Naturalization

[MikeXiao]

The other day, I was looking ahead at the N-400, Naturalization application form. Did they change the requirement? It now says "(2) A lawful permanent resident for 3 years and married to and living with the same USC for 3 years and your spouse has been a USC for at least 3 years." Does Conditional Residency time count towards the PR time of 3 years? My wife has a friend who told her that she does not need to wait 5 years, just 3. Can anyone shed some light on this?

[frank1538]

The general rule is 5 years of residency, but there is an exception for spouses of US citizens which reduces the time to 3 years: http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/Special.htm :

 

"Spouses of U.S. Citizens

 

Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:

 

- the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;

 

- the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and

 

- the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements."

 

The clock starts ticking from the date of the green card, whether conditional or permanent: http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/faq.htm#q4 :

 

"Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card)."

Edited January 20, 2006 by frank1538 (see edit history)

[skibum]

I think that has been the rule for some time. Not changed.

[se_lang]

The general rule is 5 years of residency, but there is an exception for spouses of US citizens which reduces the time to 3 years:  http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/Special.htm :

 

"Spouses of U.S. Citizens

 

Generally, certain lawful permanent residents married to a U.S. citizen may file for naturalization after residing continuously in the United States for three years if immediately preceding the filing of the application:

 

- the applicant has been married to and living in a valid marital union with the same U.S. citizen spouse for all three years;

 

- the U.S. spouse has been a citizen for all three years and meets all physical presence and residence requirements; and

 

- the applicant meets all other naturalization requirements."

 

The clock starts ticking from the date of the green card, whether conditional or permanent:  http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/faq.htm#q4 :

 

"Your time as a Permanent Resident begins on the date you were granted permanent resident status. This date is on your Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as Alien Registration Card)."

184541[/snapback]

So if I read this right, when my wife gets her CGC it will be three years after that? At the current speed of our system that will be the day after never.

[MikeXiao]

So let me see if I have this right.

 

We send in to remove the conditions from the permanent residency at the 2 year point, and then one year later, can file for naturalization?

 

Years ago, you had to wait 3 years from the removal of the conditions.