F-1 student filling N-400

**Mr.Big.Z** · 31st August 2012, 02:09 AM

Hello,
I'm a student on F-1 visa and I have been married and living with a US citizen for the past 4 years.
I want to apply for naturalization. In the N-400 form they ask about the USCIS A-number, but since I don't have a green card, I don't have USCIS A-number. Many questions in the N-400 form ask about being a lawful permanent resident!! Am I considered as conditional or permanent resident or what? I have been living in the US since 2006,
Since I'm on F-1 visa, is there anything I need to do differently than the green card holder?

Anything I need to know? Where can I find information about naturalization for people on F-1 Visa?

Thanks

**Jackolantern** · 31st August 2012, 09:25 AM

Many questions in the N-400 form ask about being a lawful permanent resident!!

That's because you need to be a permanent resident for 5 years to be eligible for N-400 (3 years if married to a US citizen), unless you have served in the US military.

Am I considered as conditional or permanent resident or what?

Neither. You are a nonimmigrant. Apply for a green card, live in the US with the green card and your US citizen spouse for 3 years*, then you can apply for naturalization.

Where can I find information about naturalization for people on F-1 Visa?

Nowhere, because you can't go directly from F-1 to naturalization.

*there is a 90-day early filing period, so you can apply 90 days before you've completed 3 years as a green card holder, but your citizenship can't be approved until you've completed the full 3 years.