New passport after Greencard?

[ariel_2005 1]

So now that I have my greencard can I apply for a US passport or do I have to be a US citizen? thank you to all...

[Kez/JWolf 6]

You can not get a US Passport until you have become a citizen.... you will need to maintain your passport from your own country until then.... if you want to travel that is...

Kezzie

[ariel_2005 1]

thank you kezzie...

[meauxna 15]

So now that I have my greencard can I apply for a US passport or do I have to be a US citizen? thank you to all...

Hello my neighbor!

My husband just got his US citizenship this summer and we got his US passport right away, woohoo!

When you have been a permanent resident (green card) for 3 years, you can apply for US citizenship. There are several other guidelines, but that is the first one.

You can start preparing now and the time will go so fast!

Read a little bit here:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=311

USCIS Fact Sheets For Naturalization

General Naturalization Requirements

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/general.htm

Naturalization: Waivers, Exceptions, and Special Cases

Family Members of U.S. Citizens

Spouses of U.S. Citizens

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/Special.htm

Frequently Asked Questions About Naturalization

http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/faq.htm#Top

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!

Test Yourself on U.S. History

100 Sample U.S. History Questions with Answers

These are 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)

There are also special rules for children. Please see the preceding links for more information on children and naturalization.

Dual Citizenship FAQ

Dual Nationality and

United States Law

by Rich Wales

http://www.richw.org/dualcit/

[Nikita2Charles 33]

Lot of nice information from Max

Just wanted to add one more thing, you can apply for your citizenship

3MONTHS before your 3 years anniversary of your Green card issuance.

That should give you a litlle heads up, you don't have to wait for 3 years then apply. 3 months before that is fine.

[meauxna 15]

Thanks for clarifying that--it's an awkward thing to explain in a short way.

You are eligible to *apply* three months ahead.

You may become a citizen after your three years as a PR.

[ariel_2005 1]

Thanks guys appreciate the info...

[bislig2alabama 1]

A FREE booklet from the USCIS website will be mailed to anyone upon request that answers most questions about citizenship. The booklet is titled, A Guide To Naturalization" and is form M-476. We attempted to obtain one from the governmant printing office but were told no such form existed. You will find it at the USCIS website under citizenship. It can be downloaded or ordered via snail mail. See yu in the citizenship line in three years.

May God bless