N400, 5 years, absent for 18 months

[Malik16 6]

Hi VJ’s,

So I am applying under 5 years rules and just completed 912 days physical presence requirement. I made couple of trips overseas, came back before 6months and left after a week or 10 days.

 

1.    Should I wait some time  or I can file as I meet the requirement? they count my days of physical presence till the date of filing or date of interview. 

2.    I stayed couple of days in hotels, do I need to mention each hotel where I spent a day or two?

3.    What is the good way to cover absent from US about 900 days. .

 

Thanks

[geowrian 22,337]

The biggest issue may be the continuous residence requirement, given the long stays abroad seemingly to "touch down": https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-d-chapter-3

Quote

C. Breaks in Continuous Residence

An applicant for naturalization has the burden of establishing that he or she has complied with the continuous residence requirement, if applicable. Generally, there are two ways outlined in the statute in which the continuity of residence can be broken:^[9]

• The applicant is absent from the United States for more than 6 months but less than 1 year; or

• The applicant is absent from the United States for 1 year or more.

An officer may also review whether an applicant with multiple absences of less than 6 months each will be able to satisfy the continuous residence requirement. In some of these cases, an applicant may not be able to establish that his or her principal actual dwelling place is in the United States or establish residence within the United States for the statutorily required period of time.^[10]

An LPR’s lengthy or frequent absences from the U.S. can also result in a denial of naturalization due to abandonment of permanent residence.

An applicant who has an approved Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes (Form N-470) maintains his or her continuous residence in the United States.^[11]

 

The physical presence piece is a strict requirement - you either meet it or you don't. No explanation is needed. The continuous residence one is a judgement call for stays abroad under 1 year.

[Malik16 6]

Thank you geowrian.