Can I apply for naturalization from a different state than my husband's

[ariesnow 0]

Hi everyone. I have a question about my naturalization process. My husband and I married in TX. I have the 10 yr- green card. He is still in TX right now. Although we still in marriage and still report tax together, I spend most of the time in CA for work and business. So my driver license is from CA. We still have one property under both his and my name. And joint bank account that can be addressed either CA or TX, I just don't know which is better .

idea.

It's been 3 yrs since I got my green card by Oct 2011. I really want to do the naturalization process from CA. Since doing so in TX I will need to apply for TX ID as well as travel back there 3-4 times at least for biometric, interview, oath etc. Too much work and money involved.

My husband totally me support my naturalization. Can I apply from CA, saying I or both of us have just moved to CA for business. He can also write a letter to USCIS to explain things if needed. Do I need to submit some business plan in CA so there are more chances to be considered.

I really don't want to wait for 5 yrs to do the naturalization process. And since we are still married just living in different states at this point. I am wondering is there any chance for me to do from CA?

Many thanks to all of you.

Edited October 14, 2011 by ariesnow

[Anh map 2,098]

Of course you can apply from anywhere. You just need to prove a bona fide married relationship exists. From what you are saying that may be the more difficult task.

I wouldn't use the lie (about moving to Cali together) that you are contemplating. That could have a negative impact on your LPR status. Be truthful and explain your situation. Worst case is that you wait 2 more years.

[v333k 59]

One of the conditions to apply @ 3 years is not only be married, but living together. That being said, it is a grey area. Did you submit address changes that meet your places of living? If not, then my recommendation is to wait for 5 years. My concern to you is if the IO gets the impression that it was done for immigration purposes, then you will need to provide a lot of documentation just to support your marriage.

This is my opinion only...

[ariesnow 0]

One of the conditions to apply @ 3 years is not only be married, but living together. That being said, it is a grey area. Did you submit address changes that meet your places of living? If not, then my recommendation is to wait for 5 years. My concern to you is if the IO gets the impression that it was done for immigration purposes, then you will need to provide a lot of documentation just to support your marriage.

This is my opinion only...

I haven't notified USCIS about changes in my address. Since any correspondences to the old address my husband will let me know. We do really consider moving to CA but he has more commitments than I do so it takes him longer to move. If I let USCIS know about my moving then wait for few more months to submit the application is it a better idea? Since I've been moving back and forth between CA and TX the last year a few times. But this coming yr I can't really travel much.

I know this does not sound like an ideal household situation but in this economy we need to sacrifice to think about the long term.

I prefer to apply for 3 yrs rather than waiting until 5 yrs because I will need to travel abroad for business opportunities and really need to cut down visa processes.

Thanks all.

[sib 7]

Do you have proof of your marriage?

How often are you in contact with your husband (phone, chat, email, etc.)

How often do you see each other?

In this economy it is understandable that you have to make sacrifices, but married couples still stay in close contact and try to spend time together.

If you can show that, no problem to apply now. If you can't I would wait until you are moved together again or the 5 years.

Sib

[mimhnhut 0]

I am sure that if you do not have proof of your marriage ( children,living together,etc...) you will be in trouble with your naturalization process.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Here's the thing . . . unless he has a gut feeling, the I.O. will not really dig into this. The jointly filed tax returns are the proof he or she is looking for. But . . . if you go to the interview in Texas with a California Driver License (and you will have to show your license!), then that's like you are slapping the I.O. in the face and scream "wake up, sucker!" And he will wake up, and he will ask questions. It's just too obvious.

Basically, you are putting $680.00 on red or black when playing roulette. Not more, not less.

[ariesnow 0]

Do you have proof of your marriage?

How often are you in contact with your husband (phone, chat, email, etc.)

How often do you see each other?

In this economy it is understandable that you have to make sacrifices, but married couples still stay in close contact and try to spend time together.

If you can show that, no problem to apply now. If you can't I would wait until you are moved together again or the 5 years.

Sib

thanks for your comments. I have jointly claimed tax reports, joint saving acct, one house deed with our names.

do i need to put my name on utilities bills?

i dont have joint car insurance since i'm not at TX where he is currently

we talk on phone and email weekly. like I said he is totally supporting me in this procedure and will be responding positively should he be contacted by USCIS.

do you think it is safe enough to get away with?

I am sure that if you do not have proof of your marriage ( children,living together,etc...) you will be in trouble with your naturalization process.

We haven't had any child yet.

which co-living proofs should i have besides those mentioned on my right above post?

thank you.

Edited October 16, 2011 by ariesnow

[ariesnow 0]

Here's the thing . . . unless he has a gut feeling, the I.O. will not really dig into this. The jointly filed tax returns are the proof he or she is looking for. But . . . if you go to the interview in Texas with a California Driver License (and you will have to show your license!), then that's like you are slapping the I.O. in the face and scream "wake up, sucker!" And he will wake up, and he will ask questions. It's just too obvious.

Basically, you are putting $680.00 on red or black when playing roulette. Not more, not less.

So your point is even if i'm willing to go back to TX to do naturalization procedure i still need to cover myself carefully. for example trying to get a TX ID? Anything else should I be worried about in your opinion? Can uscis employess know I'm living in CA currently base on my rental record? Should I ask my husband to put my name on utilities bills, car insurance policy (this cost money and I have to be present at TX at the moment)?

Other than that I'm pretty clueless right now.

Do you think if they find out I'm not in TX most of the time the last 1.5 years will they put me on their blacklist besides being failed to have naturalization?

My husband is backing me on this process but I'm still very worried and don't want to make any mistakes.

Thanks so much.

[mimhnhut 0]

My husband is backing me on this process

Your husband's letter, your husband's swear... are worthless to USCIS officer, because their responsibility is prevent fake marriage cases.

You should have some letters from your neighbor ( in Texas) confirm that they know you are living together as married couple. Those letters must be notarization ( notary public).