Applying with absence greater than 6 months (less than 1 yr)

[mwalam]

Just wanted to let people know that you can apply for citizenship even if you have an absence greater than 6 months (but less than 1 yr). My parents had almost 2 greater than 6 mos absences (back-to-back) and they got their case approved.

You need to have good reason for the absence and be able to support your reason with documentation. It also helps if you have continued ties with the US like a house/rental or proof of paid utilities and bank accounts.

 

[sanjoseaug20]

I fully agree. The key words from your post ...
a) good reason for absence, supporting documentation
b) continued ties with the US like a house / rental, supporting documentation

 

[cafeconleche]

Can you share what your parents' reason for staying out was? People can see if they have a chance too that way.

 

[goro]

yes, please share what situation your parents had and what was their experience.

 

[mwalam]

My dad got sick (heart condition). He had to do an angioplasty (emergency case) and then had to go through a bypass as well (after 6 months). During that time, my mom could not leave him alone and come back here. She had a trip over 250+ days, then in the US for a week and another break for 190 days.

The interviewer asked her the reason for the absence. After she explained, she was asked whether she had any doctors note or anything to that effect. She provided a doctors note on hospital letterhead detailing the events. Additionally, she provided utility letter stating the she had utility coverage during the whole period of absence. The interviewer told her right then that he accepted the evidence/reasoning. He did ask her about this a few more times (asking about the event in round-about ways) just to verify that she was being genuine.

 

[sanjoseaug20]

The interviewer told her right then that he accepted the evidence/reasoning. He did ask her about this a few more times (asking about the event in round-about ways) just to verify that she was being genuine.

It is my impression that many (but not all) interviewers have a knack for finding out when to interrogate and when not to.
It is also my impression that many interviewers (but more so the CBP officers at re-entry) will go it easy on the elderly. I do not know how old your parents are, and no need to disclose, but these seem to be validated by your story.
ADD -- About going easy ... I do not mean to imply they will forgive you English test or something like that, but in case you have circumstances which go in the discretionary zone, they will give you more leeway.