Help: Apply for citizenship before leaving to study abroad?

[melodisiak]

I have been a permanent resident for almost 15 years. I will be leaving to study abroad in Canada within a few months; I am wondering if I will be eligible for citizenship if I apply for it before I leave? On the USCIS website, it says that to be eligible for naturalization, I need to "Reside continuously within the United States from the date of application for naturalization up to the time of naturalization". What does it mean to "reside continuously"? I am willing to travel back for citizenship purposes, but I will be in Canada for probably 5 years or so starting feb/march. Any responses appreciated, as I will be leaving soon. Thanks!!

 

[Bobsmyth]

Residing continuously means maintaining a primary abode in the US. If you are leaving to live and study in Canada for the next 5 years you risk breaking continuous residency.

 

[Bobsmyth]

If you leave US for more than 6 month and less than 1 year you have broken your continuous residence. .

The continuous residence break for such trips is presumed, not automatic. The applicant is given the chance to prove otherwise.