Physical presence requirement - last 5 years or since becoming a PR?

newyorkLI

New Member
Hi -

I have had my greencard since 2004. and during the first 5 years of my greencard, i stayed in the US for the most part (except for 1 or 2 months trip outside).
I did NOT apply for my citizenship back then.

During 2010 through 2013, i stayed outside the country a lot (one time for "6 months and 7 days". and other times less than 6 months). In total, i stayed outside probably more than half the time betwenn 2010 and 2013.

So, If i am to apply for my citizenship now, would that create a problem? (since it asks about the "past 5 years" in the application form).

once again, i did stay inside the US for the most part during my first 5 years of residency.

note:
- i paid taxes every year in the US for last 9/10 years.
- i had bank accounts for over 10 years here (and active)
- i had mobile phone connection active here for over 10 years now

Please let me know.
 
For physical presence only the past 5 years before the filing date is counted. Time after the filing date doesn't count, neither does time before 5 years ago.

However for continuous residence the time after filing is evaluated in addition to the past 5 years.
 
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