Applying for Citizenship while married but living in different states

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Margie1990

Registered Users (C)
I came to the US on F-1 visa in 1990. Met my spouse, married in 1999, got my GC in 2002 and we lived continuously until 2004. Then for work reasons, I moved to another state, and my spouse stayed back. We both work in arts/entertainment and since then we have been visiting each other on average about 3 times per year for a couple of weeks at a time. We have had joint bank accounts for general back and forth kind of stuff but pay bills separately.

I am now wanting to apply for my citizenship, do you think there likely be any issue about the validity my marriage? Is there something that I should be particularly prepared to show/do before applying?

Also, is it mandatory for me to apply through marrage, or can I do it just as an individual ?
 
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If you qualify for both the 3-year and 5-year rules, it's your choice to pick which one. It's almost always better to choose the 5-year option, so they'll pay little or no attention to your marriage.
 
Jackolantern, Thanks so much, that seems like I am in a great place to start! :-)

I know there are a large number of resources etc, but it would be great to be pointed toward a current, 'ideal' URL where I can go review the options etc? Especially where I can see details of 3 vs 5 year rules and see what kind of checklists I have to comply with ?

Thanks again!
 
Margie1990 said:
I came to the US on F-1 visa in 1990. Met my spouse, married in 1999, got my GC in 2002 and we lived continuously until 2004. Then for work reasons, I moved to another state, and my spouse stayed back. We both work in arts/entertainment and since then we have been visiting each other on average about 3 times per year for a couple of weeks at a time. We have had joint bank accounts for general back and forth kind of stuff but pay bills separately.

I am now wanting to apply for my citizenship, do you think there likely be any issue about the validity my marriage? Is there something that I should be particularly prepared to show/do before applying?

Also, is it mandatory for me to apply through marrage, or can I do it just as an individual ?
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Because you have your greencard for over 8 years, you are in a good shape to apply on own. Of course the immigration officer will ask you about how your marriage is going, I don't think that it will an issue. If you are not familiar on how to file, there are immigrant assistance that charge small fee; I think you should seek help...good luck
 
My situation is similar - hubby is in Military so we live in different States. I had my green card since 2003, and has since divorced from my Ex. However, when I filed citizenship last year I filed under the married for 3 years. When the office saw that I was had my green card with my Ex, she just confirmed that he was the one who had filed for me - then she said it was too much paperwork to go thru filing married to my current husband for 3 years so she's doing the 5 year. She didn't even ask me anything about my current husband - I had all our stuff just in case though. With you having a green card for so long you'll be okay. Mine was so easy. good luck.
 
Thanks everyone for these responses. Its great to know I'm not the only one dealing with this kind of anomaly. I am planning on coming back to this thread for more info regarding people's different experiences. So very helpful!
 
faysal said:
If you are not familiar on how to file, there are immigrant assistance that charge small fee; I think you should seek help...good luck
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Faysal, where do I find these Immigration assistance persons and what is a reasonable fee you think?
 
Margie... Just go to uscis.gov Select application N-400 ... it's easy to file and since you can file under the 5 year rule, that makes it even more easier.. You don't have to collect unnecessary paperwork as you do under the 3 year rule. The instructions are well mentioned on uscis.gov but if you still need assistance there's usually meetings by the immigration people in Junior colleges...you can just google it and see whatever comes up in your city. Or you can always go with a legal assistant who can fill out your application for you for about 100-200 bucks
 
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