Moving closer to Citizenship

[sapkars]

I have currently been in the US as a permanent resident for 4years and 4 months. I am due to take a sabbatical of 3 months this year (2009). I would like to take it as soon as possible.

My questions are

Do I have to necessarily be employed in the US for all the 5 years as a green card holder before I can apply for citizenship?
Can I be out of work for >3 months?
Do I have to necessarily stay in the US while I have applied for my citizenship? Is there a way I can apply for citizenship outside the US?
Can I apply for citizenship 6 months before I complete my 5 year term as a green card holder?

[awesomecal]

Let me take a stab at the questions:

Do I have to necessarily be employed in the US for all the 5 years as a green card holder before I can apply for citizenship?

Not necessarily.

Can I be out of work for >3 months?

Absolutely


Do I have to necessarily stay in the US while I have applied for my citizenship? Is there a way I can apply for citizenship outside the US?

There is fingerprint appointment and interview possible while you are away. I think the answer is no - you have to be in the US to apply for citizenship. Hopefully some else can clarify.

Can I apply for citizenship 6 months before I complete my 5 year term as a green card holder?

From the guidelines and rules, it appears that 90 days before is the time you can apply.

[sapkars]

Further questions

Even if I apply for Citizenship 90 days prior, does the processing start before the completion of 5 years as a Green Card holder?

[knowledgeable]

Yes

.

[saint_usa]

Hello All,

I had my Citizenship interview today ( 02/19/2009 ). Interview lasted for 15 minutes. IO was very young ( around 30 yrs old ) upon entering the room I was asked to raise my right hand to swear in. Asked for my Passport, Green Card, Driver license. IO went through my application and verified the information. Asked few questions of the application form.

1) have you ever used any other names?
2) Are you employed? if so who do you work for?
3) have you ever deserted the Military or Armed forces? ( not applicable )
4) Do you have any over due Taxes to be paid?
5) did you ever register to vote?
6) have you ever claimed any other Nationality other than your home country?
7) have you ever been arrested? or charged with any crime?

IO then asked me few Civic & History questions which i answered correctly ( need 6 correct to pass ), asked me to read a simple sentence and write a sentence which IO read. IO said, I passed the test and gave me a form and asked me to verify that my information is correct and then sign. Also asked me to sign two of my pictures. Finally said every thing looks good and i should receive a letter in mail.

Time line
N-400 application sent -------11/12/2008 ( 90 days prior to 5 yrs on GC )
Priority date notice received - 11/17/2008
Finger print notice received -- 11/26/2008
Finger print scheduled date -- 12/05/2008
Interview letter received --- 12/24/2008
Interview scheduled date ---- 02/19/2009

Waiting for Oath Letter

[SBala]

Question on applying 90 days prior to completion of 5 year residency

Hi

I am completing my 5 yrs of permanent residency by May 28th 2009. I am planning to apply 90 before the 5 yr completion i.e during the first week of Mar '09. I have a question regarding completing Part 2 in the form (Information about your eligibility). By the time of my application, I wouldn't have completed 5 years of residency. I am not sure if I can choose BOX A in the application. Or else, do I need to use Section D [Other (Explain)]?

Please help with this

Thanks

[thegooddoer]

To awesomecal

Hi awesomecal,

I would like to know if it is allowed to take your child with you for the citizenship interview? Is it considered non-permissible? I do not see any such restriction in the USCIS instructions. Please advise. Thank You

[mailarvind]

Question on applying 90 days prior to completion of 5 year residency

Hi Bala,

I am in the same boat as you are.

Did you get answers for your questions? Can you please let me know what you found out?

Thank You