Apply Now, 18 months early?

[dgarstang]

In September 2009, about 21 months from now, I will have been a permanent resident for 5 years and eligible for citizenship.

Apparently applications used to take about 7 months to process, and people would begin the process about 6 months before being a resident for 5 years.

I hear that applications are now taking 18 months+. So, can I start my application now, 21 months out? Is it too early? How early can it done?

Thanks,
Doug.

 

[Atlanta_Brother]

Good thinking

In September 2009, about 21 months from now, I will have been a permanent resident for 5 years and eligible for citizenship.

Apparently applications used to take about 7 months to process, and people would begin the process about 6 months before being a resident for 5 years.

I hear that applications are now taking 18 months+. So, can I start my application now, 21 months out? Is it too early? How early can it done?

Thanks,
Doug.

I like the way you think, but the problem is what if they cash your check in about a months time. That's when they eyeball your application & go over it to see if you are eligable to apply and send you your first receipt. I don't know if other folks here would agree with me.

 

[boatbod]

Nice try, but no cigar for you.

You can only APPLY when you get within 90 days of meeting the 3yr or 5yr eligibility criteria (whichever is appropriate for your situation). AFAIK, nobody was ever allowed to apply 6 months in advance, and USCIS has been known to return people's applications that have been received as little as 1 day early.