Hi! I was hoping someone could enlighten me my situation. I have been green card holder since 1996. I got married in the Phils in 2002 and filed a petition for my wife in 4/2003. It's still pending right now and I filed for naturalization last 2/1/2007 and I will have my interview 5/22/2007. My question is, I have been told that it will take longer for me to get my wife if I become a citizen since I changed my status. Is that true? I have also been told that as long as INS is informed of my change of status, it's okay as long I have them "upgrade" my petition. I'm confused on whether I should notify them now while I'm in the process of getting my citizenship or should I notify them right after? Is it really going to affect the time to get my wife here once I become a citizen? Thanks in advance for your help ..

as a spouse of US citizen, your wife wouldn't have to wait for a visa number to become available -> shorter waiting time.

After your naturalization, inform USCIS about the change and ask them to upgrade the petition for your wife (from 2A category(5 years wait) to immediate family (no wait)). From that point on, it will take a several months for all the paperwork and then, she'll have an interview, get visa and be able to come to the USA.

Many people in your situation would naturalize earlier (looks like you met conditions even before you got married) and thus speed up the petition for a spouse...

good luck

Thank you so much ... appreciate the help.

where did you file your naturalization? you got your interview fast.. I filed last January here in California and still haven't heard anything from them.