How did YOU decide when to submit your N-400 application?

[blooberry 3]

Hello all!

I haven't visited VisaJourney for a long time! I'm now married to my husband of 9 years!

My 10-year PR card expires in 2018. I have decided to apply for US citizenship but am trying to figure out when to submit my N-400 paperwork.

My best friend from college is getting married (in my hometown) in July 2015. I've been invited to the wedding and obviously want to be there! But I don't understand the Field Office processing timelines.

I am supposed to initially submit my N-400 paperwork to the Phoenix AZ lockbox. The USCIS website says that field office is behind by 6 months (processing March submissions in August). Is it correct that my paperwork gets transferred to my local field office in Oregon? The USCIS website says the Oregon field office is behind by 8 months (processing January submissions in August.)

So should I assume that I have to wait for a decision for 14 months (8+6)??? I looked at the timelines to find other applicants who have the Oregon field office, but couldn't find anyone from 2014. Maybe I didn't scroll back enough pages!

It says that you can't travel outside the US once you mail in your N-400 paperwork. The obvious solution would be to wait until after my friend's wedding to submit the application (November to July is only 9 months, so I'd be unable to attend her wedding if processing takes 14 months.)

But then what? What if, once I submit my paperwork (in Fall 2015 for example), my brother gets married or has a child? Or my dad is in the hospital with a heart attack? Or my mom dies in a car accident? I wouldn't be able to visit because I'd have already filed my N-400. It doesn't mention exceptions to that rule.

My Canadian relatives and friends are no help because they say, "Why do you need US citizenship? You can just renew your Green Card." Which is true! But Oregon is my home now and I want to be an American citizen.

I know that I'm a worrier (I'm trying to work on that but it is hard.) How did you decide when to file your application? Did any of you miss important life events because you had to stay in the country during the N-400?

Thanks in advance for any responses,

B&L

[osmosesnew 17]

i dont think thats correct. You can travel after mailing your N400 as i am also planning a trip in december and i havd mailed my N400 few weeks ago. you only have to update your travel history during interview. And if you mail n400 now. You should be done in less that 8months. Even New york city with higher processing time takes 7months. Go to trackit.com to track your state or field office

Edited October 28, 2014 by osmosesnew

[osmosesnew 17]

this is what i can find on portland, OR.

http://www.trackitt.com/usa-immigration-trackers/n400/page/72

Edited October 28, 2014 by osmosesnew

[osmosesnew 17]

found other threads and the answer is also Yes. You can travel as long as it wont clash with your interview date or oath ceremony. From the timeline entire process takes about 8/9 months for Portland Oregon. So file now and you have a chance of finishing before July.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/301473-international-travel-after-applying-for-naturalization/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/270348-planned-travel-out-of-country-during-citizenship-process/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/269661-travel-during-n-400-application/

Edited October 28, 2014 by osmosesnew

[JimmyHou 613]

Hello all!

I haven't visited VisaJourney for a long time! I'm now married to my husband of 9 years!

My 10-year PR card expires in 2018. I have decided to apply for US citizenship but am trying to figure out when to submit my N-400 paperwork.

My best friend from college is getting married (in my hometown) in July 2015. I've been invited to the wedding and obviously want to be there! But I don't understand the Field Office processing timelines.

I am supposed to initially submit my N-400 paperwork to the Phoenix AZ lockbox. The USCIS website says that field office is behind by 6 months (processing March submissions in August). Is it correct that my paperwork gets transferred to my local field office in Oregon? The USCIS website says the Oregon field office is behind by 8 months (processing January submissions in August.)

So should I assume that I have to wait for a decision for 14 months (8+6)??? I looked at the timelines to find other applicants who have the Oregon field office, but couldn't find anyone from 2014. Maybe I didn't scroll back enough pages!

It says that you can't travel outside the US once you mail in your N-400 paperwork. The obvious solution would be to wait until after my friend's wedding to submit the application (November to July is only 9 months, so I'd be unable to attend her wedding if processing takes 14 months.)

But then what? What if, once I submit my paperwork (in Fall 2015 for example), my brother gets married or has a child? Or my dad is in the hospital with a heart attack? Or my mom dies in a car accident? I wouldn't be able to visit because I'd have already filed my N-400. It doesn't mention exceptions to that rule.

My Canadian relatives and friends are no help because they say, "Why do you need US citizenship? You can just renew your Green Card." Which is true! But Oregon is my home now and I want to be an American citizen.

I know that I'm a worrier (I'm trying to work on that but it is hard.) How did you decide when to file your application? Did any of you miss important life events because you had to stay in the country during the N-400?

Thanks in advance for any responses,

B&L

1- You can travel after you file your N-400.

2- You can request to reschedule a biometrics appointment, and interview, or your oath ceremony. This will cause further delays, but in case of an emergency, it can't be helped.

[blooberry 3]

Thank you for your helpful responses! I could have sworn that there was a rule about no travel while the N-400 application was in process, but of course now I can't locate it.

Your replies have eased my worries and I am grateful!

Sincerely,

B&L

[dioxide45 25]

The only time you will be limited in travel will be between the date of your Oath and when you are able to obtain a US Passport. I am in that period now. Have my Certificate of Naturalization but no passport. Applied yesterday and hope to have it shortly.