and initiating FBI Name check and Fingerprints, so once you got findgerprinted consider process launched. Only after FBI clears main (4) Service Center puts you in line for an Interview Date at your Field Office, once they find spot (ma take 2-3 month in busy offices, see step 3) and schedule your interview, your case is sent to Field Office and you receive your Interview Appointment Letter. After that procedues are very specific to Field Offices, some give you Oath letter right away, some send it 2 month later, so check with your Field Office's people's experiences only, don't read (or rehearse) just random or over 6 month old Interview descriptions.
1) Locate your Field Office by ZIP code here: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of....office_type=LO
2) Find your Field Office's official processing dates (update usually on 15th of each month)
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/ptimes.jsp
3) Find people with close to yours Priority Date (PD) from your Field Office on this forum or others, for example this one has lots of Field Office specific info:
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=18
4) wait until people with PD LATER then yours start receiving Interview letters, schedule Infopass - usually 2 weeks ahead, if still not received, go to Infopass and Inquire about case status - it may be
A. stuck on "Name Check" - then you are unlucky
B. "FBI Clear all checks and it's forwarded to Field Office , expect interview letter within 60 days"
either way go home and schedule another Infopass within 2 weeks - if no letter - schedule another Infopass in 2 more weeks,
if no letter within 4-6 weeks of fact that people who filed after you got their letters from your field office, start considering filing lawsuit against USCIS about delayed Name Check and read about it. your main document could be that that NOA1 gives you X amount of days and that is passed.
5) once you receive Interview letter - make sure you prepare for Civics and prepare to give evidence and clear confident answers for any abnormal parts of your application that could make you ineligible - it means within 3 (for US citizen spouses) or 5 years such things as: a lots of traveling, separate address with US spouse, job abroad, name change, oath word change, crime and legal issues, taxes, communism, terrorism etc.
6) if you happen to confuse Officer on Interview about your unclear eligibility, they may say "Approval pending" and they "need supervisor's approval of case", which may take another 2-4 month, but in this case you have much more right to file lawsuit - as your after interview letter states amount of days to expect decision.
Good Luck to everybody!
Detailed explanation of USCIS N400 FBI Name Check http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=136848
another detailed instruction and FAQ about filing n400 http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=213961
i think this topic need to be cleaned up of asked questions and leave only useful links and , because day after day newcomers ask same questions without reading this topic.
i think this topic need to be cleaned up of asked questions and leave only useful links and , because day after day newcomers ask same questions without reading this topic.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR NATURALIZATION AFTER APPLICATION OF SOMBODY WHO IS UNDER 18 YRS OF AGE AND BEEN IN THE COUNTRY FOR 10 YEARS WITH AN AMERICAN BORN CITIZEN MOTHER.
WHAT PROCESS SHOULD THEY FOLLOW?
WHAT PROCESS SHOULD THEY FOLLOW?
QUOTE(LARA-LYN @ May 26 2008, 07:43 PM)
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR NATURALIZATION AFTER APPLICATION OF SOMBODY WHO IS UNDER 18 YRS OF AGE AND BEEN IN THE COUNTRY FOR 10 YEARS WITH AN AMERICAN BORN CITIZEN MOTHER.
WHAT PROCESS SHOULD THEY FOLLOW?
WHAT PROCESS SHOULD THEY FOLLOW?
Are you kidding? That person is a US Citizen deriving citizenship from parent. No need for naturalization. Only application for a Certificate of Citizenship is needed if the child does not yet have a US birth certificate or a US passport.
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