Applying For Citizenship When On N-470 Visa

[yorkycowboy]

I am currently working outside of the US on a N-470 Visa.

Do I have to return to the US before applying for citizenship or can I apply when still working overseas.

If I do have to be back in the US is there any rules on how long I should be back before making the application and also how long does the application take to process - Texas Service Center?

Any help would be apprecited.

[Jackolantern]

N-470 is not a visa. It is for preserving continuous residence so you can maintain eligibility for citizenship.

You can send in the application while overseas, but you still have to go to the US for fingerprinting and again for the interview.

[TheRealCanadian]

My understanding is that to apply for naturalization, one must reside in the district covered by the local office for at least 90 days. Living abroad doesn't meet that requirement, nor does the N-470 waive it.

[Jackolantern]

Originally Posted by TheRealCanadian

My understanding is that to apply for naturalization, one must reside in the district covered by the local office for at least 90 days.

However, if one has already lived in the district for 90 days before applying, and returns to the same district after traveling, being abroad with an N-470 does not cause one to fail that 90 day requirement.