This is a very common question for people waiting 1 to 4 years for an I-751 to process.
In short, Yes, if the I-751 is pending and you meet the requirements for naturalization, you can file your N400 while the I-751 petition is still pending. Essentially, instead of receiving a 10-year Green Card, you would be changing your focus to just becoming a US Citizen, which is the ultimate goal for most Immigrants.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for An N400 Naturalization?
Be a green card holder for at least 3 years if your filing is based on marriage;
Be a green card holder for at least 3 years if you are filing based on VAWA;
Be a lawful permanent resident if your filing is not based on marriage to a US citizen;
Meet the physical presence requirement living in the U.S. for the majority of the time being a lawful permanent resident;
Live in the state where you intend to apply for your N400 for at least three months;
Cannot have criminal charges or convictions for the past 5 years prior to filing for naturalization, so that you show that you are a person of good moral character
If you meet the requirements for N400 Naturalization and your I-751 petition is still pending, you can file for naturalization, while your I-751 is still pending, the USCIS officer will adjudicate both petitions at the time of the interview.
The N-400 has become an Electronic Filing. It is generally best to file the N-400 electronically because it is more efficient, less likely to have anything get lost in transit, and sometimes can process quicker than a paper-based filing.
Most Common Scenario:
The Green Card Holder is still married to their US Citizen Spouse after 3 years of being a Green Card Holder. The I-751 was filed over a year ago, and both spouses are still waiting for the 10 years Green Card. The Green Card Holder has been studying the one-hundred and twenty eight (128) N-400 2020 version Civics Test Questions, and now wishes to become a US Citizen.
If you are interested in becoming a US Citizen (even while the I-751 is pending), click here to contact our office to speak with our attorney with regards to your immigration options!
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