gap in residency

[sepjon 0]

Hello folks

My question is i have a cousin who wants to apply for citizenship. Resident for 5 yrs.. however She arrived here in 2001 but left the country in 2004 to go back to the Philippines to study. She went back here after 4 yrs in 2008 and has lived here since then. Can she use that as a basis to be eligible for citizenship? the 3 yrs between 2001 to 2004 and 2008 to 2011 are 6 yrs together. Is that enough proof, or she has to be here continuously for 5 yrs?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Inky 1,110]

The instructions state you have to be continuous permanent resident for at least 5 years or 3 in the event of marriage.

http://www.uscis.gov/USCIS/Office%20of%20Citizenship/Citizenship%20Resource%20Center%20Site/Publications/PDFs/G-1151.pdf

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Has to be continuous (well, more or less- but after as long as she was abroad, the clock re-sets).

Did she come and visit the US during her time abroad?

[sepjon 0]

Has to be continuous (well, more or less- but after as long as she was abroad, the clock re-sets).

Did she come and visit the US during her time abroad?

Yes she visited after 2 yrs for 2 weeks to get a permit to be away for another 2 yrs. So not to lose her status as a resident

[w8inglongtime 29]

Yes she visited after 2 yrs for 2 weeks to get a permit to be away for another 2 yrs. So not to lose her status as a resident

Thats too huge of a gap so the clock has re-set in her case. Unless her green card is marriage based in which case she may get by since she's been back for 3 years continously. Someone who has first hand knowledge might chime in here. My guess will be she can't become one yet.