Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

I'm a non-married, permanent resident since one year trying to become a citizen of the US. For work purposes I will be traveling a lot abroad - every trip will last longest 2 weeks. Therefore I won't be able to be physically present in the US for an uninterrupted time of 30 months, which is mentioned as a requirement of naturalization. What shall I do if I want to apply for citizenship asap?


Asked on 8/23/13, 12:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Brown Brown Law Practice, PLLC

You do not have to be physically present in the US for an uninterrupted time of 30 months to be eligible for naturalization. For the 5 year period immediately preceding the date you file for naturalization, you have to be physically present for at least half of that time, or 2 1/2 years.

There is a continuous residency requirement for the 5 year period immediately preceding the date you file for naturalization, but continuous residency is not broken unless you are continuously absent from the US for more than six months.

Since you will not be absent at any one time for more than two weeks, continuous residency should not be an issue, and as long as you are physically present for half of the 5 years preceding the date of filing for naturalization that should not be an issue either.

This response is not legal advice, is for general information purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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Answered on 8/23/13, 1:42 pm


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