Citizenship application - Initial period of absence concern

Q

quirt999

New Member
I am in the process of applying for US citizenship but have one concern.
I first arrived in the US in November 1995 before my green card due date expired, after receiving it the previous July with a 4 month grace period to enter the US.
However I left to return to Europe to receive my post-Graduate degree that December, and remained in Europe, until I returned to the US the following October 1996, a period of about 11 months.
I have been in the US continuously since then, > 7 years, and am applying under the 5 years continuous residence rule, but am still wondering whether the INS will have an issue with my initial absence of 11 months prior to October 1996.
Has anyone else been in this situation or does anyone know whether this will be a stumbling block to obtaining my citizenship once I apply?

Sincerely,
Kopfan.
 
If one is a lawful permanent resident for last five years without breaking continuous residence rule during the time, then he/she is eligible to apply for citizenship. I think your case satisfies the rule. Also, in the citizenship application they ask for trips abroad during last five years. This also suggests that they would be worried about last five years from the date of application. My $0.02.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks for your 2 cents!
However, in the citizenship application it asks to list all trips outside the US since becoming a Green Card holder, i.e. all trips since I first entered including my first initial absence period.
But hopefully this will be okay.
Thanks again.
 
You really made me look at the instructions again. It clearly says to list trips in last 5 years in n-400 instructions page 4, step 7. Can somebody confirm this? Thanks.
 
Further issue with Tax information

It seems like I still need to submit tax information for the past 5 years, because of this > 6 month absence.
I have transcripts for the past four years but to get the fifth year, I need to get a certified copy which could take up to 60 days.
I was hoping to submit the application this weekend and I could send it in with the transcripts for the 4 years, while I am waiting for the fifth. I could send on the final certified copy for the fifth year when I receive it, but I am unsure whether this is wise.

Anyone have any advice on this.

Thanks!
 
You can always take documents with u to the interview.....
As long as the most critical docs are sent, i would go with
the application and not wait too long
 
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