Employment outside USA after 4 years of GC

[SFOtoBeijing]

I am a citizen of India, I received my Green Card in Jan of 2005 ( I have 4.2 years of continuos stay in USA). I am planning to take up a job in China starting in April of 09 for 2 years. Please help me answer my questions

1) Will leaving the United States to work outside diminish my chances of getting a citizenship in the United States.
2) If the answer to Q1 is a no, can I file for my citizenship from China
3) if the answer to Q1 is a yes, what are the steps I need to take to preserve my Green Card.

Thanks,
Sriram

[nelsona]

1. Of course it will.
2. No
3. no.

Your foreign job could even cost you your GC.

To get citizenship, you need to be continually present in US during the months leading up to citizenship (.ie the last 6 months). In terms of citizenship, you would be better severved remaining in US until you hit the 5 year mark, get citizenship and then leave.

[Jackolantern]

A reentry permit is important for maintaining your GC during such a long absence outside the US, but it doesn't preserve eligibility for citizenship. To become eligible for citizenship again, you would need to return to the US after those 2 years and rebuild the required years of residence.

[Dedo]

I would suggest you get your citizenship and then leave