When am I eligible for naturalization

[nvgroups]

Friends.

My GC was issued in 2008 with a resident since date from 2006. When can I apply for naturalization and citizenship.

Thanks in advance for any info.
NVG

[nwctzn]

Can you explain why there is a two year gap with your GC issue date and your permanent residency date?

If you meet the continuous residence requirement (no single trips lasting longer than 6 months) and the physical presence requirement (at least 30 months present in the US) for the last five years the rule is as follows:

Assuming you have been a permanent resident since mm/dd/2006, add five years which is mm/dd/2011. Now subtract 90 days from mm/dd/2011. Be careful, it is exactly 90 days, not 3 months; I heard of people getting denied because they applied 91 and 92 days earlier since they simply subtracted 3 months. Play it safe, it will save you a lot of headaches later if instead of 90 days, you apply 87 or 86 days earlier than mm/dd/2011.

Here is a site which does calculate the number of days between two dates (use at own risk and double-check): http://www.timeanddate.com/date/duration.html

[nvgroups]

The facts:

Original entry to US - 2006
GC granted in 2008 with resident status as on 2006.

I am not sure why they issued a backdated residency. How does this affect my application for naturalization.

Thanks
NVG

[nwctzn]

The facts:

Original entry to US - 2006
GC granted in 2008 with resident status as on 2006.

I am not sure why they issued a backdated residency. How does this affect my application for naturalization.

Thanks
NVG

Hi NVG,
How did you enter the US in 2006? With a tourist visa or H1B? Or did you win the GC lottery and entered as an immigrant?

[nvgroups]

Entered in 2006 on a H1B.

Thanks for your assistance.
NVG

[nwctzn]

Entered in 2006 on a H1B.

Thanks for your assistance.
NVG

It is likely that USCIS made an error on your GC and printed 2006 as your start date of permanent residency. It is my understanding that you became a permanent resident in 2008, that is when you got your GC. You should schedule an infopass appointment and check your situation with USCIS. I would not recommend that you apply for N400 and claim that you have been a permanent resident since 2006 since although it is most likely USCIS' fault on your GC, they can claim later that you made a false statement on your form and deny your N400 application.

Long story short, I would do the following: Schedule an infopass appointment with USCIS and get the start date of your permanent residency resolved. Once this has been resolved it will be clear if you can apply in 2011 or (more likely) in 2013.

Best of luck and please keep us posted how it goes.