hello is there anyone can ease my hesitation?

[bruceleelee 0]

hello everyone,

I am about to be eligible for citizenship based on 3 years rule . And today my lawyer told me that 5 years one is easier ,

which is less of documents collecting hassle.

Here, I see lots of people who just wanna get it done asap by 3 years rule and some choose 5 years one.

Now i am really hesitated. Our daily life related photos are not good enough and it is a bit too late to make up now if we go by 3 years rule.

ps: My original intention is to get it done faster.

Therefore , i am asking your generous opinions.

Great Thanks

[Cathi 5,609]

dump the lawyer

[dmck 80]

Mimo gave the best advise

[bruceleelee 0]

so the 3 years is easier?

[aaron2020 11,651]

Your lawyer is correct. The 5 years rule is easier than the 3 years rule. However, the 3 years rule is not hard. Many people successfully file under the 3 years rule.

Edited February 11, 2016 by aaron2020

[aaron2020 11,651]

dump the lawyer

Why? How was the lawyer wrong?

[JimmyHou 610]

aaron2020 and your lawyer are both right; 5 year applications are easier.

That doesn't mean that you should wait 2 years more years... if you're still living with and married to your US citizen spouse, then you can gather the required documentation and apply under the 3 year rule.

[Boiler 43,425]

Never heard of anybody finding the 3 year option harder and can not think why it would be.

[aayitrun 66]

Our daily life related photos are not good enough and it is a bit too late to make up now if we go by 3 years rule.

photos aren't evidence in the n400 3 year packet. we didnt send any.

good evidence:

birth certificate of children

3-years of tax return transcripts showing joint filing status

joint owned bank account statements (we just sent for the prior month)

mortgage/leases showing joint owning/leasing

packet was much thinner than any of the previous ones.

[Thozelle 16]

Am confused. Isnt the additional requirements just spouses proof of citizenship, prior divorce papers if any, marriage cert, and last 3 yrs tax transcripts mfj. Why is that more difficult.

[Boiler 43,425]

Am confused. Isnt the additional requirements just spouses proof of citizenship, prior divorce papers if any, marriage cert, and last 3 yrs tax transcripts mfj. Why is that more difficult.

That is what we are wondering.

[JimmyHou 610]

What's so confusing? If you apply under the 3 year rule you send more things (the things mentioned above) than under the 5 year rule. That's the only thing that makes one application harder than the other. It's not a big deal; it just takes a little more preparation and you may be asked a couple extra questions. No reason to wait 2 extra years.

UNLESS there's some reason you think the interviewer will question your being in a valid ongoing relationship.

Edited February 11, 2016 by JimmyHou

[khwaidee1 196]

Mimo gave the best advise

Agreed. If you filed for AOS 751, you already have most of the documents you need. When we submitted our N400, we basically used our 751 package and added some additional bills and our recent taxes. Submitted in October 2015, wife studied and attended citizenship classes at the adult school and passed her interview yesterday. She has her oath ceremony in 12 days. Go the 3 year route for sure.

[Advanced Aardvark 82]

It sounds like your lawyer may be trying to line up two years of additional billing.

The three year application was the smallest packed we put together for the entire process: Marriage certificate; three years of joint income tax transcripts; proof of termination of prior marriages; and, proof of co-mingling of finances (one joint checking account statement for each of the three years). The only photos were Olga's for on the Naturalization Certificate.

Dump the lawyer and file the paperwork yourself.

Good Luck.

[SteveKarlaMayer 21]

Go for 3 years. You passed and obtained a visa in the first place, so it should be easy if you have all legal documents which I'm sure you have. I'm planning to apply N-400 next year 90 days prior to my 3 years Permanent Residence anniversary. Best of luck!