Naturalization waiting time

[Dexter_Morgan 0]

Hi all,

thank you very much for your previous answers, they were very professional and helpful. I received a 2 yr GC based on marriage to my spouse, who is a US citizen. Because we're both in academia, we had a situation this year, which is as follows: he got a teaching job 4 hours away from the school in which I am still working on earning my PhD, and for that reason in addition to our joint main residence, I had to keep temporary arrangements (sublets, renting a room on a month by month basis) in the place where I go to school. We spend all the weekends together, but during many weeks I have to be near my school (I'm working on my dissertation but my research requires access to equipment that I can only get in my school). Are we considered to be "living in marital union" if this is the case?

I asked about this wrt removal of conditions last time, and was assured that it should not be an issue (because we don't really have a choice), but I realized that in order to get the eligibility to apply for US citizenship after 3 rather than 5 yrs we need to prove that we have been continuousely living in marital union, which includes living together. If we're not eligible for the fast track, then what would the procedure for applying for US citizenship be?

Thanks!

[mozplay 29]

This should not be an issue. You may be asked more questions to prove that you are actually living together, or even be asked to provide lots of evidence, but if you prepare well, you will be able to face any of these questions/requests head on.

Be sure to maintain a joint residence, use your joint residence as your mailing address, file taxes together, even list each other as insurance/benefit beneficiaries. These are all positive signs of a bonafide relationship. The timing of things is also something that they will look at ... you started your PhD before husband got a good teaching job, which mandated the need to have an unconventional living arrangement for a temporary period. I would gather my PhD program acceptance letters, his job offer letter/contract and even a letter from your school saying that you can only do your research at their facility, how far you are through the process etc etc.

Really, you should be fine to file under the 3-year option. This may be unconventional, but it's not uncommon.