Apply for Citizenship or Renew Greencard

[canuck_girl 1]

Hi Everyone!

So I have a friend that is a Greencard holder. He is a British National that has been in the US for more than 30 years (he has been in the country since he was 1)

When he was 18 he left the country and did med school. Med school lasts 5 years abroad and he did definitely come back every 6 months... if not maybe a little after that to the US to see his parents.

He was done with med school in 2000 and had reapplied for a green card at that time and got another GC.

Now his GC is expiring in September 2011.... his wife wants to apply for citizenship.... but I told her since he was out of the country a while back.... maybe it will create problems based on the continuous residence requirement... Also she told me when he was 18 he had applied for citizenship... and they rejected it (I don't know why... but I am assuming it had to do with one summer he was abroad studying and didn't come back for that summer... so I guess a period of 9 months he was out of the country)... but then why would they give him another GC?

The wife doesn't know if she should apply for his renewal green card or for N400.... the N400 asks for every single place you have visited since you were out of the country and they both don't remember where he has been over the course of 30 years......

They are worried... they have 3 kids..... can anyone give any advice as to what to do?

Thanks!

[v333k 59]

I think they care especially about the last 5 years... although they cannot remember, they should look at their passports and see how far they can add. The last 5 years are important for compliance with physical presence and continuous residence...

Another way to go at it is by consulting with an immigration lawyer and see what they advise. Their situation is a bit complicated so if I were them, I may wish to spend some money (if available) and get a lawyer to go over the file...

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Only the last 5 years need to be listed. Please don't make me explain this. All I care to say here is that the N-400 instructions overrule the N-400 form for this purpose.

I don't see any problem here, other than his wife doing stuff she's not supposed to do. This has nothing to do with her and she isn't even allowed to fill out the form for him unless she wants to make this official by signing to this effect on the bottom of the form. I advise her not to do that. I'm sure an Englishman who lived in the US for 30 years can figure that out himself.

[canuck_girl 1]

Thanks guys!

She is filling out the form because he is slightly on the lazy side... but I will let her know what you guys said.... i appreciate the quick responses!