NEED HELP expediting naturalization.

[RACHELinJAPAN 1]

Actually, I don't need to get citizenship but it may be the best thing to do.

I have a green card which expires in 11 months.

Next year I have a job overseas from January to December ( it is 11 months, basically).

I cannot renew my car til march.

Question 1.

Can I renew it now, or do most of the sites tell the truth- that you can only renew 6 months or less ahead of time? Spoke to LAX immigration

( where I will be flying into from Japan next Decemer 2013 and the lady told me I could apply to renew it now..does she know?. Also have seen two immigration lawyer remarks

on certain forums today saying i could renew now too- these are "actual " lawyers. Although online I have no reason to not believe.

If I wait til march to renew, they might send me a biometrics test before I return in december ( very likely).

2> Can I request a later date for biolmetrics once my case is up and running ? ( By way of a phone call or a letter, with documented proof to explain why?)

The man last night at USCIS, told me that naturalization may be the best bet- but to do it now and ask to expedite it.

I have been on the phone all day to other people at USCIS asking if this is a good idea, does it work etc?

Everyone (15 different calls ) tells a different story.

3. DOes anyone know if my letter asking for expedited case, along with the I400 forms, will actually be read, or if I still have to wait for the receipt of the I400 form to see if the case is expedited?

If it doesn't say they're doing the case expedited- I have seen an actual "expedite your case" form on the USCIS website, designed to send in AFTER you've received your receipt.

The only way this will work ( getting naturalised in 3 months) is if they move fast ( my friend Luis got his done ni 3 months without asking, just a quick day I guess!)

but I will need to ask for expedite.

If they do not do this, and send me a biometrics test in March when I'm still overseas, my application will be rejected and the whole case will be done. Even if I send them a letter saying "emergent situation I have to be oversees for financial

gain".

Please advise!

NZ passport, happy to keep on having green card.

[milimelo 4,497]

Do you currently have 2 or 10-yr green card? If 2-year, you can't speed up the process unless you're divorced - then you can send your I-130 when you have divorce decree even earlier than 90 days prior to 2yrs anniversary of green card.

If you have a 10-year green card, it is true that you can only apply 6 months prior to the expiration. Think it can also be done online in that case but you still have to do the biometrics.

On what basis would you naturalize? Regular, 5yr resident or through USC spouse - 3 years?

I'd also consider getting a re-entry permit since you intend to be overseas for 11 months (one month shy of the 12 month suggestion, but you never know what could happen).

[RACHELinJAPAN 1]

Do you currently have 2 or 10-yr green card? If 2-year, you can't speed up the process unless you're divorced - then you can send your I-130 when you have divorce decree even earlier than 90 days prior to 2yrs anniversary of green card.

If you have a 10-year green card, it is true that you can only apply 6 months prior to the expiration. Think it can also be done online in that case but you still have to do the biometrics.

On what basis would you naturalize? Regular, 5yr resident or through USC spouse - 3 years?

I'd also consider getting a re-entry permit since you intend to be overseas for 11 months (one month shy of the 12 month suggestion, but you never know what could happen).

THanks for answering.

I have a 10 year green card, expires september 2013.

Yes it can be done online ( no need to send paper forms like you do for the I-400 naturalization process).

Naturalize by being a 5 year resident. Another reason to do the naturalization now is that if I spend 11 months away, I will undo some of that time. While it doesn't bother me per se ( if I have renewed GC I am still here living and working anyway)

it might be the reason to do I-400 now opposed to the renewal GC.

Thank you for the advise- but why do I hear different advice on exactly WHEN I can start to renew? I've literally had the advice that I can start it now, as long as I pay the money, I can renewe whenever I want.

Is this rubbish??

Re-entry permit, YES< but which one?

For an ADIT stamp ( re-entry permit) you need to have a green card renewal case on file- ie, you need to have paid already and have an open pending case.

Again, I don't mind paying now, today, but if the money is going to sit there and the renewal case will be "held" until march, I'll do it differently.

For confirmation- I have been in USA 17 years and have a 10 year green card ( before this had O visas from sponsors, so always legal).

There are a few re-entry permits and all the ones I've found are suitable for if you're away 12 months or more. I agree that 11 months is close enough to still warrant a safety re-entry visa, but which one and how do I get it now, without having started a renewal case?

This is such a basic question and I can't seem to find answers! Thank you.

[Grashoppr 14]

If you have a 10 year unconditional green card, you can apply for citizenship any time after 5 years. But you should apply for naturalization 6+ months from expiration of the GC if you want to become a citizen without having to renew the GC.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

You can renew your card tomorrow by sending out an I-90.

You should have filed for naturalization over a decade ago. If you had, you would have saved money and wouldn't have to post here, asking for help. US citizens can come and go as they please.

Patience is a virtue, procrastination not so much.

[RACHELinJAPAN 1]

You can renew your card tomorrow by sending out an I-90.

You should have filed for naturalization over a decade ago. If you had, you would have saved money and wouldn't have to post here, asking for help. US citizens can come and go as they please.

Patience is a virtue, procrastination not so much.

Wow, thanks for the attitude. I could not apply 10 years ago. I didn't have a green card til 12 years ago. Why so hostile? Why presume I want to get naturalized.

And no I wouldn't have saved money, not if I do the same now.

Jeez.

[RACHELinJAPAN 1]

If you have a 10 year unconditional green card, you can apply for citizenship any time after 5 years. But you should apply for naturalization 6+ months from expiration of the GC if you want to become a citizen without having to renew the GC.

Thank you for reply. Like I said I will be OUT of the country ( USA ) in March, which is the 6 month time period.

The WHOLE reason for me posting is not that I need to renew GC or get citizenship, but the fact that I will be overseas from January to December next year, which is the time period my GC expires.

Sorry if that wasn't clear, but like I said, it's the ONLY reason I am posting here. Unlike Brother Freakeziel, you gave a nice enough answer. Just not the info I needed, but I do appreciate.

THanks.

[NickD 203]

Stepdaughter procrastinated getting her US citizenship, already had her forms filled out 90 days before her 5th anniversary date. But then she got the opportunity to study in the UK, so it was a mad rush, she needed a US passport for that. But we got it done. Her mom wanted her citizenship as early as possible so was sent in 89 days before her 3rd anniversary. I was equally enthused so both of us could be finally free of the USCIS.

For me, also freedom from that I-864 already having bad experiences with a child that was kicked off my health insurance policy due to a precondition. Cleaned out my IRA with medical bills.

Guess you have less than three months to get it done with Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays where the USCIS takes off for a couple weeks each. Can only say, good luck.

[NickD 203]

Stepdaughter procrastinated getting her US citizenship, already had her forms filled out 90 days before her 5th anniversary date. But then she got the opportunity to study in the UK, so it was a mad rush, she needed a US passport for that. But we got it done. Her mom wanted her citizenship as early as possible so was sent in 89 days before her 3rd anniversary. I was equally enthused so both of us could be finally free of the USCIS.

For me, also freedom from that I-864 already having bad experiences with a child that was kicked off my health insurance policy due to a precondition. Cleaned out my IRA with medical bills.

Guess you have less than three months to get it done with Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays where the USCIS takes off for a couple weeks each. Can only say, good luck.

Oh, you did say, please read. Can tell you what to do in Colombia or Venezuela, just slide a thousand US bucks under the table and will be done instantly. USA doesn't work that way.

[mamaSue 38]

Rachel....If I were in your boots, I'd make an infopass appointment, and toddle down the USCIS office to see if they can help you renew your green card earlier.

I've always found them to be very helpful .

I hope you can get it sorted out!

[Kathryn41 3,205]

I was going to post exactly what mama sue posted. Make an info pass appointment at your local USCIS office ( http://www.uscis.gov) and explain your dilemma to them.You will be speaking to an actual immigration officer rather than a call center employee on the telephone. It is important to remember that it isn't your green card status that is expiring next September, but the proof of your green card status. They may be able to do some sort of stamp in your passport that will extend your proof until you are able to file. I don't know for sure, but USCIS would.

Good luck.

[RACHELinJAPAN 1]

Rachel....If I were in your boots, I'd make an infopass appointment, and toddle down the USCIS office to see if they can help you renew your green card earlier.

I've always found them to be very helpful .

I hope you can get it sorted out!

You cannot get an infopass appointment without having started a case.

No case no appointment.

To make a case, you need to pay for a file. Eithe naturalization or green card renewal.

Everybody is stating such obvious things, but I appreciate you thought about it.

I was going to post exactly what mama sue posted. Make an info pass appointment at your local USCIS office ( http://www.uscis.gov) and explain your dilemma to them.You will be speaking to an actual immigration officer rather than a call center employee on the telephone. It is important to remember that it isn't your green card status that is expiring next September, but the proof of your green card status. They may be able to do some sort of stamp in your passport that will extend your proof until you are able to file. I don't know for sure, but USCIS would.

Good luck.

Thanks. Again, you can only make an infopass appointment once you have a case number- ie you have to start a case, pay for it and get the receipt number.

I understand the expiration doesn't mean the card is dead, but I'd rather not be in Japan for months on end worrying about it at night.

As it is, I've been anxious and depressed a week over this. I just want it over!

Than kyou.

[Cloudy9 11]

Do you currently have 2 or 10-yr green card? If 2-year, you can't speed up the process unless you're divorced - then you can send your I-130 when you have divorce decree even earlier than 90 days prior to 2yrs anniversary of green card.

If you have a 10-year green card, it is true that you can only apply 6 months prior to the expiration. Think it can also be done online in that case but you still have to do the biometrics.

On what basis would you naturalize? Regular, 5yr resident or through USC spouse - 3 years?

I'd also consider getting a re-entry permit since you intend to be overseas for 11 months (one month shy of the 12 month suggestion, but you never know what could happen).

Where have you read that you can only apply 6 month prior to the 10 year card expiation date? My card expires July 2013 and I applied for citizenship in April but I did that out of choice. You can apply at any time as long as you qualify either under the 3 years married to a USC or 5 years a permanent resident My oath ceremony is on Tuesday.

Edited October 6, 2012 by Cloudy9

[RACHELinJAPAN 1]

Where have you read that you can only apply 6 month prior to the 10 year card expiation date? My car expires July 2013 and I applied for citizenship in April. My oath ceremony is on Tuesday.

It says everywhere you can only apply six months before. No longer. Every website out there including USCS say it.

THis six month thing does not have anything to do with naturalization. After 5 years on a 10 year card ( I have a 10 year card) you can apply for citizenship. I know that, already did know that, and never had a prorblem just thinking I would either renew

green card, or apply for citizenship near to when the card expires. I knew you can apply for natulaization after five years continuous proesence, but the desire to become an american citizen isn't reall y that bad with me. I certainly wn't be renouncing my other passport. I can understand if some people want to call themselves American, but I do not.

Green Card expiration does not have anything to do with naturalization.

Thank you.

[Cloudy9 11]

It says everywhere you can only apply six months before. No longer. Every website out there including USCS say it.

THis six month thing does not have anything to do with naturalization.

Ahhh, ok got confused. Post looked like the discussion was about naturalizing.