Qualification for citizenship

[susabi 0]

One of my friend has lived in the states for over 7 years already. He went back to his country on Dec last year. He is returning in June. That way he will exceed his 6 months period. He asked me yesterday if he can apply for citizenship when he comes back after exceeding the 6 months of stay on foreign land. Does anyone know if that will disqualify him from applying for citizenship or since he has already lived for over 7 years it won't matter ?

Thanks

[nwctzn 55]

One of my friend has lived in the states for over 7 years already. He went back to his country on Dec last year. He is returning in June. That way he will exceed his 6 months period. He asked me yesterday if he can apply for citizenship when he comes back after exceeding the 6 months of stay on foreign land. Does anyone know if that will disqualify him from applying for citizenship or since he has already lived for over 7 years it won't matter ?

Thanks

It will not automatically disqualify him, however, it has the potential to break his continuous residency requirement. What is the reason for his extended stay? He would need to prove that he did not abandon his residence status and provide proofs like mortgage/lease payments, tax returns transcripts, etc.

If I were in his shoes, I would try to return before the 6 months. It would make things less complex.

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Edited April 24, 2012 by nwctzn