Basic question - when can I apply?

[chitrakanya]

I am not clear on when I can file N-400

I am a PR since Jun 18 2001. I was out of the country from Dec 2003 - May 2004 & Jan 2005 - May 2005. I have have been in the same county since May 30 this year. Please help.

Thank you - Chitra.

 

[sg_orl]

I am not clear on when I can file N-400

I am a PR since Jun 18 2001. I was out of the country from Dec 2003 - May 2004 & Jan 2005 - May 2005. I have have been in the same county since May 30 this year. Please help.

Thank you - Chitra.

If none of the visits was > 6 months, then 4 years and 9 months after since you became PR (Jun 18, 2001). That would be after March 19, 2006. There is a slight confusion in the USCIS information. Technically you need 5 years of residency after being a PR, but you are allowed to apply 3 months prior to the 5 year mark. Somewhere they mention 90 days prior to the 5 year mark too. So don't send even a 1-2 days early, USCIS will reject the application. You may want to mail it in the last week of March 2006 if your visits abroad were < 6 months.