Green Card Renewal into Naturalization

[RomaSkirsky 6]

Hi everyone,

Hope all is well :-)

In March of 2016 my husband's Conditional Green Card expires, and so we have to take the next step in applying for the non-conditional green card. However, then in August of 2016 my husband is eligible to apply for naturalization and citizenship, as we will have been officially married for 3 years. Does anyone know if there's a way to skip the non conditional application green card, and get some sort of extension so that we can apply for his citizenship in august instead of going through two different immigration processes in one year?

On another note, Is the non conditional GC process a 6 month process as well? I'm starting to research the process now as we have attend a wedding in April/may of 2016 and I want to make sure his status is ok. Does anyone know how much time they give you before a GC expires to apply for non conditional GC or Naturalization?

Please let me know what your thoughts, experiences and recommendations are.

Thanks so much!

Saludos!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

No you must remove conditions before you can apply for citizenship ( well at least have your application filed, they may adjudicate the ROC after you file for citizenship )

[S_R 148]

You cannot skip roc. It takes between 5-12months to remove conditions on residency.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

3 years of GC not your marriage.

[RomaSkirsky 6]

Thanks everyone. I figured we wouldn't be able to skip it, but I was just being hopeful. haha.

What's the earliest he can apply for ROC before his current GC expires? I remember hearing 3 months, but I'm not sure if that's correct.

Thanks again!

[RomaSkirsky 6]

NVM Just found my answer!

It is very important to file the I-751 within the correct window of time, and be sure not to file it before the 90-day window. If you file it too early, they will send your application back. You may file at any time during the 90 day window, but it is prudent to file fairly early in the window.

That's why I love this site. :-)

So if we have to apply 90 days before around January 2016 and we're attending a wedding in Ecuador in May 2016. Do we also need to file the I-131? What are the options for traveling when you're doing a ROC?

Thanks-

Edited July 3, 2015 by RomaSkirsky

[Starkilla09 366]

NVM Just found my answer!

It is very important to file the I-751 within the correct window of time, and be sure not to file it before the 90-day window. If you file it too early, they will send your application back. You may file at any time during the 90 day window, but it is prudent to file fairly early in the window.

That's why I love this site. :-)

So if we have to apply 90 days before around January 2016 and we're attending a wedding in Ecuador in May 2016. Do we also need to file the I-131? What are the options for traveling when you're doing a ROC?

Thanks-

Yes file within 90 days when ROC window opens. A notice of action will be sent to you shortly after that extending your greencard for 1 year pending adjudication. This notice can be used to travel internationally so you don't have to apply for any advance parole. You're still a permanent resident and that serves as evidence of status at that point. Alternatively you can also visit your local USCIS field office after an info pass and request a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport as well to use to travel. Some feel more comfortable traveling with the stamp. Just keep your visit brief under 6 months though as you well know. Edited July 3, 2015 by Starkilla09

[RomaSkirsky 6]

Yes file within 90 days when ROC window opens. A notice of action will be sent to you shortly after that extending your greencard for 1 year pending adjudication. This notice can be used to travel internationally so you don't have to apply for any advance parole. You're still a permanent resident and that serves as evidence of status at that point. Alternatively you can also visit your local USCIS field office after an info pass and request a temporary I-551 stamp in your passport as well to use to travel. Some feel more comfortable traveling with the stamp. Just keep your visit brief under 6 months though as you well know.

Wonderful news! Thank you so much for your help! :-) Best of luck!