When to submit N400

[Cheeseball 0]

Hi there, I have been a lurker on this forum trying to find the best option for me to submit my N400 but was not able to find a satisfying answer. Hopefully someone might be able to help me here.

 

I received my green card on 11/02/2010 as a dependent of my mom. Shortly after (1.5 month), I left to go back to Singapore to continue my studies in high school. I returned in June of 2011 for a short 3 weeks. That was less than 6 months out of the country. I applied for my re-entry permit then. I returned to USA again on 11/18/2011 and left again on 11/20/2011. After which, I took a long trip and did not return until 11/30/2012. After which, I stayed mostly in USA only to take short trips here and there. I enrolled as a high school student in USA in 12/2012, graduated in 2014 and am currently in my 3rd year of a local 4 year college. I have been paying my taxes since working part time in 2014.

I know the long break disrupted my continuos residency. I understand I have a couple of options, of which the best is to wait till 11/30/2017 to apply but I am trying to rush so I can file the related paperwork for my spouse who is on F1 Visa.

 

Option 1: To file under the 4 year 1 day rule
Since I wasn't present in USA for an extended time before my long trip, what are my odds of having an IO applying the rule? As a student, I do not have any income taxes and bills in my name . My parents were also out of the country at that time, but my grandparents have resided here for >25 years and their house is where my residing address is ( they can provide notarized letter). I also have proof of completing my GCE O'Levels in Singapore in Nov 2012 (Reason why I went back to Singapore). I intend to include all my paperwork and a cover letter in my package. What are my odds of passing the interview? If I have a fair chance, then I don't mind taking the risk and losing the money in the worst scenario.

 

Option 2: To file under 90 day rule
I suppose this is the safer option of the 2. My question is that on the N400, it is required to list all trips taken in the last 5 years. Suppose I apply after 09/01/2017, how do I include the trip out of the USA from 11/20/2011 to 11/30/2012? I am unsure because the time from 11/20/2011-09/01/2012 is outside the 5 year period I am filing. 

 

Please advise. Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!