Trips outside the US

[alexpop13 173]

Hi all,

I recently got the approval for my i-751 and I will be eligible to apply for Citizenship on 10/29/2019

I have a question regarding the time spent out side the US.

 

I started the online application and I will submit it as soon as I am eligible. 

 

I became a LPR on 1/27/17 and never traveled outside the US since I became a LPR, in fact I arrived on a K1 visa on 6/30/16 and never left the US since then.

 

BUT -Before i became a LPR -  I have been in the US on a Tourist visa for a month and departed on 1/12/15

Then I returned back to the US on 6/15/15 on a J-1 Visa (Work and Travel - 2 year rule did not apply for AOS) and departed on 10/30/15.

So I was outside the US between 1/12/15 and 6/15/15 and then 10/30/15-6/30/16 when I came on a K1 visa. so total of 396 days outside, but was not a LPR back then.

 

I added these dates since they asked for the last 5 years. 

 

Silly question, but this won't be an issue, correct?

 

I know one of the requirements is: Be physically present in the United States for at least 18 months out of the 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing the application. 

 

Thank you!

 

Edited October 3, 2019 by alexpop13

[Loren Y 2,755]

Should not be an issue. The Citizenship clock if you want to look at it that way started in 1/27/17 for you. Pretty much everything before that wouldn't matter in counting for citizenship as like you said the time doesn't begin until you become an LPR.

[Dashinka 24,512]

I agree, since you were not a resident at the time of your earlier visits and departures, I would not worry about them.  They (USCIS) are really interested in the time since you became an LPR, so in your case, your international travel history from the US would only be three years.

 

Good Luck!

Edited October 3, 2019 by Bill & Katya

[Georgia16 2,858]

They ask for 5 years because of those who apply for the 5 year rule.

I personally would not put any dates on there from before I arrived on the K-1 visa. 

[Loren Y 2,755]

11 minutes ago, Georgia16 said:

They ask for 5 years because of those who apply for the 5 year rule.

I personally would not put any dates on there from before I arrived on the K-1 visa. 

This is a good suggestion. Sometimes more isn't always good, but have the dates if they ask at the interview.

Edited October 3, 2019 by Loren Y

[alexpop13 173]

Thank you all! Should I do the same thing for Address and Employment? Just 3 years? Say since I arrived on the  K1 visa.

 

 

[alexpop13 173]

1 hour ago, Georgia16 said:

They ask for 5 years because of those who apply for the 5 year rule.

I personally would not put any dates on there from before I arrived on the K-1 visa. 

@Georgia16

The only thing with this the question is Have you taken a trip outside of the United States in the last 5 years?

If I go since I came on the K1 visa I have never traveled outside the US I would put no, however if I strictly answer the question I did travel outside the US in the past 5 years then I have to put yes and put the dates.

 

[Georgia16 2,858]

1 minute ago, alexpop13 said:

@Georgia16

The only thing with this the question is Have you taken a trip outside of the United States in the last 5 years?

If I go since I came on the K1 visa I have never traveled outside the US I would put no, however if I strictly answer the question I did travel outside the US in the past 5 years then I have to put yes and put the dates.

 

But the question is formed as you lived in the US. Because Yes you travelled outside the US as you didn't even live here. Do you see how that sounds? I will only do from I came here til when I file the petition because I'm filing with the 3 year rule. 

[alexpop13 173]

3 minutes ago, Georgia16 said:

But the question is formed as you lived in the US. Because Yes you traveled outside the US as you didn't even live here. Do you see how that sounds? I will only do from I came here til when I file the petition because I'm filing with the 3 year rule. 

I see your point. Then I am gonna go ahead and use 3 years for Address, Employment and answer  NO to Have you taken a trip outside of the United States in the last 5 years?  Since I only moved to and lived here, in the US as of 6/30/16

Thank you for your input. 

[Mollie09 1,543]

22 hours ago, Georgia16 said:

They ask for 5 years because of those who apply for the 5 year rule.

I personally would not put any dates on there from before I arrived on the K-1 visa. 

More specifically, I wouldn't add anything before you became an LPR (yes, I understand you haven't left at all, but more in general)