what if n400 application is delayed and i want to travel more?

[steeeeve 27]

i have calculated it so my wife and myself are out of the US for less than 18 months over the 3 years between GC and N400 but i'm concerned that N400 processing will be delayed in future since the USCIS is clearly now in the business of kicking people out more than letting people in.

suppose it runs to 4 or 5 years (from PR)  before she gets an interview, does that also mean she can go over 18 months out of the country or are we stuck in the US waiting for an interview?

 

BTW, she can't apply until next Sept.

 

thanks

[Crazy Cat 45,780]

9 minutes ago, steeeeve said:

since the USCIS is clearly now in the business of kicking people out more than letting people in.

The rules for N-400 haven't changed, other than the test questions.......Your calculations are premature until it is time for her to apply for citizenship.  

Handy note:  Make you have a list of all her international trips and the dates.

Edited 1 hour ago by Crazy Cat

[appleblossom 5,396]

28 minutes ago, steeeeve said:

does that also mean she can go over 18 months out of the country or are we stuck in the US waiting for an interview?

 

She needs to meet the criteria at the time of applying, and 'up to the time of naturalization'. So no, she can't go over 18 months out of the country. 

 

If she wants to travel more then she'd be better off remaining a LPR and applying for a re-entry permit. 

Edited 1 hour ago by appleblossom

[steeeeve 27]

1 minute ago, appleblossom said:

 

She needs to meet the criteria at the time of applying, and 'up to the time of naturalization'. So no, she can't go over 18 months out of the country. 

 

If she wants to travel more then she'd be better off remaining a LPR and applying for a re-entry permit. 

i don't mean over 6 month on one trip, i was asking about cumulative time out of the US.  i'm asking because for none married 5 year applicants they get up to 1/2 the 5 years, i.e. 30 months out of the US

[appleblossom 5,396]

3 minutes ago, steeeeve said:

i don't mean over 6 month on one trip, i was asking about cumulative time out of the US.  i'm asking because for none married 5 year applicants they get up to 1/2 the 5 years, i.e. 30 months out of the US

 

Yes, so exactly the same as spouses, who also get 50% - 18 months out of 3 years. 

 

It doesn't matter if it takes 5 years for her to get to the citizenship interview, if she applies under the spousal provision, then that's what she needs to meet the requirement of. 

[steeeeve 27]

10 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

 

Yes, so exactly the same as spouses, who also get 50% - 18 months out of 3 years. 

 

It doesn't matter if it takes 5 years for her to get to the citizenship interview, if she applies under the spousal provision, then that's what she needs to meet the requirement of. 

ok thanks, well hopefully it will not take 4 or 5 years from PR to get an interview. we don't want to spend winters in the US. in Queenstown NZ now and its perfect. 

Edited 1 hour ago by steeeeve

[appleblossom 5,396]

12 minutes ago, steeeeve said:

ok thanks, well hopefully it will not take 4 or 5 years from PR to get an interview. we don't want to spend winters in the US. in Queenstown NZ now and its perfect. 

 

As long as you apply as soon as she's eligible, there's no way it should take that long. 

 

But winters out of the US should be fine anyway, if you spend 3 seasons in the US and only one out of it, then she'll easily meet the continuous residence requirement. 

 

Good luck.