Early naturalization filing can come with many benefits for green card holders, but it can come with some challenges as well. For one thing, you have to make sure you meet the naturalization eligibility requirements and follow the N-400 early filing date rules. For the best chance of being approved for naturalization, it is recommended that you seek the legal help of an immigration attorney. Keep reading to find out what the early naturalization filing process entails for green card holders and why it can be a beneficial option.
General Naturalization Eligibility Requirements
Before we discuss how you can apply for citizenship 90 days early, you need to understand the general naturalization eligibility requirements. After all, you don’t want to get this process started before you have clarified whether or not you even qualify.
Here are the eligibility requirements you must meet to obtain U.S. citizenship:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have continuously and physically lived in the United States as a green card holder for five years.
- Have established residency in the state or USCIS district where you are going to apply.
- Have a good moral character.
- Swear allegiance to the United States.
- Register for military service and be willing to perform civil service if required, for men only.
- Have basic proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Demonstrate knowledge of U.S. government and history.
Naturalization Timeline
The green card to citizenship timeline can feel like a long wait, as there are many things that must be completed before approval. The entire naturalization process is usually broken down into 10 steps, and there is no specific timeline that you can depend on, unfortunately. The wait time is often dependent on the form category and how busy the field office or service center is.
If there are any issues with your application, this could also result in potential delays.
What Is the 90-Day Early Filing Rule?
Now that you know about the naturalization eligibility requirements, what is the 90-day early citizenship rule? Generally, green card holders have to wait five years before they can apply for citizenship. However, there is an exception to this where you may be able to file 90 days before the five year mark, allowing you to jump slightly ahead when it comes to processing.
The USCIS has specifically allowed the early naturalization filing 90 day rule since it will usually take them at least 90 days to review your application. But make sure you do not apply earlier than 90 days, as this will result in your application being returned or rejected.
Also, it’s important to note that not everybody has to wait five years before applying for naturalization. There are several exceptions to this rule, with the most common being a three-year wait time for spouses of U.S. citizens and long-term residents.
How to Calculate Your Early Filing Date
As we mentioned above, applying before the 90 day early citizenship rule will result in your application being returned to you or rejected by the USCIS. That is why it is important to calculate the correct N-400 early filing date, as this will be dependent on your specific case.
The best way to avoid making an error when calculating the date is to use the USCIS early filing calculator.
Benefits of Applying Early
For most people, taking the time to calculate the right early naturalization filing date is well worth the effort. Although applying 90 days early does not guarantee that your application will be successful, it can help to get the process started a little earlier. After all, having to wait five years is quite a long time, and getting a three-month head start can give you a great deal of peace of mind.
Here are some of the main benefits of applying early so that you can achieve U.S. citizenship.
Earlier Citizenship
Although it isn’t a guarantee that your application will be approved sooner if you apply early, it is a possibility. This could help you achieve earlier naturalization so that you get access to all of the benefits of U.S. citizenship.
For more complex cases, this could also help you navigate the possibility of delays that would otherwise dramatically slow down this process.
Less Stress
For most people who are waiting to apply for U.S. citizenship, this can be a very stressful time. Especially since most people have to wait five years before doing this, you are probably starting to get a bit impatient.
The 90-day early filing rule allows you to file your application three months early without feeling like you are trying to beat the clock.
Early Preparation
When you apply for U.S. citizenship, you will need to take the naturalization test, which is two parts and includes a civics test and an English test. You will also need to have an interview, which will usually be on the same day.
When you take advantage of the early filing rule, you are giving yourself the advantage of early preparation for the interview and exam. Preparation is essential as you must pass the interview and both parts of the test in order to qualify for citizenship.
Hire an Immigration Attorney Today
Are you curious about the 90-day early citizenship rule? Contact us today at U.S. Immigration Law Counsel at 800-666-4996 to speak with an immigration attorney about your situation. We will deal with the government, so you don’t have to!
FAQ Section
Does applying 90 days early guarantee faster approval?
No, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved faster if you take advantage of the 90-day early filing rule. Processing times will still vary significantl
Can conditional green card holders apply early?
Yes, but only after they have received a 10-year green card and have met the residency requirement.
What happens if I file too early?
If you file before 90 days, the USCIS will either reject or deny your application. The timing must be exact, which is why it is strongly recommended that you use the USCIS early filing calculator.
