N-400 Question

[SeabagsFull 0]

Part 7.A. "How many total days did you spend outside of the United States during the past five years?"

Since my wife is married to me, a U.S. citizen, she only needs be here for three years. So should she put "730" (i.e., two years x 365 days)?

Also, since she'll be mailing the form by the allowable 90 days in advance, should she add 90 days to the 730 & write "820" days?

Thanks to any members who can help.

[newlyweds2010 208]

She should only count the days spent outside of the US after becoming a LPR

[Beata1501 14]

Where ever in the form it asks for last 5 years - you can cross it out and type in THREE years. That is what I did.

[SeabagsFull 0]

Thanks to you both for answering.

Am filling out the form by computer & don't have a typewriter; I suppose I could simply line out "five" & hand-write "three." What I have done is explain the answer on an already needed continuation sheet.

Btw, I've read that a cover sheet that includes the applicant's reasons for wanting to be a citizen helps. Nowhere in the instructions does it mention this. Any thoughts?

Also, the instructions don't mention bringing passport or drivers license to the interview, but other threads have suggested doing so. Good idea?

Thanks.

Edited December 15, 2013 by SeabagsFull

[Beata1501 14]

I filled out the form on the computer, and after printing out I simply used my hand writing to write "three" above lined out "five" - didn't use a typewriter.

I used a cover sheet to write down what documents and evidence I attached along with my N-400 form, so everything "looked" more organized. I didn't write any "reasons" why I want to become a citizen and I don't think it would do much anyway. I think for them it only matters whether someone is eligible or not. If your wife wants to add her reasons, she could do so.

After you send the N-400 form with the documents they want, they will send you a notice for Biometrics appointment, and after you're done with that, you will receive another letter with the interview appointment and the Checklist (of what you'll need to bring to the interview). Passport will be on that list. And drivers license will also be needed (I received a yellow letter telling me to bring my drivers license or state ID).

[SeabagsFull 0]

I filled out the form on the computer, and after printing out I simply used my hand writing to write "three" above lined out "five" - didn't use a typewriter.

I used a cover sheet to write down what documents and evidence I attached along with my N-400 form, so everything "looked" more organized. I didn't write any "reasons" why I want to become a citizen and I don't think it would do much anyway. I think for them it only matters whether someone is eligible or not. If your wife wants to add her reasons, she could do so.

After you send the N-400 form with the documents they want, they will send you a notice for Biometrics appointment, and after you're done with that, you will receive another letter with the interview appointment and the Checklist (of what you'll need to bring to the interview). Passport will be on that list. And drivers license will also be needed (I received a yellow letter telling me to bring my drivers license or state ID).

Fantastic; thanks Beata1501.

Btw, did you include the number of days you filed in advance (i.e., 90?) in your answer for days out of the country? My wife has never left since arrival & plans to file 90 days early, so should she write "90" days?

[Beata1501 14]

No, I didn't include 90 days in my "out of country" days, even though I applied 90 days earlier. Only traveling from the day your wife got her Green Card to the moment of filing the form counts. So for her it will be 0 days.

[SeabagsFull 0]

No, I didn't include 90 days in my "out of country" days, even though I applied 90 days earlier. Only traveling from the day your wife got her Green Card to the moment of filing the form counts. So for her it will be 0 days.

Thanks, Beata 1501. And congratulations to you on your pending approval.

[Beata1501 14]

No problem SeabagsFull I actually have my interview this Tuesday (I filed N-400 in September). Hopefully it will go without any pain

[NickD 203]

Asked this same question from my immigration attorney, said do not change the form, she was out of the country for the time she was not an LPR and for the the three short trips she took while an LPR. For us that was 409 days and that is what we put in. The table below does specify the trips as an LPR, that preceding question does not, just says five years.

That idiot Emilio put that question in, ambiguous, and as a poor English speaking Cuban refugee, was put in charge of the USCIS because somehow he helped Bush get elected. And with three acting directors since then, still haven't corrected this form.

My thought on this issue is the most accurate thing to put in that box is N/A since you are applying for the 3 and not the 5 year year. Since this section deals with meeting the residency requirements, should have a total box under that table. But to the best of my knowledge, most IO's ignore whatever you do with that box.

[Beata1501 14]

Asked this same question from my immigration attorney, said do not change the form, she was out of the country for the time she was not an LPR and for the the three short trips she took while an LPR. For us that was 409 days and that is what we put in. The table below does specify the trips as an LPR, that preceding question does not, just says five years.

My thought on this issue is the most accurate thing to put in that box is N/A since you are applying for the 3 and not the 5 year year. Since this section deals with meeting the residency requirements, should have a total box under that table. But to the best of my knowledge, most IO's ignore whatever you do with that box.

I changed the form just like I said - lining out "five" and writing above it "three" and there was NO problems with doing so. Plus during the interview they check all the informations from the N-400 form asking especially about the trips, so I don't think they would "ignore" it.

Anyway, my interview went well - 6 easy questions. The IO didn't want any documents, except for Green Card and my driver's license. Didn't ask for my passport. The whole interview lasted 16 minutes.

[SeabagsFull 0]

I changed the form just like I said - lining out "five" and writing above it "three" and there was NO problems with doing so. Plus during the interview they check all the informations from the N-400 form asking especially about the trips, so I don't think they would "ignore" it.

Anyway, my interview went well - 6 easy questions. The IO didn't want any documents, except for Green Card and my driver's license. Didn't ask for my passport. The whole interview lasted 16 minutes.

Congratulations, Beata1501!