Applying for Citizenship after some time outside US

[srigopkrish]

Hi,
I got my GC in May 2000.
I was out of the country from Aug 2001 to Mar 2002.

I have been filiing taxes when I was out of the country.
I maintained my credit cards and bank account and I took a leave of
absence from my employer.

I resigned my job as soon as I returned to the US and have been working
for a different company in a different location since then.

Having said this when can I apply for my citizenship.

Thanks

 

[Radni]

I think you can apply 90 days before May 2005 . At the interview you can quite easily explain your reason for staying out of US for 8 Months. I personally think this is hardly any risk to call for postponing your N-400 till March 2007 ! Moreever you have filed your taxes ( I assume as LPR ) and hve your other record such as credit cards , work records, etc. ( may be bank account, car, insurance policy? ) .
Bye the way, if this 8 months absence is the only such long absence, I do not think you have anything to worry at all.