Filng for GC Renewal While Waiting for N-400 Decsion?

[DD2012 0]

Hi All,

 

 I submitted my N-400 application last December and am still waiting for an update, my case is currently being reviewed according to the status in my USCIS account. My question is, is there any issues with also submitting my application for GC renewal while my N-400 is in progress. I just want to be safe and have a back up plan, as I know the approval of citizenship isn't guaranteed.

 

Thank you!

[DD2012 0]

Hi All,

 

 I submitted my N-400 back in December, my family wants to go on a vacation outside the country in the next couple months. Is there any problem with travel outside the country while waiting for a N-400 application to be processed? I just don't want to do anything that could jeopardize the process.

 

Thank you!

[OldUser 6,875]

The only issue is if you travel while biometrics appointment, interview or oath is scheduled. Also, don't forget that you must get a US passport to travel after naturalization. Also do not travel if you've been out of the US a lot and this trip is going to lower your physial presence in the US below required minimum.

 

Edited March 19 by OldUser

[OldUser 6,875]

Don't you have 24 months extension of your GC?

That should be OK as long as it's valid.

 

I wouldn't file I-90 unless you're close to extension letter expiration.

 

You only waited for 3 months, it's perfectly normal.

 

If you suspect you're not eligible to naturalize due to criminal past or issues with immigration,  you can always withdraw N-400 and file I-90 instead. This I would only do after checking with immigration lawyer.

Edited March 19 by OldUser

[Dashinka 24,592]

My only addition is that when you have your interview, the IO will allow you to update your travel history since filing.  Assuming you are not close to the limit, and have fulfilled or can accommodate your biometrics appointment you will be fine.

 

Good Luck!

[Dashinka 24,592]

10 hours ago, DD2012 said:

Hi All,

 

 I submitted my N-400 application last December and am still waiting for an update, my case is currently being reviewed according to the status in my USCIS account. My question is, is there any issues with also submitting my application for GC renewal while my N-400 is in progress. I just want to be safe and have a back up plan, as I know the approval of citizenship isn't guaranteed.

 

Thank you!

A few more details are needed here.  Do you have a 10yr GC?  When does it expire?  Which local office will be handling your N400.  My cousins recently naturalized through the Detroit office, filed November 2023, biometrics mid-December, interviews early February (2024), oath late February.  Many offices are prioritizing N400s so they can move fast.

[DD2012 0]

Hi Thanks everyone for your response @OldUser I am not aware of a 24 month GC extension, I haven't received anything regarding the N-400 application except for a letter saying that I don't need to schedule a biometrics appointment.

[DD2012 0]

4 hours ago, Dashinka said:

A few more details are needed here.  Do you have a 10yr GC?  When does it expire?  Which local office will be handling your N400.  My cousins recently naturalized through the Detroit office, filed November 2023, biometrics mid-December, interviews early February (2024), oath late February.  Many offices are prioritizing N400s so they can move fast.

Hi @Dashinka Yes I have a 10 year GC. It expires in September of this year. Local office handling would be Tampa, FL.

[Dashinka 24,592]

14 minutes ago, DD2012 said:

Hi @Dashinka Yes I have a 10 year GC. It expires in September of this year. Local office handling would be Tampa, FL.

USCIS processing times for Tampa is about 7.5 months.  I would not file an I90 until right before your GC is going to expire since you filed the N400 in December.  Hopefully you will not need the I90 come August.

 

Good Luck!

 

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

[OldUser 6,875]

34 minutes ago, DD2012 said:

Hi Thanks everyone for your response @OldUser I am not aware of a 24 month GC extension, I haven't received anything regarding the N-400 application except for a letter saying that I don't need to schedule a biometrics appointment.

That's weird. You'd usually get a I-797 form within 4-6 weeks of filing. It's a receipt for your case as well as extension for GC. Did you move between filing and now?

 

Request notice here if never received:

 

https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/displayNDNForm.do; jsessionid=08E5FD1FD9BC*****************6F3?sroPageType=ndn&entryPoint=init

Edited March 19 by OldUser

[Dashinka 24,592]

1 hour ago, OldUser said:

That's weird. You'd usually get a I-797 form within 4-6 weeks of filing. It's a receipt for your case as well as extension for GC. Did you move between filing and now?

 

Request notice here if never received:

 

https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/displayNDNForm.do; jsessionid=08E5FD1FD9BC*****************6F3?sroPageType=ndn&entryPoint=init

If I recall correctly, the N400 NOA does not extend the GC.

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

6 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

If I recall correctly, the N400 NOA does not extend the GC.

I just verified that wife did not get an extension after filing N-400.  But I think an I-90 for renewal of a 10 year card does. 

[Family 4,025]

There is no reason to spend the $$ on I-90 while N-400 is pending, nor will that filing give you extra protection.
They were unable to force everyone to pay the I-90 renewal before filing an N-400

Unless you have a tough HR employer , need emergency travel and can’t sweet talk an Infopass officer for an I-551 stamp …just hold on til N-400 interview. 
 

 

[OldUser 6,875]

34 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

If I recall correctly, the N400 NOA does not extend the GC.

Good to know... I don't know why but I thought it did. Sorry for confusion

[KM-StPaul 3]

You should have gotten an automatic extension notice with N-400 submission.

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-policy-to-automatically-extend-green-cards-for-naturalization-applicants

Effective Dec. 12, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is updating the USCIS Policy Manual to allow USCIS to automatically extend the validity of Permanent Resident Cards (commonly called Green Cards) for lawful permanent residents who have applied for naturalization.