Filing N400 while on multi-month trip abroad

[gerald2k 0]

I'm planning to file my N400 ~90 days before my 5-year green card anniversary in March 2016.

My questions are below (thanks for your help!):

1 Can I leave the US in January 2016 for ~4-5 months (personal trip -- not for work or military) and have the N400 mailed in by my friend in the US in March 2016?

2 If I'm still abroad, can I fly back each time I need to -- for the biometrics, for the interview, for the ceremony (and leave the US each time afterwards, just coming in for a few days each time)? Can this cause problems?

3 Do I need to disclose that I started (but didn't complete) an international trip when I file the N400? Or do I tell the immigration officer at the interview?

4 Is there any way to combine all 3 steps (biometrics, interview, ceremony) in one visit?

***Note: I have only traveled internationally 2 months out of my 5 years, so continuous residency isn't a problem.***

Thanks for your help.

Edited December 21, 2015 by gerald2k

[Alaska2012 462]

Why don't you wait to file until you come back from your trip?

You can't combine the different steps. Biometrics is usually done a month, sometimes longer, before the interview

[aleful 1,905]

HI

I agree with Alaska, it would be easier and cheaper if you file the N400 after you return and in that way you avoid any problems that may arise or missing appointment dates, you cannot have everything in one day

also you would not be able to return shortly after the oath ceremony, since you would be a USC, they take away your GC and hand in your citizenship certificate, to be able to travel internationally, you would need to get a US passport

why all the hassle and rush? enjoy your trip and once you return you can apply for citizenship

[Anh map 2,098]

Wait until you return to the US and then file.

[gerald2k 0]

HI

I agree with Alaska, it would be easier and cheaper if you file the N400 after you return and in that way you avoid any problems that may arise or missing appointment dates, you cannot have everything in one day

also you would not be able to return shortly after the oath ceremony, since you would be a USC, they take away your GC and hand in your citizenship certificate, to be able to travel internationally, you would need to get a US passport

why all the hassle and rush? enjoy your trip and once you return you can apply for citizenship

Right. I understand it would be easier, but I'd like to get the citizenship over and done with. Am I allowed to file my N400 while abroad (having a friend mail it in the US) and fly in for each appointment? Thanks.

HI

I agree with Alaska, it would be easier and cheaper if you file the N400 after you return and in that way you avoid any problems that may arise or missing appointment dates, you cannot have everything in one day

also you would not be able to return shortly after the oath ceremony, since you would be a USC, they take away your GC and hand in your citizenship certificate, to be able to travel internationally, you would need to get a US passport

why all the hassle and rush? enjoy your trip and once you return you can apply for citizenship

Right. I understand it would be easier, but I'd like to get the citizenship over and done with. Am I allowed to file my N400 while abroad (having a friend mail it in the US) and fly in for each appointment? Thanks.

Edited December 21, 2015 by gerald2k

[JimmyHou 613]

Right. I understand it would be easier, but I'd like to get the citizenship over and done with. Am I allowed to file my N400 while abroad (having a friend mail it in the US) and fly in for each appointment? Thanks.

Right. I understand it would be easier, but I'd like to get the citizenship over and done with. Am I allowed to file my N400 while abroad (having a friend mail it in the US) and fly in for each appointment? Thanks.

You're likely to be asked extra questions and you may end up delaying your approval by doing this.

To answer your questions:

Yes, you are allowed to, as long as you are still living in the US and only abroad on a short-term basis.

Yes, you will need to list all times you were outside the US in the last 5 years up to the day you submit the application. So you will have to include the 4.5 month trip and list your date of departure (you'll have to put a future date of return or leave that entry blank). When you go to your interview, you'll have to update the information so that it matches your actual travel dates.

[gerald2k 0]

You're likely to be asked extra questions and you may end up delaying your approval by doing this.

To answer your questions:

Yes, you are allowed to, as long as you are still living in the US and only abroad on a short-term basis.

Yes, you will need to list all times you were outside the US in the last 5 years up to the day you submit the application. So you will have to include the 4.5 month trip and list your date of departure (you'll have to put a future date of return or leave that entry blank). When you go to your interview, you'll have to update the information so that it matches your actual travel dates.

Thanks for the advice. It sounds like it will work out.

[WorldTravellerN40 0]

Hi gerald2k

Did you apply? Can you update on your process. 

 

Similar situation as yours. 

 

Thanks