When to apply for US Citizenhip (through marriage)

[BritishGuy]

Ok, so here it goes.

My wife has a Green Card. She made her first entry into the US with her immigrant visa on 8th Feb 2012. She got her Green Card through marriage (to myself).

Now, when can she apply for her US citizenship? I know that it's 3 years via marriage - but from what I understand she can apply at 2 years and 9 months (is this correct?). Can someone in the know please confirm this. I have done my research, and it seems to be the case - but sometimes I read selectively!!!

Also, (to add to the mix), as she has some loose odds and ends to wrap up (in her home country), she'll be spending just over a year (about 13-14 months) - NOT in one go (in about 3-4 trips of approximately 3-4 months each) in the 3 years prior to applying for citizenship - but NEVER breaking her continuous residence (no trip lasting more than 6 months). Now, I know that she'll have to be away from the US for no more than half the 3 year period (18 months). She'll be complying with that (by a few months). Will this work against her?

Also, she intends to apply at the 2 year 9 month mark but at that point her total time in the US will have been about 16 months in the US (not the required 18 months needed). Will that matter or does her 18 months in the US (continuous residency) have to be completed by the time she applies for USC (at the 2 year 9 month mark)?

Also, not sure it matters or makes a difference, but we've been married 3 years to date (will have been approximately 5 years by the time she applies for USC), and we have 2 kids together (me and the two kids are US citizens). Will this help/support her case too (of course not in lieu of the required requirements).

Sorry if I haven't made much sense or if the above is a little incoherent. Really appreciate any and all replies.

 

[Jackolantern]

It's not really 2 years and 9 months, it's 3 years minus 90 days, which is a little more than 2 years and 9 months depending on the specific months.

Also, she intends to apply at the 2 year 9 month mark but at that point her total time in the US will have been about 16 months in the US (not the required 18 months needed). Will that matter or does her 18 months in the US (continuous residency) have to be completed by the time she applies for USC (at the 2 year 9 month mark)?

The 18 months (548 days to be exact) of physical presence must be completed at the time of filing the application.

She should not cut it too close and apply when she has exactly 548 days, because some of those USCIS people literally cannot count and have wrongly denied people for having insufficient presence. Allow a few days extra as a buffer.

Also, not sure it matters or makes a difference, but we've been married 3 years to date (will have been approximately 5 years by the time she applies for USC), and we have 2 kids together (me and the two kids are US citizens). Will this help/support her case too (of course not in lieu of the required requirements).

Yes, if she is still living with you and the kids as a family in the same household that would help. Provided she can produce documents to support that, of course.