Greater than 6 month absence

[Rdiva 0]

I have a green card and I am planning to file for citizenship in May, 90 days prior to the five year mark. I am planning to travel for around 7 months to India, new zealand to visit family/travel and volunteer. I have lived here for 12 years, I have full intention of coming back and working and going back to grad school when I am back. Can I still travel for an extended amount of time after I have filed the application. What happens to my biometrics appointment if I don't get it before I leave in early august, the processing time in Arizona now is about 5 months. Can you resxhedule for more than 6 months ? Should I fill out a I 131 form? Thanks!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I have a green card and I am planning to file for citizenship in May, 90 days prior to the five year mark. I am planning to travel for around 7 months to India, new zealand to visit family/travel and volunteer. I have lived here for 12 years, I have full intention of coming back and working and going back to grad school when I am back. Can I still travel for an extended amount of time after I have filed the application. What happens to my biometrics appointment if I don't get it before I leave in early august, the processing time in Arizona now is about 5 months. Can you resxhedule for more than 6 months ? Should I fill out a I 131 form? Thanks!

I do not see the point of applying (knowing that it takes about 5 months)if you're not planning to be here. If you applied and then didn't attend the biometric appt, I believe the application would be forfeited eventually..just a waste of money on your part. I would suggest applying when you know you'll be here in the US for all parts of the process including the biometrics and inetrveiw - nothing wrong with a short trip here and there of course during that time of course.

[warlord 73]

Yes I agree, file when you return. If you file now you may or may not get the interview in time or the oath etc. Plus it'll be easier after you become a citizen to travel and return. If you do it before hand, just apply when you come back and then just make sure you have adequate proof of your US residency and ties and you should be fine as long as you have't had too many other trips in the past 5 years that might make you ineligible.

Just remember, Citizenship applications to the Oath Ceremony is never a constant exact time. Some get in all done in only a few months while others take a lot longer. All depends on so many other variables. Applying now and leaving for sure in 5 months as was just mentioned is really kind of a waste as there's a good chance you will just have to cancel the trip anyways because of conflicts with the application and interview/oath...

[nwctzn 55]

I have a green card and I am planning to file for citizenship in May, 90 days prior to the five year mark. I am planning to travel for around 7 months to India, new zealand to visit family/travel and volunteer. I have lived here for 12 years, I have full intention of coming back and working and going back to grad school when I am back. Can I still travel for an extended amount of time after I have filed the application. What happens to my biometrics appointment if I don't get it before I leave in early august, the processing time in Arizona now is about 5 months. Can you resxhedule for more than 6 months ? Should I fill out a I 131 form? Thanks!

Do not travel for more than 6 months since it will break the continuous residence requirement (even after you have submitted your application) and your application will be denied. Remember, during the interview you need to update your travel information with the officer; i.e., all your international travel dates on your N400 form (including trips you have taken after you have filed for naturalization) will be updated.

Take a trip shorter than 6 months and apply when you are back in the US for good. This will save you a lot of headaches, time, and money.

Edited January 5, 2012 by nwctzn

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

Traveling over 6 months is not a problem; it has no impact on your N-400 given that you lived in the U.S. for 12 years already. But I agree that you should not bring yourself in such a unfavorable position. Travel, then file when you come back. What difference does it make if you become a U.S. citizen after 12 years and 3 months or 13 years?