What dates should i be baselining for my 4 years and 9 months to qualify for Citizens

[so_ab]

Hello Folks:

I have a question regarding the date i should be baselining (to count for the 4 years 9 months time frame).

a. 485 approved on 1/14/02
b. I went to the INS office and got my passport stamped on 2/19/2002
(Obviously one has to receive the approval notification from the INS to be taken to the local INS office for stamping; in addition i was traveling on business)
c. I received my plastic card on 4/26/02; the Card has an expiration date of 4/24/02 and mentions that i am a Resident since 1/14/02 (485 approval date).

What date should i be baselining (a/b/c) for counting my 4 years and 9 months for my citizenship qualifier. (I realize i have a long way to go, but thought there is no harm to get this information).

Thanks.

 

[so_ab]

Thanks for your response.

An extended question to this.. my spouse is currently on a Visa and i have a Permanent Residency.

If i apply for citizenship (say by 10/14/2006 - 4 years & 9 months from the 485 approval date), {Subject to me abiding by the residency, moral character rules etc etc}, can i apply to sponsor my spouse also around the same time.. or should i wait to get my citizenship and then apply for my spouse?

I live in CA, and get to understand that it takes about 8 months to a year to actually get the citizenship after one applies.

Please let me know.. I was banking on this HR3701 very much.. but looks like that is fizzling out...

Thanks as always,