N-400 do I have enough time to get the citizenship/passport?

[Saturn 0]

Hello everyone,

I'm a permanent resident since July 2005. My green card expires next year in August. We're going on vacation end of July this year.

Based on where I live I suppose to send my application to Phoenix, AZ.

Do I have enough time to get citizenship/passport if all goes well before we leave for vacation?

Or its better to wait and start the process after I come back from vacation?

Thanks!

[JimmyHou 613]

Hello everyone,

I'm a permanent resident since July 2005. My green card expires next year in August. We're going on vacation end of July this year.

Based on where I live I suppose to send my application to Phoenix, AZ.

Do I have enough time to get citizenship/passport if all goes well before we leave for vacation?

Or its better to wait and start the process after I come back from vacation?

Thanks!

If you applied today and got your citizenship on July, 9th, that would be a 4 month timeline... this is possible, but fast... probably faster than 75% of other applicants.

You can also go on vacation while your N400 application is pending, but you'll if your interview is scheduled while you are away, you'll have to reschedule it or change your vacation plans.

Since you've waited 10 years, you may want to consider waiting until you're back from vacation.

So you have three choices:

1- Apply now and hope you finish in time

2- Apply now and postpone your interview if needed

3- Apply when you get back

Personally, I'd go with option 3, but that's just because I don't trust USCIS to handle a rescheduling request... but others would disagree with me. If you're in a hurry, go with options 1 or 2... if you're not, go with option 3.

[lilsweetie 35]

How long are you going on vacation?

In some ways it is nice to be on vacation while waiting because it makes the time go by faster, but you don't want to be away while they try to schedule you for biometrics or interview.

Maybe you can send the N400 application the day before you go on vacation, so they can start processing it but there is less risk of you missing appointments that they schedule while you are away. Unless your vacation is 2-3 months long, in which case I say definitely wait til you get back.

[Saturn 0]

If you applied today and got your citizenship on July, 9th, that would be a 4 month timeline... this is possible, but fast... probably faster than 75% of other applicants.

You can also go on vacation while your N400 application is pending, but you'll if your interview is scheduled while you are away, you'll have to reschedule it or change your vacation plans.

Since you've waited 10 years, you may want to consider waiting until you're back from vacation.

So you have three choices:

1- Apply now and hope you finish in time

2- Apply now and postpone your interview if needed

3- Apply when you get back

Personally, I'd go with option 3, but that's just because I don't trust USCIS to handle a rescheduling request... but others would disagree with me. If you're in a hurry, go with options 1 or 2... if you're not, go with option 3.

Thank you for taking time to reply!

I'm leaning more toward option 3 although it would be nice to travel with the passport.

If I try to "gamble" and apply now, at what point do I have to give up my green card?

How long are you going on vacation?

In some ways it is nice to be on vacation while waiting because it makes the time go by faster, but you don't want to be away while they try to schedule you for biometrics or interview.

Maybe you can send the N400 application the day before you go on vacation, so they can start processing it but there is less risk of you missing appointments that they schedule while you are away. Unless your vacation is 2-3 months long, in which case I say definitely wait til you get back.

Thanks for the reply!

I will be coming back at end of August and will be out of country for total of 28 days.

[Dario2012 51]

I'm leaning more toward option 3 although it would be nice to travel with the passport.

If I try to "gamble" and apply now, at what point do I have to give up my green card?

You will need to show your green card at the interview and it will be taken away at the oath ceremony.

[Saturn 0]

You will need to show your green card at the interview and it will be taken away at the oath ceremony.

Thanks! that's helpful to know.

Edited February 9, 2016 by Saturn