3 month state resident requirement before N400? (also moving to different state after sending n400)

BlackSnow

New Member
Hey guys,

I currently live in TN but plan to move to CA in the next 2 months or so. I want to file my n400 as soon as i can but was wondering if I file it here in TN then move to Cali I would have to come back twice for biometrics and interview. This would be quite a hassle since it's very long drive or expensive plane ticket.

Was wondering if I would be able to reschedule biometrics and interview from TN to CA once I receive notices for them? Or will it be too much hassle?

Also, if I just wait to file n400 until I move to CA: can I file it within 1 week or so? In the official naturalization guide it says "Most people must live in USCIS district state in which they are applying for at least 3 months before applying" Interesting how they put the word "most" instead of "All, everybody, it is requirement" It makes it seem like it's not "hard" rule that they enforce?

So naturally curious if anyone ever had problems/denial for applying less than 3 months after moving to new state?
 
The exceptions are for military personnel for example who are stationed overseas.

In your case, you must have resided at least 3 months in the same state/district, there is no exception.

You just lose money and more time if you get rejected just because you filed too early. So wait 3 months after your move before filing. Just my personal opinion and what I would do if I were in your situation.

Here is the link to USCIS M-476 which clearly shows who needs to have resided 3 months in the same state/district and who does not. Look at the tables (page 18 combined with page 19), not only the text in the following document: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/M-476.pdf
 
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You state that you will be moving in a month or two, then if you filed the N-400 now then more then likely you will have your ASC appointment in about a month or so. If you do move while your application is pending then you have to file an AR-11 (Change of Address of Alien) and a service request either online or by the 800 number to have your address updated on the N-400 application. However, if your file has already been sent to the TN office by the time the change of address service request comes through then you will have to wait while they transfer the file to the office in California that is responsible for your new address.
The instructions for the N-400 states that a person must have lived in the same USCIS district or state for 3 months BEFORE they apply.
 
You state that you will be moving in a month or two, then if you filed the N-400 now then more then likely you will have your ASC appointment in about a month or so. If you do move while your application is pending then you have to file an AR-11 (Change of Address of Alien) and a service request either online or by the 800 number to have your address updated on the N-400 application. However, if your file has already been sent to the TN office by the time the change of address service request comes through then you will have to wait while they transfer the file to the office in California that is responsible for your new address.
The instructions for the N-400 states that a person must have lived in the same USCIS district or state for 3 months BEFORE they apply.

I would not complicate things and just apply 3 months after the move to CA. So everything will be handled in CA. Less potential pain, less potential headache in my opinion.
 
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