Adnams

We became eligible to apply for citizenship in December 2013.
As yet we haven't gotten around to it for a truck load of reasons one of them being that we just relocated to another state.
As far as I understand we have to be resident in a state for 3 months before applying?
So my question is am I on a time limit to start the process? For various reasons we may not want to get to the application until October 2014 but if we have a limited window of opportunity to start the citizenship application then we will need to rethink that plan?? Quandary :/
Thanks in advance!

RICH

No time limit. I waited a few years before applying. On the other hand, circumstances can change, so you might consider sooner the better.

S Folinsky

General note: the rule is for state OR service district. Some service districts encompass more than one state and some states encompass more than one district.

Second general note: the statutory rule allowing three months "early" filing [note that statute says three months while regulation says "90 days"] applies to the required three months of residence in the state or district.

Further answers I will leave as an exercise for the student.

Adnams

That makes me feel a bit better. We can wait a few months and start the process in October when we move into our permanent home.

Is it an hideously awful process? I am so lazy was thinking of hiring a lawyer but I know a lot of people do it solo and it seems to be fast?

Noorah101

No. It's actually the easiest part of your entire immigration process.

Rene

RICH

Have a look at the n-400 form and instructions. I understand it recently got a lot more comprehensive, but 6 months ago it was pretty straightforward.

Adnams

Oh great :/
Just our luck we hit the new improved system and its just become massively complicated

Noorah101

I haven't seen the new form. I know it's longer, but is it really more complicated?

Rene

RICH

I just had a quick look, I don't think there is much added, just re designed, and longer.

Still it is (can be) the simplest/quickest of all immigration processes;

Fill form, pay fee, biometrics appointment, interview/test, oath ceremony. 6 months, give or take.

md95065

Not really.

In fact, in some ways it is easier - for example they now only ask for your travel history over the past 5 years instead of the entire time since you became a permanent resident.

henryh

One relevant time limit: Don't wait until your green card is about to expire (or has expired), otherwise you'll have to renew your green card before you can naturalize.