Pre-requisites For Applying For Citizenship

[raviritu]

Hello,

If you check this link (check the "Download Entire Naturalization Requirements Document (MS Word 6.0 Document) ": http://uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/require.htm, it states that :

An applicant is eligible to file if, immediately preceding the filing of
the application, he or she:
..................
- has resided continuously as a lawful permanent resident in the
U.S. for at least 5 years prior to filing with absences from
the United States totaling no more than one year;

Does this mean that you cannot be out of the country totalling more than 1 year in the past 5 years?

In continuation of the same document the next point is:

has been physically present in the United States for at least
30 months out of the previous five years (absences of more than
six months but less than one year break the continuity of
residence unless the applicant can establish that he or she did
not abandon his or her residence during such period

This point contradicts the first one. Which one is the correct one?

I have had my GC for 3.5 years now and I have been out of the country for a TOTAL of 11months already....although not in one stretch but spread over time. Does it mean that i cannot go out of the country now till I apply for citizenship, since I woudl break the first point rule mentioned above?

 

[gaurav2005]

Yes the USCIS is confusing. They may be old rules or something.

You may want to download N-400 application and all the relevent brochures and guides. There is a eligiblity work sheet which is very clear of all ambiguities.

Basically you cannot be outside the US for more than 6 months on any single trip and you have to be in the country for 30 months out of last 5 years to apply.