Mailing your N400 application

[fams]

Hi,
Can anyone please tell me if it is absolutely necessary to be in the country when mailing out the application? Can I fill it in and hand it over to someone to mail it for me when the time to apply comes up? I need to travel at a stretch and would like to apply as soon as my eligible period comes up.
Please advise .
Thankyou

 

[Bobsmyth]

You don't have to be in the US when mailing the application, but you do have to meet the residency requirements.

 

[fams]

Thank you for your reply . I understand I need to have at least 30months in the US after the green card. I still have more than a month requiremtn left. Was just wondering if I can leave the country after the required days , leaving the application with someone.
Thanks again

 

[Bobsmyth]

Thank you for your reply . I understand I need to have at least 30months in the US after the green card. I still have more than a month requiremtn left. Was just wondering if I can leave the country after the required days , leaving the application with someone.
Thanks again

You can leave the country as long as your trip does not break residency ties (ex: trip over 6 months, working in foreign country, etc..). Even if you plan on leaving for just under 6 months it can trigger USCIS to question your service district residency ties.

 

[Brian Lee]

Thank you for your reply . I understand I need to have at least 30months in the US after the green card. I still have more than a month requiremtn left. Was just wondering if I can leave the country after the required days , leaving the application with someone.
Thanks again

Here is one of the requirement for N-400 application (Copy from USCIS INA 316):

(1) immediately preceding the date of filing his application for naturalization has resided continuously, after being lawfully admitted for permanent residence, within the United States for at least five years and during the five years immediately preceding the date of filing his application has been physically present therein for periods totaling at least half of that time, and who has resided within the State or within the district of the Service in the United States in which the applicant filed the application for at least three months.

 

[Bobsmyth]

So, make sure you stay within your district for 3 months before filling your N-400 application.

You must be a resident in the service district area for at least 3 months before applying, but it doesn't necessarily mean you must physically stay in the area for 3 months before applying.

 

[Jackolantern]

There is no requirement to physically be in the US on the date the application is filed, but there is a requirement to reside primarily in the US throughout the process until the oath.

 

[fams]

Thank you guys

I really appreciate all your inputs. I understand that "reside" means not break residency requirements. I am not about to break my residency -only travel for a few months , thats all. I have a house lease, utility bills, as well as tax returns for the past 13 years .So I think I should be ok .